Armadillo Designs Aluminum Hardtop

[rayofsi]

Finally received my top 12/12 and got it installed the following day. Ordered 7/3 so just over 5 months from order date to delivery.

I dont know if my Bronco is just a bit off, my top was a bit off, or a combo of the 2 but install was a lot harder than it should have been. Had to fight and fight in order for it to sit properly but finally got it. Had some buyers remorse during the install but after it was done and I got to calm down and check things out I love it.

I can definitely tell its much better sealed than my factory hard top. My factory shadow black top didnt have any leaks but had pretty significant wind noise at highway speeds. This Armadillo top is dang near silent. I was pretty surprised at the difference so I can only imagine what it would be like going from a soft top to an Armadillo.

All in all im impressed. As long as the panels coming off wont be a huge ordeal this is Definitely money well spent. Im still waiting on my rear window molle panel. Fabian was able to get all the molle panels powder coated in Velocity Blue for me but the large rear window panel got caught up at the powder coaters for one reason or another. Need to get some better pictures once I get everything dialed in.

I struggled to get them onto the studs too. took a good effort from 4 grown men... to get it set

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[stampede1]

It looks great! Considering that it does not come off, it better be quieter than the stock top. Enjoy!

 

[Ninjak]

@Dtrimpi87 : Looking good! I remember when I received my top; it was not a struggle, but an adjustment getting it on the badlands. I have since moved it to my BRaptor, which it went on with ZERO issues. It sat right down. So maybe it can be from RIG to RIG.

As for the inside panels, I have had ZERO issues with my panels. I was No# 170, so a very early adopter.....trust that wait was like whoa....but yeah, no issues at all. Also, maybe it's the tires on the BRaptor, also probably the fact that I do not have a roof light setup, the ride is even MORE quiet than it was on my Badlands. Even my wife noted just how quiet the BRaptor was on our way to Cape Canaveral to catch a cruise ship.

 

[F-Spot]

Finally received my top 12/12 and got it installed the following day. Ordered 7/3 so just over 5 months from order date to delivery.

I dont know if my Bronco is just a bit off, my top was a bit off, or a combo of the 2 but install was a lot harder than it should have been. Had to fight and fight in order for it to sit properly but finally got it. Had some buyers remorse during the install but after it was done and I got to calm down and check things out I love it.

I can definitely tell its much better sealed than my factory hard top. My factory shadow black top didnt have any leaks but had pretty significant wind noise at highway speeds. This Armadillo top is dang near silent. I was pretty surprised at the difference so I can only imagine what it would be like going from a soft top to an Armadillo.

All in all im impressed. As long as the panels coming off wont be a huge ordeal this is Definitely money well spent. Im still waiting on my rear window molle panel. Fabian was able to get all the molle panels powder coated in Velocity Blue for me but the large rear window panel got caught up at the powder coaters for one reason or another. Need to get some better pictures once I get everything dialed in.

Did you end up selling your Shadow Black Hardtop?

 

[omg_bbq]

I looked through like 20 pages here and couldn't find an answer. Has anyone run the sandblasted top? Is it designed to be powder coated immediately or since it's stainless can you run it au natural?

 

[87 BAJA]

I looked through like 20 pages here and couldn't find an answer. Has anyone run the sandblasted top? Is it designed to be powder coated immediately or since it's stainless can you run it au natural?

Its Aluminum not Stainless so if you do run it in the raw sandblasted form it will oxidize over time and look really bad.

 

[omg_bbq]

Its Aluminum not Stainless so if you do run it in the raw sandblasted form it will oxidize over time and look really bad.

Right right thanks for the correction, I meant to type Aluminum apologies for the mixup.

I definitely understand it's not conventional I'm just wondering if the engineering and design of the top was built around the assumption there would be be a protective layer or if technically you could run it for its lifespan uncoated. I enjoy the look of raw materials aging over time.

 

[87 BAJA]

Right right thanks for the correction, I meant to type Aluminum apologies for the mixup.

I definitely understand it's not conventional I'm just wondering if the engineering and design of the top was built around the assumption there would be be a protective layer or if technically you could run it for its lifespan uncoated. I enjoy the look of raw materials aging over time.

Its all what you the end consumer want and likes, but personally being around aluminum that has oxidized it turns white and chalky looking and will look really bad. For example lay your head under your rig and look at the transmission or transfer case notice all the white specks on them, that's what the top will do if left uncoated / protected.

 

[rayofsi]

Had my first big rain with the armadillo, got water intrusion towards the rear part of my trunk. The inside of my hatch seems a bit wet. And I think water is coming in from where the hatch seals to my hardtop. Any suggestions. The seals look good

 

[popo_patty]

There is a guy Cammacky that runs the aluminum raw top and has for about a year or more. From his pictures it still looks great. I have no idea if he has done anything to it. He lives in a desert climate

 

[Ninjak]

My order was the Raw Aluminum top, then I switched it to white after the colour match to Oxford White. I would think it would hold up decently in a warm climate.

 

[EasternSierra]

Mine's now maybe 20-30 miles away! Delivery to the body shop for installation was supposed to be Monday but we'll see. Jazzed!

 

[omg_bbq]

Its all what you the end consumer want and likes, but personally being around aluminum that has oxidized it turns white and chalky looking and will look really bad. For example lay your head under your rig and look at the transmission or transfer case notice all the white specks on them, that's what the top will do if left uncoated / protected.

Appreciate it, looking forward to one day ordering one.

 

[23OBX2.7]

had a insulation panel fall off on me. it arrived with the same piece having fallen off in transit.
whats the best method to re-secure insulation panels at the moment?

Resonix black absorber is super strong self adhesive and amazing stuff, and can apply on top of a sound deadener with foil type outer skin for the ultimate. I removed all the Ford absorber in door panels and elsewhere and did this ....like a Gwagon now.

 

[EasternSierra]

In the shop for installation!

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