GearShade Question / Anybody using Spiderwebshade?

[Black_Stallion13]

I'm considering a GearShade for my bimini option - I need something that can stay on under the hardtop while still allowing easy access for panels to go on and off. I see there are a couple grommets that an allen key passes through for removing front panels, but what is the deal for removing the middle panel? Is it a hassle to get to the middle panel's two front levers and/or the three rear latches through the gearshade? My hardtop is usually completely on or completely off so if the hardtop GearShade only makes the front panels easy I might look at a different option. Thanks!

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[djp]

If you undo one or two of the side bungees, you can reach your hand to the middle to reach levers in the center.

i would also recommend NOT following their installation instructions (unless you want large gap that allows the sun in at the front).

Instead install it how I install my canvas bimini's. Yes, it will fit the same.

See this install video on how to install the gearshade, and you'll be super happy.

Also at 4:08 of the video it shows how to keep it on for soft top and hard top.

I dont like the grommets in the middle, keep it clean you dont need them and they just add weight and will likely flap.

First video is 4-door
Second video is example on a 2-door. Second video will start at the part you want to see.

 

[Black_Stallion13]

If you undo one or two of the side bungees, you can reach your hand to the middle to reach levers in the center.

i would also recommend NOT following their installation instructions (unless you want large gap that allows the sun in at the front).

Instead install it how I install my canvas bimini's. Yes, it will fit the same.

See this install video on how to install the gearshade, and you'll be super happy.

Also at 4:08 of the video it shows how to keep it on for soft top and hard top.

I dont like the grommets in the middle, keep it clean you dont need them and they just add weight and will likely flap.

First video is 4-door
Second video is example on a 2-door. Second video will start at the part you want to see.

Ok thanks for the info. So if I'm understanding you, the 4 door hardtop version has no provisions for easy access to middle panel latches? If that is the case, I agree might as well just get the cleaner softop version with no grommets at all if I'm gonna have to hassle with doing a reach-around pretty much everytime anyways. That being said, it does kind of look like a PITA to get to the latches from reaching in the side... maybe not that bad in real life. I wonder if spiderwebshade version is easier to reach around. I kind of like their design better but it is a little pricier and I can't find any actual reviews from Bronco owners

 

[djp]

Ok thanks for the info. So if I'm understanding you, the 4 door hardtop version has no provisions for easy access to middle panel latches? If that is the case, I agree might as well just get the cleaner softop version with no grommets at all if I'm gonna have to hassle with doing a reach-around pretty much everytime anyways. That being said, it does kind of look like a PITA to get to the latches from reaching in the side... maybe not that bad in real life. I wonder if spiderwebshade version is easier to reach around. I kind of like their design better but it is a little pricier and I can't find any actual reviews from Bronco owners

I dont think the reaching in would be too bad. Honestly you wont be doing it that often, and probably very rarely.

I checked out the spider web shade site... and the Gearshade looks like it's much much better quality. The spidershade looks like it's just rolled mesh and stitched.

The Gearshade has a webbing edge that they fold over and it is very very good quality. (but just mount it differently, as I spoke of)

-dp

 

[da_jokker]

I just ordered a soft top version for my hardtop. Should be here in a couple days. My plan is to either just take it off (doesn't look that hard to take off and put back on), or my thinking is unbungie the first few connection points and fold it back on itself then put your tops on. ... I'm about to find out!

 

[Black_Stallion13]

I just ordered a soft top version for my hardtop. Should be here in a couple days. My plan is to either just take it off (doesn't look that hard to take off and put back on), or my thinking is unbungie the first few connection points and fold it back on itself then put your tops on. ... I'm about to find out!

Will be interested to hear about the details/what works best!

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