3 Tips for Maintaining Your Hardtop Jeep
Having the top off during warm summer months is ideal, but when winter comes and the hardtop goes back on, you might be wondering how you can keep that top pristine. Prolonged sunlight and extreme weather can fade it, but there are some tips for maintaining your hardtop Jeep to protect it from the elements. And if the top has already undergone some serious fading, there are ways to restore it to its original glory.
Apply a Trim Protectant
There are a few products you can apply to your hardtop for a like-new appearance, and if you’ve recently become a Jeep owner, you can apply these trim protectants as a preventative measure. Generally, you want to apply them periodically to get the best results:
Penetrol
Technically, penetrol is a paint conditioner, but it works well on hardtops, too. Even though it’s not a permanent solution, it will last for up to six months, which is longer than other options. You’ll need a foam brush or roller to apply, and be sure to tape off the top with painter’s tape.
Meguiar’s All Season Dressing
Meguiar’s All Season Dressing will give your Jeep’s hardtop a long-lasting shine, and if you want, you can apply it on your trim as well. It’s available by the gallon, so you can reapply as often as you want in the summer when you might notice fading.
303 Automotive Trim Restorer and Protectant
If you’re for a more natural color, try the 303 Automotive Trim Restorer and Protectant. Be aware that this product does require a little bit more patience and application time to apply it evenly than the other options.
Repaint the Surface
If your Jeep Wrangler has weathered more than a few seasons on the off-road trails and roadways, you might need more than a trim protectant. Repainting the surface might be the best choice, but it’s more invasive and time-consuming. Unless you have experience prepping and painting fiberglass, you should enlist the help of a professional.
Store Your Top With TopLift Pros
One of the best tips for maintaining your Jeep hardtop is to store it properly. When you’re enjoying a topless Jeep, you’ll need a safe place to store the hardtop to protect it from scratches and scuff marks. The Jeep hardtop lift from TopLift Pros removes and stores your top to make sure it doesn’t get damaged.