Bestop Sunrider for Jeep Wrangler JL Gladiator JT Hardtop Premium Black Twill | 52454-17

Overview

The Bestop Sunrider for Hardtop (Part #52454-17) is the first and only flip-back soft top system that gives Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT hard top owners instant open-air access — all without leaving the driver's seat. Built from premium 30-oz Black Twill acrylic fabric and engineered to replace your bulky factory Freedom Panels, this is the ultimate upgrade for Jeep enthusiasts who want the freedom of open-air driving with the convenience of their hardtop. Whether you're searching for the best Sunrider for Hardtop for 2018-2026 Jeep Wrangler JL or the top soft top upgrade for the 2020-2026 Jeep Gladiator JT, Bestop's 52454-17 is the definitive solution.

Key Features & Benefits

• Instant Open-Air Access from the Driver's Seat — Simply unlatch the front section and flip it back to expose the sky over the front seats. No stops, no panel removal, no hassle.
• 30-oz Premium Black Twill Acrylic Fabric — Heavier-weight, multi-layered ultra-premium material delivers superior all-weather waterproofing, UV resistance, and a noticeably quieter ride compared to standard fabric options.
• No Drilling, No Modifications — Bolt-on installation using only your factory Jeep T40 Torx tool kit. Attaches directly to factory mount locations and latches securely to the windshield header.
• Pre-Assembled Right Out of the Box — The fabric-on-frame assembly arrives pre-installed on the frame, so you can be driving open-air the same day it arrives.
• All-Weather, Year-Round Functionality — Engineered for use in every season. Rain or shine, the Sunrider for Hardtop keeps you covered and dry when you need it, and open to the sky when you don't.
• Replaces Factory Freedom Panels — Eliminates the frustration of storing, scratching, or hauling bulky OEM fiberglass Freedom Panels.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty — The Black Twill version (52454-17) is backed by Bestop's Limited Lifetime Warranty, reflecting their confidence in premium material quality.
• Made in North America — Manufactured domestically to Bestop's exacting quality standards, by the brand Jeep enthusiasts have trusted for over 70 years.
• Patented Design — Covered under U.S. Patent No. 9,517,684, with additional patents pending, confirming this as a truly unique, proprietary system.
• Compatible with Sunscreen Accessory — Optionally pairs with the Bestop SunScreen (sold separately) for a mesh 'bikini'-style covering over the open section.

What's Included

• Pre-installed fabric-on-frame assembly (30-oz Black Twill)
• Front upper door molding rails (left & right)
• All necessary mounting hardware
• Printed installation instructions

Specifications

Manufacturer Part Number	52454-17
SKU	bes52454-17
UPC	077848142162
Brand	Bestop
Fabric Material	30-oz Black Twill Acrylic (Multi-Layered Ultra Premium)
Fabric Color	Premium Black Twill
Waterproof	Yes
UV Resistant	Yes
Installation Type	Bolt-On, No Drilling Required
Installation Difficulty	Level 1 — Easy (~30–60 minutes)
Tools Required	T40 Torx bit and ratchet (factory Jeep tool kit)
Country of Manufacture	North America
Warranty	Limited Lifetime (Black Twill)
Patent	U.S. Patent No. 9,517,684
Supersedes Part Number	52452-17

Fitment & Compatibility

The Bestop Sunrider for Hardtop 52454-17 is engineered specifically for Jeep models equipped with a factory hardtop. It fits both 2-door and 4-door configurations of the Wrangler JL and the Gladiator JT:

• 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL (2-Door)
• 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JLU (4-Door / Unlimited)
• 2020–2026 Jeep Gladiator JT

Important Fitment Note: This product is designed for vehicles with the factory OEM hardtop installed. It replaces the factory Freedom Panel section over the front seating area only — the rear hardtop panels remain in place. If you have a 2018 Jeep, confirm your vehicle is a JL (not a JK) before purchasing. This product is compatible with push-button start 2018 Jeep Wrangler models.

Is this CARB compliant? The Bestop Sunrider for Hardtop is a mechanical soft top accessory and does not affect emissions systems, making it compliant for use in all 50 states including California.

Installation

The Sunrider for Hardtop installs in approximately 30–60 minutes and is rated Difficulty Level 1 (Easy). No drilling or permanent modifications to your Jeep are required. The complete kit arrives with the fabric pre-installed on the frame — simply remove your factory Freedom Panels, attach the included door rails to the factory mount points, and secure the assembled Sunrider unit to the windshield header latch. Only a T40 Torx bit and ratchet (included in your factory Jeep tool kit) are needed. Bestop recommends assembling the unit fully on a flat surface before lifting it onto the vehicle. For best results, reference Bestop's official installation instructions alongside the video walkthrough available on Quadratec and YouTube.