What are the differences between the hardtops over the years on JKs?

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TexasWranglerX

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I am to purchase a 2007 2-door Jeep Wrangler X from a family member, soon. Currently, it has a soft top and I want to immediately want to purchase a hard top.
I see hard tops for sale (Google search, eBay, cList, etc) that read, “hard top is for ‘11-‘18 model JK series 2-door”.

Pertaining to the hard top, what’s the difference between a 2007 model and, say, a 2011 model (each being JK & 2-door)?
Will a hard top for designed to fit a 2011 model also fit a 2007 (again, both being JK/2-door)?

I’m thinking not, but being new to Jeep, I don’t know the difference.
Input appreciated!
 
This might help you

wranglerjkforum.net

What Are The Differences Between JK Wrangler Hardtops?

This article details the differences between the Jeep JK Wrangler Freedom Tops throughout the 11-year run of the model, and also everything you need to know about adding a hardtop to your JK or JKU Wrangler. With the Jeep JK models, there are several remarkable differences between the factory...
wranglerjkforum.net wranglerjkforum.net
 
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thank you, Lxxtsy.
That is precisely the info I’m needing!

fwiw: I did, indeed, [attempt to] use the search function before asking my initial question, though I did not find the info you provided.
Thanks again!
 
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If you're not concerned about adding the wiring harness, you can either cut your existing header panel, buy one from someplace like Quadratec (shows out of stock) or visit a junkyard. That header is the only difference that will affect fitment. Try FB MarketPlace, too.
 
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JerryD said:
If you're not concerned about adding the wiring harness, you can either cut your existing header panel, buy one from someplace like Quadratec (shows out of stock) or visit a junkyard. That header is the only difference that will affect fitment. Try FB MarketPlace, too.
Click to expand...
Thank you!
….if any of you happen to have the loop I’m needing, please holler at me.
Also, would it be possible to simply relocate my existing loop, leftward?
I have no problem grinding, drilling and relocating, as long as the loop, itself, is the same.
 
You can cut the header to make room for the new location. You literally just move the loop over drill another hole and put in a rivet nut to secure it
 
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Since posting my original comment on 5 Feb, I've learned a lot! The info y'all provided in this thread has turned out to be most helpful. I really appreciate the input!
I've been actively watching Bay, c'List, and multiple forums in hopes of finding a gently used hardtop for my 2-door JK. To date, I have found no one on eBay willing to ship a hardtop; and frankly, I don't blame them. If I were in the seller position, I too would be extremely reluctant to ship such an item, especially when a good price can be had by means of 'local pickup'.
I plan to order a 'late-model' JK hardtop in the next few days from Quadratec. Currently, q'Tech is offering a $300 mail-in rebate. Even though my JK is a 2007 model, I now know (thanks to y'all) that a later-style (2009-2018) JK hardtop will fit my 2007 (with minor mods).
*Still, I say the previous statement with 0.5% doubt.... if any of you will confirm my previous statement, it will completely solidify my position on this issue, and I'd be much obliged (thank you!).
*Also & finally, if any of you happened to recently see a gently used JK 2-door hardtop for sale, and the seller is willing to ship it -OR- the hardtop is located within reasonable driving distance of the Texas panhandle, I'd be most grateful.
Again, thanks for the input!
 
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I put a 2010 on my 2008 2dr. The top was still in its crate. I bought the hardtop kit from Quadradratec. Running the harness was only a bit of a pain. No issues. The change in 2009 was JUST the footman loop move. The change in 2011 not only included the rear window, but side windows were made larger, too.

If you have any concerns, call Quadradratec and talk to them. The body dimensions did not change for the JK.
 
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