Bronco Bikini/Safari Top Options?

[Winni Made]

I know this has been discussed on the fourm in various places, but wanted to circle back and make sure I'm not missing something.
As I understand it, the only option for a Bikini top is the vinyl bimini top offer through Ford, but that it does not overlap the frame and is not a true waterproof option (open at the edges). I got stuck in the rain this weekend (hard top off) and had to bungee down a tarp to stay dry. It makes taking the hardtop off for any length of time risky. Am I missing something? Is anyone aware of a new product in development?

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[Ksjrb03]

Im confused what the question is. No bimini mesh top is going to be waterproof. What you need is a rain cover like the Bronc-over or one of the many cheap chinese options on amazon.

 

[Winni Made]

Not mesh. My understanding is they make a vinyl option. I’m looking for something solid that you can drive with. Like the Jeep bikini tops that bestop makes

 

[Ksjrb03]

There is nothing for the Bronco that you can drive with.

 

[DWood]

You could always just run your front panels minus the rear cap

 

[Dmorty217]

Not mesh. My understanding is they make a vinyl option. I’m looking for something solid that you can drive with. Like the Jeep bikini tops that bestop makes

It would flap and make the loudest, most annoying sound ever if it was waterproof. It would be so bad you would never use it. JTop makes a awesome Bimini top but again it’s not water proof.

 

[Jphpsurf]

I purchased the vinyl bimini top option with my hard top 4 door badlands I just received. I haven't tried it on yet. I was hoping for a quick water-resistant option also but I'm afraid there will be a gap at the windshield which kind of defeats the purpose. I have only seen videos and reviews of the mesh top so far. I'll update you when I try it out to let you know how it fits and performs.

 

[MayhemMike]

I have the optional Ford shade top on my two door. They were never designed for weather protection. I am pleased with the top in general, however, a problem arose when one of the plastic clips which are inserted on the ends of the metal support bar, broke. I contacted the top manufacturer and they are sending replacements. IMO these plastic pieces will be the Achilles heel of these tops because the don’t fit snuggly into the metal support bar and can move up and down as one drives. This movement will sooner then later cause the plastic to break from fatigue.

 

[skithebadlands]

You could always just run your front panels minus the rear cap

I didn't realize you could do this! I thought you needed the back on to secure the middle panel? I'll have to try it. I assume this would work then with tube doors on? But doesn't that leave the tops only attached to the front top of windshield clips?

 

[boomboomthump]

I do it all the time in mine. Sometimes I want some shade, sometimes I don't. I love how it looks with the front two panels and the rear section off with the roll cage exposed.

 

[1979]

I do it all the time in mine. Sometimes I want some shade, sometimes I don't. I love how it looks with the front two panels and the rear section off with the roll cage exposed.

No issues with this? Have you gone highway speeds?

 

[AJKitebrder40]

I know this has been discussed on the fourm in various places, but wanted to circle back and make sure I'm not missing something.
As I understand it, the only option for a Bikini top is the vinyl bimini top offer through Ford, but that it does not overlap the frame and is not a true waterproof option (open at the edges). I got stuck in the rain this weekend (hard top off) and had to bungee down a tarp to stay dry. It makes taking the hardtop off for any length of time risky. Am I missing something? Is anyone aware of a new product in development?

This actually is a major factor keeping in me in a JL. The hard top solution is interesting if that's viable long-term. My scenario, probably much like the OP, is that I run a hard top 6 months of the year, and a bimini top/no top the other 6 months. I'm in the Southeast, and even though my vehicle is in the garage when not in use, pop up storms happen constantly.

I have zero desire to mess with a soft top, and the bimini top for a JL is quick to put on (5 minutes), provides adequate rain coverage. It will keep the cab dry parked in a torrential t-storm. There is a small gap between the roll bar and door, but that's what washout floors/MGV is for.

Point is - the few shots of the bimini top for the Bronco I've seen will not work, there's a gap right at the front roll bar, so water will come in there right onto the dash. The hardtop option is interesting (front two) popping them on and off, the downside being I can throw a bimini top in the back with other gear and it doesn't take up too much room.

 

[boomboomthump]

No issues with this? Have you gone highway speeds?

No issues. I've done 70-75 with it that way but I wouldn't have any hesitation going faster.

The back edge of the second row of the top is obviously not secured to the missing rear section. You can take your hand and flex it up and down a bit. But the hook latches on the side are what keep it clamped in place to the roll bar.

It doesn't bounce around at all or anything like that when moving. Its completely secure. If anything the wind pressure over top of it only holds it down more securely with downward pressure skimming across the top of it.

 

[AJKitebrder40]

No issues. I've done 70-75 with it that way but I wouldn't have any hesitation going faster.

The back edge of the second row of the top is obviously not secured to the missing rear section. You can take your hand and flex it up and down a bit. But the hook latches on the side are what keep it clamped in place to the roll bar.

It doesn't bounce around at all or anything like that when moving. Its completely secure. If anything the wind pressure over top of it only holds it down more securely with downward pressure skimming across the top of it.

That makes sense, the air flow should be mostly down on it, not coming up from the back. I could see this as a decent alternative until Bestop or someone makes a solid bimini top. The only caveat to that is, can you get the middle piece on by yourself?

 

[AJKitebrder40]

Any other installations/experience with this?

Bronco 4Dr 2021-2022 Soft Canvas Bimini Top ~ VM2DZ54500W00D (ford.com)

Basically, a viable bikini/quick on/off rain cover is the difference between keeping my JL and taking my Bronco order when/if it ever shows up, or at least, it's a major contributing factor.

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