Why no true bikini top options so far?

[Jeremy]

what is the difference from a bimini top to a bikini top?

I believe a Bimini top is mesh and Bikini top is solid.......I think.

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[Jeremy]

This one is marine grade vinyl, not mesh, and is affordable:

http://broncocanvasbimini.com

I appreciate the link but that one doesn't look like it covers the front or sides. It looks like I may have to design/make one myself.

 

[Blackcat]

Because bikini's are scandalous and lead to sin.

So does dancing!

 

[UpstateNY585]

This is Mike from jTops here is what we find with solid vinyl or canvas tops.

Unfortunately it’s tougher to do than you may think. Sure we could just substitute vinyl for the mesh but the performance is horrible. We know we tried multiple configurations.

The issue is the Bernoulli effect. That’s what happens when the wind rushes over the surface and creates a low pressure area. When that happens the top bubbles up and flaps radically. Because it’s not mesh it can’t release the energy of the upward force, It may be fine at 40 to 50 mph but above that speed the flapping starts. Using mesh allows it to breath and stay stable.

We saw a post of someone on the forum making one but the speed test never goes over 60. It’s also flapping pretty bad at 60 and the bungees are stretching out.

To do it right would require a metal cage of some sort to mount the canvas to. Well that starts to sound like a soft top. So for now JTops has no plans because it would not meet our performance criteria. That could change but it’s not in the cards yet.

These are just our findings. We have had this debate for the 10 years we have been making tops.

Mike

Mike,
Have you considered reinforcing a solid canvas or vinyl waterproof top with possibly something like collapsible tent poles with shock string inside? They could be secured in "pockets" in the front and rear, possibly a center cross "pole", and secure them at multiple points on the underside of the top with Velcro or running them through grommets?
The demand for a soft rain top for those of us with hard tops is huge. I love to drive my Bronco to work topless, but we are prone to random showers, and it would be nice if it didn't sit in the parking lot and get rained on/in, and would be nice to be able to keep it in the truck in case we get caught in a downpour.
Just a cost effective suggestion, and as we know the demand would be great, especially with the quality of your product.
Even stitching in a few small mesh "vents" in the top may help, even if it means getting a little water inside, it's far better than getting soaked.
Anyway, just brainstorming here, where there's a will there's a way!

 

[Area51BS]

Steady 68. Didn’t want to take it to 70?

 

[HarrisArthur]

Anyone try this one ? https://www.ebay.com/itm/2560258646...1dVb6HrRsa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Looking for the quick rain short term solution

 

[HarrisArthur]

Anyone try this one ? https://www.ebay.com/itm/2560258646...1dVb6HrRsa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Looking for the quick rain short term solution

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2560258646...1dVb6HrRsa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Broncolli]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2560258646...1dVb6HrRsa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Ha - funny I just ordered one. I was worried about the straps going over the rollbar and obstructing the window going all the way up or stressing. I just tested with a strap to see if it would be a problem. Looks like it won't be an issue.
I haven't gotten mine yet - but yes I got it for the pop-up rain showers. It looks like it will work for that.
I also wanted to see if I can folder the front straps over a bit and see if I can fit them in the hardtops channel to see if that gap can be closed up. I was considering making something that fits in that channel to keep the top tight in there and avoid it slipping out. If I figure it out - I'll post pictures.

 

[JohnnyBronco]

Could be why the official Ford canvas top I bought last year arrived as mesh. Canvas no longer listed on ford

 

[cbrenthus]

Mike,
Have you considered reinforcing a solid canvas or vinyl waterproof top with possibly something like collapsible tent poles with shock string inside? They could be secured in "pockets" in the front and rear, possibly a center cross "pole", and secure them at multiple points on the underside of the top with Velcro or running them through grommets?
The demand for a soft rain top for those of us with hard tops is huge. I love to drive my Bronco to work topless, but we are prone to random showers, and it would be nice if it didn't sit in the parking lot and get rained on/in, and would be nice to be able to keep it in the truck in case we get caught in a downpour.
Just a cost effective suggestion, and as we know the demand would be great, especially with the quality of your product.
Even stitching in a few small mesh "vents" in the top may help, even if it means getting a little water inside, it's far better than getting soaked.
Anyway, just brainstorming here, where there's a will there's a way!

If you're just looking for something when parking at work all day, you want a cab cover. I had one for my JKU and I ran with no doors or roof all the time, and parked in a condo parking lot overnight, and simply through the cab cover on

https://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-em...MIksq4u9rv_gIVygetBh25qAY8EAQYAiABEgLHZ_D_BwE

 

[Rough Rider]

...someone has asked the question recently. Why on earth are there so many mesh Bimini tops and zero true bikini tops (the ford one isnt a true bikini top to me). Like another poster, when I had my old CJ, I basically has the bikini top or open all the time. If it rained, no problem, the bikini top kept the majority of the interior dry with just a few exceptions. It boggles my mind that something hasn't been made yet. There have been numerous teases from some of the big guys, but then they ghost us. Is it a material issue, because I can't believe it is a design issue. Please tell me I am wrong.

https://accessories.ford.com/products/bimini-top-soft-canvas-for-4-door

Um...Canvas....Non Mesh....Top.... All Boxes checked by Ford a couple years ago.

 

[Rough Rider]

Could be why the official Ford canvas top I bought last year arrived as mesh. Canvas no longer listed on ford

https://accessories.ford.com/products/bimini-top-soft-canvas-for-4-door

 

[martinjv71]

Maybe the one you had for you jeep wasn't a true bikini top and these are the correct ones?..................... Just because it was for a Peep doesn't mean it was correct!

 

[TNBronc4344]

I appreciate the link but that one doesn't look like it covers the front or sides. It looks like I may have to design/make one myself.

I have this product and absolutely love it. Yes it has small gaps on the sides and front but I wanted something that I could install and take off quickly and would keep a quick rain shower off of me when needed. It folds up small enough to keep in the well under the floor in the back of the two door and I can put it on in under 5 min. I drive at 80-90 on the interstate and with doors on and windows up can have a conversation with passengers. Seriously! The flapping in minimal in my experience. The best part is I recently got caught on the interstate in a huge rain storm. At speed all the wind pushes the water over the windshield right over the front gap, down the canvas and right past the back gap. My passenger and I didn’t get one single drop on us and the only water that came in was occasional in the back depending on if I were passing a truck (you know how the wind pressure changes ). But I have vinyl floors so it was no big deal and honestly wasn’t even that wet. A wash cloth cleaned it up when we got home. No when we stopped at stop lights water got in around the gaps but not at speed. And this product filled exactly what need I bought it for. Not to mention it keeps the direct sun off my seats( anyone with the MGV seats knows what I am talking about. I have no hair on the back of my legs. Lol). As for the bungees, yes I can see them stretching out eventually but will just replace them when that time happens.

 

[indio22]

My CJ "bikini top" fit in a channel along top of front windshield, and then kind of over the rollbar and even down a few inches sloping in back. Kept most water out when moving, and when parked as long as the rain was not coming in sideways. Maybe there is something similar for the Bronco, that wraps over the rollbars to avoid gaps on top?

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