I have a rag top 1992 Jeep Wrangler. The top needs to be replaced, including the windows. I don’t know how to start looking for places to go, or who is legitimate. There is always a Jeep/Chrysler dealership, but they tend to be the more expensive choice.
Is the hardware itself in good shape? If the hardware is in good shape, you can order the fabric “replace-a-top” from several places online( I always shopped at www.quadratec.com) and just snap the new top onto the old hardware. Tell them whether your doors are full or half, and they will make sure you get the right one.
If the hardware needs to be replaced(typical for one that old, I have a 94 and in 2002 I had to replace the hardware), you have some more options. There is the Bestop, which is a completely different hardware setup(which is what I went to), as well as the Suntop, which is a softop that you can “peel” back just the top over the front two seats on(kinda like a sunroof). You can also get hardware replacements which mirror the factory.
IF you only need the material, I would order it from quadratec(stick with the Bestop brand though) and do it yourself. Do it on a hot day, and set the new top out in the sun for a few hours. You will probably need another pair of hands to help stretch it over the bars the first time.
If you need to replace the hardware and aren’t comfortable doing it, or don’t have the tools, I would call some 4x4 shops…look under “truck parts and accessories”…these are the shops that do suspension lifts, engine swaps, etc. on trucks and jeep type vehicles. They would do it much much cheaper than a dealer.
If by hardware you mean stretchers and whatnot, then yes - everything needs to be replaced. So I should buy the top and hardware on my own, then take everything to a 4x4 shop to have it all put together? I definitely wouldn’t feel comfortable doing this on my own. You’re not the first person to recommend Bestop, so I’ll go with that brand.
If you weren’t on the other side of the continent, I’d tell you to come over to my place. My brother’s about to throw out his soft-top for his '95 YJ. It’s got a slashed window (I don’t understand why a thief would slash a window to break in, when there’s VELCRO right beside it) and the Jeep itself is in very poor condition, so it’s really not worth it to him to replace it.
A few years ago, I had good luck with Kenny’s Auto Upholstery in Renton when I needed a new top on our Rambler. I’ve also been pleased with their work on some smaller projects.