Soft Top Question...

[hummerfreak]

Hello fellow Hummer enthusiasts...

This is my first post to the forum, although I've been lurking for a while. Everyone seems so helpfull.

I have a few questions regarding the Soft Top H1...

1. How well does the soft top hold in the cold air from the AC in the summer and heat in the winter? (I live in Las Vegas, so this is a big concern of mine)

2. Is there a lot of wind noise when driving?

3. How easy is it to remove and put back on?

Any help on these questions would be greatly appreciated. I will be in the market for an H1 in the next few months and I have been doing my research a little to decide the one best suited for me. Thanks.

[ssgharkness020147]

The soft top hold in heat and A/C just as well as a hardtop, as long as you have a 98 or newer H1. They re-designed the top in the 98 year, and insulated it.

There is some wind noise, when the winds are higher, I put 30,000 miles on mine in two years and found it to be tolerable, but annoying at times.

Most people think its a bitch to take off and put back on. I had no problems at all removing it. Putting it back on was doable by myself, but it is clumsy.

[hummerfreak]

How long does it take to remove and replace the soft top? And is there anything you can do about the wind noise if I decide to get a pre '98 model (non insulated version)?

[ssgharkness020147]

I could take my trucks top off in less then 5 minutes and have it back on in ten or so, by myself. Other people report that it takes a half hour, guess it depends on the person.

[Agriv8r]

Originally Posted by ssgharkness020147

I could take my trucks top off in less then 5 minutes and have it back on in ten or so, by myself. Other people report that it takes a half hour, guess it depends on the person.

these are good times (5off 10 on) once you get used to it....

[usetosellhummer]

I never did it in under 15 min. and worked up a big sweat doing it. You will die in the summer with a open top in Vegas. In winter you can leave it off out there. FYI no security and it is very exspensive to replace so be prepared to patch. I personally loved the Open I drived as a demo, my wife did not like it.

[hummerfreak]

usetosellhummer:

Very good points. Its taken years to convince my wife to let me buy one, the last thing I need is for the rig to get vandalized, or worse, stolen.

[usetosellhummer]

If and when I get a used H1 (green light given by wife but no cash now)
I will get a wagon or older cab with small bed. try to get the later model years that provide tt4, improved ac, and turbo.

[ssgharkness020147]

Maybe its just the diehard H1 owner in me, but I have to disagree with you on the TT4. Its just another thing to break, albeit on slick roads it would be nice, but my affection for TT4 ends there. The sensors can get gummed up (with relative ease) causing warning lights. Additionally ABS off road can be an enormous liability, you will find that most hardcore off road H1 owners with TT4 have disabled the ABS or installed a switch to do so. If you get a TT4 truck and wheel it I would really suggest being able to turn your ABS off when off road.

Originally Posted by usetosellhummer

If and when I get a used H1 (green light given by wife but no cash now)
I will get a wagon or older cab with small bed. try to get the later model years that provide tt4, improved ac, and turbo.

[hummerfreak]

So ssgharkness020147-

I assume you prefer the BTM method? Whats the difference between the two in an offroad senerio? My purchase of an H1 will be offroading, so I really would want whats best for that. and how easy is it to install that switch you mentioned?

[usetosellhummer]

True, TT4 can be a bitch and the sensors are up for a good clog or crack. I enjoy both. if you go older think of a a rear air locker? I had a 98 with air lockers that was a real bad a$$. BTM is a mind fu*k sometimes but works just fine. My little 3 with the locker hangs well with big boys

[Axleman]

In most offroad scenarios, BTM outperforms TT4. Whether you go newer or older, if you are going to be primarily offroad, you really should consider lockers.

[ssgharkness020147]

And you should buy them from Axleman. I've bought a few things from him, and have nothing but positve things to say about him. Good to see a post from you Scot, dont be a stranger.

[ssgharkness020147]

You could always convert the ole' girl Blue. See what the infamous Phil @ Phils auto body could do for you.