If you are looking for a new soft top, a replacement soft top skin, matching soft top windows or individual soft top accessories for your Jeep Wrangler TJ year 1997–2006, you should first determine exactly which soft top system is currently installed on the vehicle.
For the Wrangler TJ, the vehicle model and model year alone are often not enough. Many vehicles still use the factory-style Jeep / Bestop soft top, while others have been converted over the years to a Bestop Supertop, a Sunrider soft top, a Supertop NX or a Trektop NX. These systems differ significantly in frame design, bow arrangement, fold-back front section, rear roof shape and compatibility with replacement fabrics or window kits.
This soft top identification guide helps you compare the most important Jeep Wrangler TJ soft top systems visually and technically, so that you can choose suitable replacement parts much more reliably.
A replacement soft top skin or a window kit must always match the exact soft top system currently installed on the vehicle. A fabric skin for the factory-style TJ soft top does not automatically fit a Supertop, Sunrider, Supertop NX or Trektop NX system. Correct identification helps prevent incorrect orders and makes it easier to select suitable soft top components.
This page focuses specifically on the Jeep Wrangler TJ year 1997–2006. If you would like to compare the soft top systems for YJ, TJ and JK models in one overview, you can find all model-specific guides here:
The following comparison helps you distinguish between the most common Wrangler TJ soft top versions. Pay particular attention to how the frame is attached, the general roof shape, the number and position of the bows and whether the front roof section can be folded back.
Typical identification feature: The soft top bows are attached to the vehicle’s sport bar / roll bar structure.
This system is especially relevant if you are looking for a replacement soft top skin for the original TJ-style frame or matching windows for the factory-style soft top construction.
Typical identification feature: One main bow stands on a hinge point. A second bow runs toward the rear and is secured through a locking or locating function.
If your TJ uses this accessory frame system, you need Supertop-compatible replacement parts and not automatically parts for the factory-style TJ soft top.
Typical identification feature: The front roof section can be folded back. This creates an open-air driving feel without removing the entire soft top.
This fold-back front section is one of the most important visual features for identifying a TJ Sunrider soft top.
Typical identification feature: A more advanced soft top system with two separate bows and a fold-back front section.
Because the Supertop NX uses its own system geometry, soft top skins, window kits and accessories should always be selected specifically for this version.
Typical identification feature: A noticeably slanted rear section in a sporty fastback style and a roof shape that differs clearly from classic TJ soft tops.
The Trektop NX is visually very different from the factory-style soft top, Supertop and Supertop NX. Before ordering replacement windows or other parts, this system should therefore be identified clearly.
Use the following checklist directly on the vehicle to narrow down the installed TJ soft top system as accurately as possible:
Depending on the soft top version and product line, different colours and materials may be used on Wrangler TJ soft tops. The following samples help with the visual identification of common Bestop soft top materials:
Colour and material can help with visual orientation, but they are not the most important selection criteria. Before ordering a replacement soft top skin or new windows, you should always identify the exact soft top system first. Frame compatibility is more important than material colour.
Once the installed soft top system has been identified, it becomes much easier to decide which type of product is required:
You can find suitable Wrangler TJ products in these categories:
If you are still deciding between different roof solutions or need additional accessories for soft tops and bikini tops, these guides may help:
Compare the frame construction, bow attachment, front roof section and rear profile with the images on this page. Factory-style soft tops, Supertop, Sunrider, Supertop NX and Trektop NX differ clearly in these areas.
Many TJ models were converted over the years and no longer use the originally installed soft top system. Replacement fabrics and window kits must match the soft top actually fitted to the vehicle, not just the vehicle model.
No. The model year is important, but the existing frame system is decisive. Before ordering, check whether your Jeep has a factory-style soft top, Supertop, Sunrider, Supertop NX or Trektop NX.
The most noticeable feature is the fold-back front roof section. It allows fresh air and a more open driving experience without removing the complete soft top.
The Trektop NX is especially easy to recognise by its slanted rear roof line and sportier fastback-style profile. It looks clearly different from classic TJ soft tops with a more conventional rear shape.
No. Side and rear windows must match the respective soft top series. A window kit for a factory-style soft top is not automatically compatible with a Supertop, Sunrider, Supertop NX or Trektop NX system.
Correct Jeep Wrangler TJ soft top identification is the most important step before ordering a new soft top skin, a window kit or a complete soft top system. Compare the frame layout, bow arrangement, fold-back front section and rear roof shape carefully. Once the installed system has been identified clearly, suitable Wrangler TJ soft top parts can be selected much more reliably.
