I just bought a 2013 Wrangler Sahara Unlimited in black. I liked the molded top better than the painted version, even though the painted version is more expensive (around $800 extra). My initial order was for one with a molded top, but they started to have trouble finding 'our car' so they asked us if we would accept the painted top, which they would pay for. We accepted it, but during the inspection of the vehicle upon delivery I saw some scuffing on the top that bothered me, so notes were taken. The first option is for their body guys to look at it and see if this is something that can be waxed/buffed out. I suggested on site that I would be open to switch the tops (means they would get their $800 option back).

This leads me to think: am I better off with paint or plastic? I like the sportier look of the plastic and I think it will be easier to handle taking it off/putting it on, and I will never have to worry about paint peeling or chipping (is that a concern for these things?) Anyone have experience to share on this topic? Would be much appreciated.

 

if you plan on taking it on the trail, non-painted is better.. but worst case scenario, a little touch up paint can always patch it up... i scratched and chipped my 2010 rubi unlt'd top in a few places and you could see the fiberglass (in white) underneath it.. recently traded it in and now i have a 2dr with painted top.. we'll see how long it lasts without a scratch.. but then again, the soft top is going on soon so it won't really matter

 

I think the non painted it better, thats why I got the sport and the hard top, the fenders and the top are both the same material there kinda scratch resistant. Not to mention taking off your hard top, you gotta be more careful with storing the painted version.

 

The plastic version scrapes just not as easy as the painted version. I like the textured look vs the gloss look... It ultimately comes down to what you want your jeep to look like. Painted flares and painted top look great on the other people's jeeps... Textures look best on mine.

 

I've found the non-painted (aka black) top gets little scrapes and nicks just as easily as the painted one likely does, only difference is instead of having to use the touchup paint stick, you just whip out
a black Sharpie marker and colour inside the lines!

 

I Would just think that in general paint scratches are more visible when scratched with branches etc, i would think the pitted black plastic would resist that.

 

The top is fiberglass, the painted fenders are hard plastic, the flat black fenders are a softer plastic.
Whether painted body color or flat black textured it is still the same roof. A well waxed glossy paint is likely to take brush scrubs a little better. The textured roof can mark pretty easy.
The ultimate protection would be to have the roof LineXed.

 

Thats an interesting idea really.. with the black plastic already being textured it would be easy to adhere it to. I don't think it would add to much weight to it, and painting the peices would be pretty easy as you can take them off. But i know doing truck beds is very expensive, have you heard of anyone doing it? And how much it costing them?

 

Lots of guys in the US LineX their whole tubs, some even the full outer body.

 

Do you know any good local shops to get quotes from? I tried to look up a few in the southern ontario area but it's a franchise so they do other things too so i want someone reputable.