Convertible or Tin Top?

Hi everyone, first post so be gentle.

I'm looking for a Jimny to use for work and a bit of green laning, the terrain I'll be using it on varies from rutted woodland to rocky river beds to boggy farm fields - i've done my homework on mods available [lifting etc] but im unsure whether to go for the Hard top or Soft top - a soft top would suit my needs better but i have a few concerns..

My question's are -

How does the Convertible compare to the Tintop off road, are they as rigid?

Does the roof leak badly if at all?

Also is there a *Hardtop available for the convertible in the UK? [i see alot fitted on jimny's abroad] If so.. where from and how much.

Cheers Trickie






*a hardtop is a must due to me carrying alot of camera equipment in the back - wouldn't want thieves dipping in just by popping the soft top buttons.

I chose a hard top, having had a soft top SJ (which we still have). The reasons I chose a hrad top Jimny were for security as a soft top can not really be locked up properly and to make it nice and quiet and warm.

I imagine the modern soft top does not leak but do not have one to comment on really.

Have you seen he price of a replacement soft top for the Jimny though, should it get damaged off road or by vandalism??? They cost a small fortune!!!

There are hardtops available but even 2nd hand they are extremely expensive and new they are rediculously expensive. 2nd hand they are impossible to find though.

I don't think rigidity is an issue really. The vehicle is a tin shell on a ladder chassis and it is the chassis that has and needs the strength, unlike a modern car shell. If you were worried about rolling it, get a roll cage! Your car would be a mess after a roll without one!

get a tin top.

i have a soft top and although its nice for some things the security is a real problem as the rear window simply zips off. mine is garaged but i'd never leave it out on the street
however, it is nice in the summer the roof panel above the front seats also opens



PRO's
its nice to get he hood down in the sun
lighter than the tin top
not much glass to smash when off roading
doesnt leak (yet) and i've been out in some heavy rain

CON's
soft tops are spanish built and i've read of poor reliability mainly with electric systems
NO security as said above, rear window simply zips off
expensive to repair / replace
cant put anything on the roof, some friends have waffle boards mounted on theirs

I have one of the early softtops, (removable side windows) and it is great when the suns out. Security wise, so far i have not had a problem and i park on the driveway. I dont leave any valuables in the open and i have put a large ammo box which is attached to the car by a very strong cable to keep the tool kit / ropes etc safe from theifs.Only thing i would surgets is to get the new type soft top as the clips on mine have broken very easily and my side window flaps a bit when i do 60mph!

Oh if you do go for a softtop if it is a 2001 version, check what type of Cat it has, as apparently they used a different version for a couple of months, which is a not compatible with the normal version and about £60 more expensive!

Thanks for the replies fellas - i've decided to go for a tin top after non-stop searching for the past two weeks for a convertible hard top supplier [came up with nothing]

Tis a pitty because the convertible would better suit my needs.. but i park in some pretty ruff areas, so i cant take the risk of a easy smash and grab

Again thanks everyone