Honest Question: Why isn't there a Sun Shade/Bimini/Bikini option that doesn't use velcro, straps, or bungees?!

[Twilly7]

This is an honest question. I've looked at JTops, Alien Sunshade, Spiderwebshade, Broncobikini, etc, and if you were to combine the technology from several of them, it seems likely that you could have a shade that utilizes the pre-installed bolt holes and other existing features/actual holes to create a shade that would extend all the way to the frame, and not have bungees or straps wrapping around the paint. Why has no one done this?

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[Twilly7]

There's even some bolt holes on the roll cage in back that could be used to make a cross bar where it could theoretically attach in the back and stay off the paint and under the hardtop. They could use the bolt holes on the sides to attach a bar or rail or something that increases the number of tension points. It seems like there are answers to all of the questions already provided by Ford in the provision of these bolt holes, I'm just confused as to why no one has utilized them to create anchor points all the way around?

If someone were to make one that was just bolt on and unbolt using handscrews (with the quality of Jtops or BroncoBikini), that I could take on and off as I desired... I'd be all over it. Maybe one exists and I just haven't found it? If so, please correct me. And if it's not possible, please (kindly) enlighten me as to why.

 

[contented]

Tyler, I’d guess the only folks that can answer your question difinitively are the folks that make the tops. The rest of us can only speculate. In my case, I have accessories that utilize many of the holes you mention including Mountains2 Metal attic shelf and Goat cross brace stiffener.

 

[Brian_B]

The material stretches over time…

 

[JTopsUSA]

This is Mike from JTops.
We have been making and designing products for 14 years. We spend countless hours trying different attachments and configurations.
We have never made a bungee product for a lot of reasons.
We look to make a product that looks and performs like a custom configuration. The small details such as zippers and ports have to be tested for location and how it affects air flow. Zippers and ports in the middle of a top are not easy to do hence the competition does not do them. We have learned that even slight changes can affect the stability of a product.
Because materials stretch we need the ability to reposition the tops. It has to cover the entire surface including the front and side edges and most importantly not develop flapping from stretching.
We do incorporate some of the bolts holes used on the hard top but as you know the rest is Hook and Loop.
We have shipped around 8,000 Bronco tops and have collected a tremendous amount of data. The hook and loop meets all our criteria for a high performance attachment method. As with any product proper installation must be followed.
As I always say choose the product that fits your needs. Remember it’s there to protect you and your inferior.

I’m always available to talk (469-532-0808) and will always consider new ideas.

Mike
Founder
JTopsUSA

 

[Twilly7]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I get it, the fact that material stretches over time is a significant issue. But I think that could be accounted forwith some creativity (oval holes, multiple hole options, etc) and allow for it to age.

@JTopsUSA, Mike, I've always appreciated your input in these threads. Your product feels the most complete for its purpose as a semi-permenant option. Have you considered the possibility of creating a top that didn't use velcro so it could be more quickly taken on or off? Like using the bolt spots to create attachment points around the whole area?

I LOVE riding completely top free, but there are times I need a sunshade. I take my hard-top on and off myself, and for my case, I need to stand up inside the backseat of the bronco to lift the middle panel onto the top panel. I just need an option that can fairly easily be installed and uninstalled regularly. So if there was an option with the security of a JTops but with the ease of a BroncoBikini without Bungie cords, that'd be my ideal.

 

[totaljustice]

I don't really understand why you would want to have a sun shade that you needed tools to install and remove when you have the hook and strap options now that literally go on and come off in seconds.

 

[bomchet]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I get it, the fact that material stretches over time is a significant issue. But I think that could be accounted forwith some creativity (oval holes, multiple hole options, etc) and allow for it to age.

@JTopsUSA, Mike, I've always appreciated your input in these threads. Your product feels the most complete for its purpose as a semi-permenant option. Have you considered the possibility of creating a top that didn't use velcro so it could be more quickly taken on or off? Like using the bolt spots to create attachment points around the whole area?

I LOVE riding completely top free, but there are times I need a sunshade. I take my hard-top on and off myself, and for my case, I need to stand up inside the backseat of the bronco to lift the middle panel onto the top panel. I just need an option that can fairly easily be installed and uninstalled regularly. So if there was an option with the security of a JTops but with the ease of a BroncoBikini without Bungie cords, that'd be my ideal.

Here here! I bought the jtops and it sagged two years later. Removed. I'm looking for a replacement but don't love the options. Most seem to have that gap at the front that isn't addressed and that would drive me bonkers.

 

[Twilly7]

I don't really understand why you would want to have a sun shade that you needed tools to install and remove when you have the hook and strap options now that literally go on and come off in seconds.

If I’m honest, it’s 2 things that make me concerned about the bungie or hook and strap options. First, they sit on top of the paint, and over time it will get dust and dirt under it from off roading and create wear lines in the paint.
Second, with Velcro it won’t last for ever, and this is a keep forever vehicle for me. I have straps on items, Velcro and bungee in items, and all of them fail eventually. A bolted on option that I can take off and put on as needed and where I can adjust as necessary would be great.

 

[Twilly7]

Here here! I bought the jtops and it sagged two years later. Removed. I'm looking for a replacement but don't love the options. Most seem to have that gap at the front that isn't addressed and that would drive me bonkers.

I’m curious, with the JTops sagging, couldn’t you just reposition it on the Velcro? Why did you feel the need to remove it? And how did you like it before it sagged? And did you replace it with anything?

 

[totaljustice]

If I’m honest, it’s 2 things that make me concerned about the bungie or hook and strap options. First, they sit on top of the paint, and over time it will get dust and dirt under it from off roading and create wear lines in the paint.
Second, with Velcro it won’t last for ever, and this is a keep forever vehicle for me. I have straps on items, Velcro and bungee in items, and all of them fail eventually. A bolted on option that I can take off and put on as needed and where I can adjust as necessary would be great.

Gotcha. One thing for you though, make sure whatever brand you buy can be left on when you put the roof back on. I have the Mabett with the hooks and straps and I love it but in order to put the roof back on, I have to undo the front hooks and flip the front part back to get the front panels seated. I don't mind this at all but something for you to consider. The JTop one above looks like it is exactly what you need.

 

[bomchet]

I’m curious, with the JTops sagging, couldn’t you just reposition it on the Velcro? Why did you feel the need to remove it? And how did you like it before it sagged? And did you replace it with anything?

Tried to pull it tight by repositioning the velcro, but the glue underneath the hook and loop came up. Got frustrated, pulled it. And no, nothing there right now. But the wind threatens to rip off caps and I'd like the shade (I'm bald).

 

[JTopsUSA]

I’m curious, with the JTops sagging, couldn’t you just reposition it on the Velcro? Why did you feel the need to remove it? And how did you like it before it sagged? And did you replace it with anything?

This is Mike, should be easy to readjust and stretch it out. I have the same one going on 4 years and readjusting tightens it right up.

 

[JTopsUSA]

Tried to pull it tight by repositioning the velcro, but the glue underneath the hook and loop came up. Got frustrated, pulled it. And no, nothing there right now. But the wind threatens to rip off caps and I'd like the shade (I'm bald).

When properly installed the Velcro should never pull up. Unless you want to remove it. We use a specific marine grade Velcro specifically designed for high heat and moisture.
Sorry to hear you had an issue. You should have contacted us to help fix it.
Mike

 

[JTopsUSA]

I don't really understand why you would want to have a sun shade that you needed tools to install and remove when you have the hook and strap options now that literally go on and come off in seconds.

Our data shows that 90% put it on and never take it off. When used with a soft top there are no zippers and there are no tools or bolts needed for installing or removing.
Mike
JTopsUSA

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