Choosing the Right Roof: Exploring Soft Tops and Custom Roof Options for Your Defender Build
When people ask us about building a custom Defender, one of the first questions they ask is: Can I get a soft top? It’s a fair question — and the roof configuration plays a huge role in shaping your Defender’s character, both visually and functionally.
At Shoreline, we offer a range of roof styles to suit different climates, driving habits, and design preferences. Whether you’re after an open-air soft top for Land Rover Defender or a rugged, permanent hardtop, your choice of roof helps define your build’s personality and usability.
Here’s what you should know.
Soft Top Defender – Classic Looks, Open-Air Utility
The soft top Defender remains one of the most iconic and customizable styles in our lineup. Whether it’s a soft top Defender 90 or customised Defender 110, there’s something undeniably special about the minimalist profile and open-air freedom it offers.
Soft tops come in multiple finishes — canvas, mohair, and weatherproof synthetics — and can be configured to roll back fully or partially. Most clients pairing soft tops with Defender 90 builds choose this layout for weekend driving, beach runs, and lighter trail use.
Highlights:
Lightweight and removable
Multiple color and material options
Ideal for warmer climates
Works especially well with retro Defender or heritage Defender themes
Removable Hard Tops – Practical and Secure
Prefer a bit more structure? A removable hardtop is a great option. These come in full-length, safari-style, or Land Rover Defender short wheelbase formats, depending on your body configuration.
Our custom builds allow for:
Two-piece hard tops (with removable rear section)
Heritage-style raised roofs (for that vintage expedition look)
Reinforced security glass with safari-style windows
The combination of classic design and modern utility makes this a popular choice for owners who want year-round usability but still crave that vintage shape.
Fixed Roof Builds – Strength, Style, and Silence
If you're looking for maximum rigidity, noise insulation, and all-weather protection, a fixed roof Defender may be the way to go. Whether you’re building a Defender 110 modified for overland travel or a custom Defender 130, the full hard top offers:
Excellent sound deadening
Strong weatherproofing
Support for roof racks, tents, and awnings
Ideal pairing with Defender beach runner or long-distance travel builds
You can finish the roof in body color, matte black, or accent tones like Land Rover bronze or silver Defender for a bold look.
Heritage Roof Styles – A Nod to the Originals
Many of our clients want something that pays tribute to the early models — from the Land Rover Defender heritage edition to the Land Rover 90 from the 80s and 90s.
We offer:
Ribbed aluminum-style roofs
Safari window inlays
Heritage palette paint options (think Keswick green, pastel blue, etc.)
For those seeking a classic Defender restomod feel, this roof option adds character, storytelling, and visual balance.
Canvas Conversions – Vintage Meets Versatility
Looking to convert your existing hardtop to a canvas roof Defender? We offer full canvas roof conversions, using reinforced support framing and period-correct fasteners. These are especially popular for 1991 Defender or early 90s Defender 110 builds that are being modernized.
Custom Touches & Functional Add-Ons
Whether you're building from the ground up or modifying an existing rebuild Land Rover, we can add:
Integrated LED light mounts
Roll cages and safari bars
Roof ladders
Load-bearing roof racks
Integrated solar panels or battery storage
Every element is functional and designed to blend with your custom Defender 90 or 110 aesthetic.
FAQs About Defender Roof Builds
1. Can I convert a hardtop to a soft top Defender?
Yes, we offer full soft top Defender conversions for most Defender 90 and 110 models.
2. What materials are soft tops made from?
We use canvas, sailcloth, mohair, and marine-grade vinyl, depending on your build.
3. Do soft tops work in winter?
Yes. Our premium soft tops are insulated and weatherproofed for 4-season use.
4. Can I get a color-matched roof?
Absolutely. We offer roof finishes in body-matched or accent tones like matte black Defender or Land Rover bronze Defender.
5. What Defender models can have a custom roof?
All of them — whether it’s a Land Rover 130, custom Defender 90, or Defender 110 modified build.
Conclusion: One Roof, Many Roads
Choosing a roof isn’t just about weatherproofing — it’s about shaping your Defender's identity. From canvas roof Defender builds to heritage hardtop restorations, we tailor each configuration to your lifestyle, climate, and design preferences.
At Shoreline, we believe every detail matters. And that includes the roof over your head.
Want to talk about your Defender build? Contact us here, or explore our custom Defender gallery.