Vintage Jeep owners often strive for authenticity with open cabins or, at least, vinyl covers. But when the rains fall and winter’s chill comes, drivers may find themselves wishing for a hard top’s protection! While the classic open-air design has its charms, a hard top offers more coverage and extends a Jeep’s usefulness throughout the year. Fortunately, converting a vintage Willys Jeep to a hard top is relatively easy. Here’s a basic guide to the conversion process.
Why Convert to a Hard Top?
While exploring the nitty-gritty of why you should convert, you should know that it goes beyond protection from the elements. While a hard top will indeed take the edge off driving in rainstorms, blizzards, cold weather, and high winds, it can do much more. If you install a modern heating and air conditioning system in your Willys Jeep, a hard top keeps heat and cool air in. Furthermore, a hard top makes your Jeep more secure, locks in valuables and expensive accessories, and grants peace of mind while driving. Finally, a hard top just looks better, giving a vintage Jeep a more complete profile.
Tools and Materials Needed
If you plan to perform the conversion yourself, gather all the necessary tools and materials, starting with the hard top kit. Naturally, make sure it’s suitable for your Willys Jeep. Otherwise you’ll be finished before you begin! As for tools, prepare the following:
- Screwdrivers
- Wrenches and socket wrenches
- A handheld drill and drill bit set
- Weather stripping materials
- Sealant
- Safety gear
Step-by-Step Guide
The hard top kit you buy should come with its own set of instructions; still, here are the basic steps for any conversion:
Step 1: Remove the Existing Top
If your Jeep currently has a soft top, remove it by unzipping and detaching the fabric, and get rid of supporting frames or rails. If you want to switch back and forth between tops as the weather changes, store the soft top parts safely in a cool, clean place.
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle
You’ll likely encounter dirt and debris that’s worked its way into the Jeep’s nooks and crannies. Thoroughly clean the edges and surfaces where you’ll mount the hard top. This ensures a smooth installation and adequate adhesion for weatherstripping and sealants.
Step 3: Install Weatherstripping
Replace or apply weatherstripping along the areas where the hard top meets the Jeep’s body. This creates a tight seal to prevent unpleasant leaks and drafts.
Step 4: Position and Secure the Hard Top
With a friend or friends’ help, carefully lift and position the hard top onto the Jeep. Align it with the mounting points and ensure it sits evenly on the vehicle. Secure the hard top to the Jeep with the attendant hardware. Loosely attach the bolts and screws as you line it up. Once everything is in place, securely tighten all fasteners.
Step 5: Seal the Edges and Test the Top
Add sealant along the edges where the hard top meets the Jeep’s body to waterproof the installation and prevent potential leaks. After that, test the fit and functionality of the hard top. Check for gaps or misalignments, and adjust accordingly. Finally, ensure the doors and windows open and close smoothly.
Those are the basic steps for converting a vintage Willys Jeep to a hard top. Need more information? Contact us for a consultation. We offer all the all the high-quality M151A1 Jeep repair parts your Jeep needs to keep on trucking!