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Aluminum Vs Steel Hard Top

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Nebr1957CJ5, Nov 25, 2018.

  1. Nov 25, 2018
    Nebr1957CJ5

    Nebr1957CJ5 I will do it tomorrow

    Lincoln NE
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    My jeep currently has a full Koenig Hard top that as far as I can tell has been with the jeep its whole life. I'm in the process of getting this thing on the road, but cutting the weight seems like it would be a big benefit. Are there issues with going to an aluminum top? Any reasons other than my jeep's originality to keep the steel?
     
  2. Nov 25, 2018
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    I'm a steel hardtop fan, the weight of a hardtop isn't a factor for me. I've never had an aluminum one so I can't really give an opinion on that aspect, but going from canvas or vinyl to a steel hardtop wasn't something I regretted.
     
  3. Nov 25, 2018
    Nebr1957CJ5

    Nebr1957CJ5 I will do it tomorrow

    Lincoln NE
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    I will probably do a soft top of some type in the summer months, but winters/fall require, well, something substantial. It's not the amount of snow but the 25mph wind and below zero temps
     
  4. Nov 25, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Benefit for what?
     
  5. Nov 25, 2018
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    A lot of guys do that and it's definitely a good idea. You get the most use and enjoyment out of the Jeep.
     
  6. Nov 25, 2018
    Nebr1957CJ5

    Nebr1957CJ5 I will do it tomorrow

    Lincoln NE
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    With the stock engine and drivetrain, horses are a bit light. I plan to use thing to drive around town, no interstate but being able to go 50-55 without blowing things up would be prefered
     
  7. Nov 25, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    I have no specs to substantiate my claim, but I don't think it's going to make much of a difference.
     
  8. Nov 25, 2018
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    With a good condition engine that's not a problem.
     
  9. Nov 25, 2018
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    It won't. Engine condition is the key, no matter what top is on it.
     
  10. Nov 25, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    IMO the steel tops are top heavy. I would prefer a soft top. JMO - a hard top is no warmer or quieter than a soft top. Question whether you can find an aluminum top that is in good condition. There are quite a few steel Meyer cabs out there, and they have doors and windows that work pretty well, but the aluminum tops I've seen are much older and not many were made compared to the Jeep approved special equipment Meyer cabs.
     
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2018
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  11. Nov 25, 2018
    Nebr1957CJ5

    Nebr1957CJ5 I will do it tomorrow

    Lincoln NE
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    The only info I have to go on is the time I accidentally bought a hard top for an early CJ5 and own a 79 (16yr olds aren't the most thoughtful) it was aluminum and very light. I haven't removed my current top but if the doors are any indication, it weighs a ton
     
  12. Nov 25, 2018
    Nebr1957CJ5

    Nebr1957CJ5 I will do it tomorrow

    Lincoln NE
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    The engine is a fresh rebuild, and as I get up to speed, drag is a bigger problem with no simple fix if you're a fan of the stock body.

    The advantage I can gain from a hardtop is a solid foundation to build an insulated interior. I construct aircraft interiors for private jets so adding insulation and a lightweight wall/headliner system isn't an impossible task
     
  13. Nov 25, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Well... Maybe 1/4 of a ton. :D
     
    Nebr1957CJ5 likes this.
  14. Nov 25, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    They are an indication.
     
  15. Nov 25, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    The Boston top is aluminum. Lots of good stuff in this thread that might help you find the best one for your needs. My link starts on post #12, but you can start from the top (pun intended).

    Jeep Tops - Past and Present - A Partial List
     
  16. Nov 25, 2018
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    You have the ability to make a nice and toasty interior for a hardtop.....I love that! Can you drive the Jeep at 50 or 55 mph in it's current condition?
     
  17. Nov 25, 2018
    Nebr1957CJ5

    Nebr1957CJ5 I will do it tomorrow

    Lincoln NE
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    It needs some new tires, but between the new brakes, clutch, lights, and the engine work it shouldn't be a problem. Limited funds have made for a slow build
     
  18. Nov 25, 2018
    dozerjim

    dozerjim Member

    western New York
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    If interested I have a military type aluminum full cab,but I am in western NY,probably to far to drive for it and I don't know what its worth,but Ill work with you....Ill probably never use it and its time to get rid of stuff.
     
  19. Nov 25, 2018
    Nebr1957CJ5

    Nebr1957CJ5 I will do it tomorrow

    Lincoln NE
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    I've been eyeing one for sale here locally, just wanted to get an idea of it was worth the trade. The guy wants $350 for the top w/doors, but I haven't seen it yet so no idea on the exact condition
     
  20. Nov 25, 2018
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
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    Not that it makes a difference...........but I'm still a big fan of these ACME fibreglass hard tops...........double wall construction and insulated...........but exceptionally lightweight............I can tip this up on the rear door and walk inside of it and lift it up from the windshield center lip a few inches off the ground and easily move it around........still takes two to install it.........but I'm guessing 75 lbs less the doors...
    [​IMG]
     
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