Window Kits

What a window kit is

Soft top windows are flexible vinyl panels, and over years of sun, cold and folding they turn hazy, crack at the fold lines or tear at the zipper. A window kit supplies replacement panels, usually with the zippers, so you can refresh the top without replacing the whole fabric. Listings here cover rear and side windows, tinted and with fabric color to match the top.

Matching the kit to your top

This is the most important step. Kits are designed for particular top models, and the product titles and descriptions list the top part numbers they fit, such as the Bestop Replace-a-Top, Supertop Classic, Supertop for Truck, Trektop NX and Sunrider series. A kit made for one top will not fit another. Some are for four-door models only, and some are individual replacement windows for a Rampage frameless or quarter panel top, such as those for 1997 to 2006 TJ models. If you have a factory Jeep soft top, a Jeep replacement kit may be the most direct match.

Features to compare

• Tint: many kits use heat-sealed windows at a stated tint level, such as 31 percent, which cuts glare and gives some privacy.
• Fabric color: black diamond, black denim, black twill and spice are examples, chosen to match the exterior of the top.
• Zippers: heavy-duty molded tooth zippers allow windows to be removed or reinstalled easily.
• Window count: some kits include three rear windows, others a single panel.

Care and installation notes

Installing a window kit involves removing the old panel, fitting the new one into the zipper tracks or frame and checking that it lines up with the seals. Do it in warm weather so the vinyl is flexible, which makes fitting easier and reduces creasing. Never fold or roll vinyl windows when cold, and clean them only with products meant for vinyl, never abrasive cloths or ammonia cleaners. Use a soft microfiber cloth and plenty of water to avoid scratches. Some owners prefer to have a trim or top shop do the job.

Condition of the rest of the top is worth considering. If the fabric is faded, torn or leaking at the seams, new windows may only fix part of the problem, and a full replacement top could be a better choice. Check the zipper tracks, the stitching around the window openings and the frame hardware, since a new window installed on a worn top may not seal well. Look at the seals at the windshield header and the door tops too.

Handling matters for long window life. Fold the top only when the temperature is mild, and place a soft cloth between the windows and the frame so the vinyl does not crease or scratch. Avoid rolling a window tightly, avoid heavy objects pressing on it, and unzip and store removed windows flat or loosely rolled in a soft bag. Use a vinyl-safe cleaner and a vinyl protectant made for soft tops, and keep windows out of strong sun when not in use. In cold weather, warm the top gently with the heater before opening or removing windows to reduce the risk of cracking.

Check before you order

Verify the kit against your top's model and part number, as well as your vehicle's year, make and model, and read the manufacturer's specifications. Window tint rules vary by state, so check local regulations. Then compare the products below.