Unroofing The Jeep Gladiator: Top Removal (2025)

The Jeep Gladiator is a unique convertible pickup truck with a removable hardtop and doors, offering an open-air trucking experience. Removing the Gladiator's hardtop and doors is a straightforward process that can be done with a few tools and some physical effort. The process involves disconnecting electronics, unscrewing bolts, and lifting off the top and doors. While it is possible to remove the hardtop alone, it is safer and more reliable to have assistance. This process transforms the Gladiator into a convertible, providing a clear view of the bed and an even more open-air driving experience.

Jeep Gladiator roof removal is simple but requires more physical effort than removing the doors

The Jeep Gladiator is a unique mid-size pickup truck that offers a convertible experience. The doors and roof can be removed, providing an open-air trucking experience. While the process is not complicated, it can be physically demanding and may require an extra pair of hands.

Step 1: Removing the Front Panels

The first step is to remove the hardtop panels above the front seats. These panels are held in place by latches and can be easily lifted off and set aside. This step is straightforward and can be completed within a matter of seconds.

Step 2: Disconnecting the Rear Cables

Before removing the hardtop, it is important to disconnect the cables connected to the rear power box. This can be accessed by folding down the back seat and removing the cover. Pull the red clip backward, revealing a black section. Depress the black section to release the cable.

Step 3: Unscrewing the Roll Cage Bolts

To remove the hardtop, you will need to remove the torx bolts located on the rear of the Gladiator's cab near the roll cage. These bolts require a larger torx bit for removal.

Step 4: Detaching the Rear Torx Bolts

In addition to the bolts near the roll cage, there are six torx bolts located on the lower back seam of the hardtop that need to be removed. With these bolts removed, nothing is holding the hardtop in place.

Step 5: Lifting Off the Top

Now it's time to remove the hardtop. This step is easier with a partner. Lift the top straight up and carry it over the Gladiator's bed. While it is possible to do this alone using a hoist or other tools, it is safer and more reliable to have assistance.

Comparison to Door Removal

Compared to removing the doors of the Jeep Gladiator, taking off the roof requires more physical effort. The doors can be removed in a matter of minutes without any additional help. However, removing the roof typically requires two people and involves more steps and components.

A Jeep Gladiator door and hardtop removal kit is required

The Jeep Gladiator is unique in that it is the only mid-size pickup truck that is also a convertible. It comes with a set of removable doors and a roof, allowing for an open-air driving experience. While the process of removing the doors and hardtop is not overly complicated, it can seem daunting at first. A Jeep Gladiator door and hardtop removal kit is required, which includes a small wrench and two sizes of torx bits.

Removing the Jeep Gladiator Doors

The first step is to disconnect the electronics. Roll the window down to protect the glass and provide a handle for the door. Open the door and locate the kick panel at the base by the lower hinge. Remove this, and then remove the cable connecting the door to the Gladiator. First, pull back the limiting strap to reveal the cable connector. Then, remove the wiring connection by pulling the small red tab and pushing and flipping the white section up. For the rear doors, repeat this process, noting that the cable is a bit less complex.

Next, disconnect the door stop by unscrewing it with the smaller torx bit. It is recommended to then screw the removed torx bolt back into the slot to avoid misplacing it.

The third step is to unscrew the hinge bolts using the larger torx bit from the removal kit. There are two of these bolts, one near the bottom and one near the top.

Finally, remove the door by lifting it straight up and carrying it away from the truck. The doors are made of aluminium, so they are not too heavy. However, if you have any doubts, it is advisable to ask for help.

Removing the Jeep Gladiator Hardtop

Start by removing the front panels. There are a series of latches holding these panels in place, which can be undone, and then the panels can be slid out.

The next step is to unscrew the roll cage bolts using the larger torx bit. These are located on the rear of the Gladiator's cab near the roll cage.

Then, detach the rear cables. Fold down the back seat and remove the cover to access the power box and wires. Pull the red clip backward, revealing a black section. Depress this section to remove the cable, and then allow the cable to hang loose.

At this point, unscrew the rear torx bolts. There are six bolts on the lower back seam of the hardtop.

Finally, lift off the top with the assistance of a partner. While it is possible to do this alone with a hoist or other tools, it is safer to have help.

After Removal

With the doors and hardtop removed, the Gladiator offers a unique convertible pickup truck experience. For an even more open-air drive, the windshield can also be folded down.

There are various door and hardtop removal tools available on the market, such as the Gladiator Pro Jeep Gladiator Hard Top Removal Tool, which can aid in the process and provide storage solutions.

The Gladiator's doors can be removed in a few minutes without help

The Jeep Gladiator's doors can be removed in a few minutes without help. The process is relatively simple and can be done by one person. It is advisable to have a soft spot or a blanket ready to place the doors on to avoid scratching them.

To start, use the toolkit provided by Jeep, which can be found in the centre armrest storage bin. This includes a ratchet, two Torx bits (short T-50 and long T-40), and a 15mm socket. With the windows down, use the ratchet and T-50 bit to remove the lock nuts from the underside of each hinge on the exterior of the vehicle. Remember to place the lock nuts in the storage rack under the rear passenger seat to avoid losing them.

Next, open the door and locate the black strap with the wiring for the locks and windows, as well as the retaining rod. Follow the strap and remove the plastic panel to access the wiring connector. Push the red tab up and locate the white lever. Press the black retaining tab with your finger while lifting the lever to release the connector.

Now, switch to the long T-40 bit and locate the retaining rod above the lower door hinge. Remove the bolt holding it in place, swing the door and rod out of the way, and put the bolt back into the hole.

Finally, you are ready to remove the door. Lift straight up from the underside of the armrest or the top of the window frame, and the door will pop right off. Place it down carefully in your chosen spot and repeat the process for the remaining doors.

Reinstalling the doors involves following the same steps in reverse. Simply pop the door back on, bolt up the retaining rod, reconnect the wiring, and thread the locking nuts back onto the hinges.

Roll down the window to protect the glass and provide a handle to remove the door

Rolling down the window of your Jeep Gladiator is an important first step when removing the doors of your vehicle. Not only does this give you a good handle on the door once you are removing it from the truck, but it also protects the glass upon removal.

To begin, open the door and locate the kick panel at the base of the door by the lower hinge. Once this is removed, the cable that is connecting the door to the Gladiator itself needs to be removed. Before you begin to do that, pull the limiting strap back to show the cable's connector. The wiring connection can then be removed by pulling the small red tab and then pushing and flipping the white section up.

It is also important to disconnect the electronics before removing the door. Get down into the footwell of the front row and pop off the black plastic panel next to the door. Under that, you will see a wiring harness. Push up on the red piece to unlock the mechanism and then flip up the white piece. The wiring should then be able to unplug.

Rolling down the window will make it easier to grip the door along its frame, and it will also reduce the risk of accidentally smashing the glass if something slips during the removal process.

The Jeep Gladiator is the only mid-size pickup truck on the market today that is also a convertible. Just like the Wranglers of the past, the Jeep Gladiator comes with a set of removable doors and a roof, allowing you to enjoy an open-air experience.

Removing the hardtop of a Jeep Gladiator is a simple process, but it requires more than one person to do so safely. While it is possible to attempt this alone, using a hoist or other tools, it is much safer and more reliable to have a partner assist you.

If you are set on removing the hardtop alone, there are a few options available to you. One method is to use a hoist system, such as the J-BARR Jeep Gladiator Hardtop Removal Hoist and Storage System, which is designed to allow one person to easily remove and store their hardtop. This system includes padded straps, safety pins, a winch with a cable, a ceiling mount rail system, and more. It is lightweight and simple to use, with a weight capacity of 250 lbs.

Another hoist option is the Gladiator Pro™ Hardtop Removal Tool, which is also designed for solo operation. This tool is easy to use and assemble, and it provides superior protection for your hardtop while it is stored, minimising the risk of scratches or dents. It is constructed from high-grade steel and is compatible with most rack systems.

If your garage isn't tall enough for a hoist, there are other methods you can try. One person suggests removing all bolts and disconnecting the wiring harness. Then, open the rear window, climb into the truck bed, put one arm through the rear window, stand up and lift the top, walk to the back of the bed with the top in hand, set it down on the bed rails, climb out, and then lift the top and set it gently on the ground. This method is a bit awkward, but the hardtop only weighs about 60 pounds, so it is manageable for one person.

Another user has posted a detailed description of their cheap solution for removing the hardtop alone. It involves building a storage rack out of 2"x4" lumber, with runner guides and furniture sliders to set the top on and slide it back. This method also requires removing all bolts, unplugging the rear harness, and folding the back seat down. Then, sit on the folded seat with your back to the window, lift the top, and slide it back.

While it is possible to remove the hardtop of a Jeep Gladiator alone, it is always safer to have a partner assist you. These methods can be awkward and may put you or your vehicle at risk of damage if not performed correctly.

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