Armadillo Designs Aluminum Hardtop

[El Diablo]

After the agonizing 2 year experience with ADV and the 90 day wait of getting my refund I am finally close to getting my Armadillo HT. Below is the timeline of my order to give an idea to those who have recently ordered, or in the same batch or still thinking of ordering. I will say Fabian has been 100% transparent and truthful about any delays to the whole process. Also since the time of my order there have been many improvements in the manufacturing process including access to a much larger powder coating facility which will help them de-bottleneck this constraint.

9/20/24 - Order #413 Placed (Black Slantback) - week 0
11/18/24 - Cutting and Bending (must have just missed the previous batch) - 8.5 wks after order
1/13/25 - Welding and Blending - 16.5 wks after order
3/20/25 - Powder Coating (currently taking 4 to 6 wks) - 25.5 wks after order
4/17 to 5/1 (est) - Assembly and QC - 29.5 to 31.5 wks after order
4/24 to 5/8 (est) - Crating and Shipment - 30.5 to 32.5 wks after order

Based on the information that Fabian has shared in social media and me chatting with him I would guess that 20 week delivery is what they can probably do if order is placed today. Which is reasonable considering this is mostly a custom hand made product of high quality(based on feedback from those who have taken delivery). I will try to avoid getting too excited until it shows up in my driveway but it sure is getting close.

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[B22-2023]

When I take delivery - I’m thinking of adding a trail light on the lower beveled edge of the gull wing (see pic, gold highlight). I see cheap light strips on Amazon, they’d work. But does anyone have an idea of what could mount here, low-profile, as camp area or night trail driving flood lighting?

 

[Slei]

When I take delivery - I’m thinking of adding a trail light on the lower beveled edge of the gull wing (see pic, gold highlight). I see cheap light strips on Amazon, they’d work. But does anyone have an idea of what could mount here, low-profile, as camp area or night trail driving flood lighting?

I have been toying with the idea of putting strip light inside the wings so they could be opened for a camp/work light but had not thought to mount them outside.

My first thought is Morimoto backup lights. Small thin, surprisingly bright, and durable.
https://www.morimotohid.com/XTR-LP-Reverse-Light-System?quantity=1
You could go with something like Alpena under car light strips as they are waterproof but I would not trust them to take a good tree branch hit.
Final thought is Marine/boat lights. Again waterproof, low profile, well made, and durable, but probably not as bright.

 

[mangelo]

LOVING these ideas on lighting mounted to Armadillo top @B22-2023 and @Slei ! Mounting inside gull wing and hatch back so when opening at night you can have a light is SO slick Do you wire power directly into the harness or do you use a marine battery or simply internal batteries for camping lights? I have the Gobi Rack and it will be set up for Armadillo top via last SEMA show, so there will be more external mount points to play with.

Good stuff. thank you!

M

I have been toying with the idea of putting strip light inside the wings so they could be opened for a camp/work light but had not thought to mount them outside.

My first thought is Morimoto backup lights. Small thin, surprisingly bright, and durable.
https://www.morimotohid.com/XTR-LP-Reverse-Light-System?quantity=1
You could go with something like Alpena under car light strips as they are waterproof but I would not trust them to take a good tree branch hit.
Final thought is Marine/boat lights. Again waterproof, low profile, well made, and durable, but probably not as bright.

 

[Chritaka]

A quick update since I've had it for about a month:
1) I've had to tighten the latches a few times now. Some areas more than others, else I got a slight squeak.
2) The panels weigh a good bit and can be a bit awkward to handle by yourself given the size, but very doable.
3) I've noticed slightly better gas mileage, maybe 1-1.5 mpg better.
4) When I shut the tailgate, I have to push the passenger corner of weather stripping down so it sits properly and doesn't bulge at the top corner of the tailgate. A little annoying, but it is slightly forming and laying down better and better over time.
5) If you take the front driver/passenger panel off, leave the rear passenger panel on, you have the windows up, but then go over 50 mph you get this very strange wind chamber scenario, it's hard to describe. It's like the slight flexing of the 2nd panel, and the air deflecting into the cabin , causes these waves/echo of the air to hit you in pulses. It almost hurts the ears.... If you crack the windows a bit, or put them down it mostly dissipates. I was slightly concerned about the wind force getting under that second panel and the stress it was putting on those latches. So I would suggest if you're planning to get on the highway, just remove both panels.
6) The panel bags are great and both panels fit snuggly in the back. If you have side molle's that go all the way down, you will probably run into a problem....they're a snug fit in the bags!

 

[Ninjak]

@Chritaka : Great information. I need to purchase some panel bags. I see that is a snug fit, but it fits! Also they are sturdy enough to put something on top of them if needed.

 

[Chritaka]

@Chritaka : Great information. I need to purchase some panel bags. I see that is a snug fit, but it fits! Also they are sturdy enough to put something on top of them if needed.

Definitely sturdy enough. When putting in the bags I close all the latches so they lay flatter and snag less going in/out.

 

[Chritaka]

A quick update since I've had it for about a month:
1) I've had to tighten the latches a few times now. Some areas more than others, else I got a slight squeak.
2) The panels weigh a good bit and can be a bit awkward to handle by yourself given the size, but very doable.
3) I've noticed slightly better gas mileage, maybe 1-1.5 mpg better.
4) When I shut the tailgate, I have to push the passenger corner of weather stripping down so it sits properly and doesn't bulge at the top corner of the tailgate. A little annoying, but it is slightly forming and laying down better and better over time.
5) If you take the front driver/passenger panel off, leave the rear passenger panel on, you have the windows up, but then go over 50 mph you get this very strange wind chamber scenario, it's hard to describe. It's like the slight flexing of the 2nd panel, and the air deflecting into the cabin , causes these waves/echo of the air to hit you in pulses. It almost hurts the ears.... If you crack the windows a bit, or put them down it mostly dissipates. I was slightly concerned about the wind force getting under that second panel and the stress it was putting on those latches. So I would suggest if you're planning to get on the highway, just remove both panels.
6) The panel bags are great and both panels fit snuggly in the back. If you have side molle's that go all the way down, you will probably run into a problem....they're a snug fit in the bags!

One more:
7) Don’t roll down the windows after a big rain until you make a few turns! The roof collects a LOT of water around the panels and you’ll get a bath! Gutters would have been a nice addition…

 

[SierraBronco]

One more:
7) Don’t roll down the windows after a big rain until you make a few turns! The roof collects a LOT of water around the panels and you’ll get a bath! Gutters would have been a nice addition…

Can’t verify this with the rain, but it’s definitely an issue after washing the car

 

[Ninjak]

Can’t verify this with the rain, but it’s definitely an issue after washing the car

Lol I live in Miami. It indeed a VERY REAL thing! I have a swiper that I bring out and clear the water. After that its ok.

 

[B22-2023]

Lol I live in Miami. It indeed a VERY REAL thing! I have a swiper that I bring out and clear the water. After that its ok.

I don’t have a hard top but people here have talked about a drip rail or something that sticks on, from Mabett maybe? If it is available might fit the Armadillo.

 

[TheLawnDart]

Oh one note … if you are having them do the install, let them know ahead of time if you want them to relocate the GPS/XM antenna

Fwiw if you didn’t get it installed I did a write up and video on how to do it at home the same way they do it.

 

[Pseudoko]

Fwiw if you didn’t get it installed I did a write up and video on how to do it at home the same way they do it.

thanks but I actually drove to Texas to have them install great experience but your video could help others here that are having it shipped.

 

[Sharena Robertson]

Read these posts from beginning to now.

I was SO afraid of buying a hardtop because i was afraid of getting scammed. The ford hardtop is crap. So I waited and enjoyed my 2021 Bronco with her soft top for a few years…awesome vehicle…happy with it as it was.

Then when I was stalking Armadillo Designs and ADV Fiberglass, I saw Armadillo Designs were beginning production.

Do I drop the cash and take the chance?

How do new and upcoming businesses and products get out there in the world if I don’t? But what if it never happens? Screw it, let’s do it!

I can tell you that these guys work their asses off and are the real deal. I feel like if anyone can make it, they can.

After Fabian took us on a tour, I looked at Sam, who was sitting next to me watching the install last week and said, “wow. You guys have done amazing things here.” And I felt like all my past worries were just silly.

I am proud to be part of what they have worked so hard for and this hardtop is a beast.

Hubby and I drove 4,779.3 miles from the tippy top of California to Bellville, Texas and peeps…we are NOT young…lol.

Sound Decimals (db) went from 78 with the soft top to 64 dm with their hard top. Gas mileage improved about 1.5 mpg. AND the seal inside improved…with the soft top if you opened a window in a windy area you couldn’t close it. With their hard top you can hear the seal happen when you roll your window up or close the doors.

The guys who installed it were so cool and explained all the things to us…I am confident that the choice we made to get this hard top was the best choice.

While we drove away they all watched us and waved (Fabian was most likely thinking, “one less person to get email after email from…lol).

I know as they get bigger, they may not be able to have such a personal interaction with their clients. But we are thrilled we got to meet them and be part of the beginning of a good thing.

Wheels/tires/lift are later this week…but my Bronco has never been happier. It was a fun and exciting experience!

 

[Pseudoko]

Read these posts from beginning to now.

I was SO afraid of buying a hardtop because i was afraid of getting scammed. The ford hardtop is crap. So I waited and enjoyed my 2021 Bronco with her soft top for a few years…awesome vehicle…happy with it as it was.

Then when I was stalking Armadillo Designs and ADV Fiberglass, I saw Armadillo Designs were beginning production.

Do I drop the cash and take the chance?

How do new and upcoming businesses and products get out there in the world if I don’t? But what if it never happens? Screw it, let’s do it!

I can tell you that these guys work their asses off and are the real deal. I feel like if anyone can make it, they can.

After Fabian took us on a tour, I looked at Sam, who was sitting next to me watching the install last week and said, “wow. You guys have done amazing things here.” And I felt like all my past worries were just silly.

I am proud to be part of what they have worked so hard for and this hardtop is a beast.

Hubby and I drove 4,779.3 miles from the tippy top of California to Bellville, Texas and peeps…we are NOT young…lol.

Sound Decimals (db) went from 78 with the soft top to 64 dm with their hard top. Gas mileage improved about 1.5 mpg. AND the seal inside improved…with the soft top if you opened a window in a windy area you couldn’t close it. With their hard top you can hear the seal happen when you roll your window up or close the doors.

The guys who installed it were so cool and explained all the things to us…I am confident that the choice we made to get this hard top was the best choice.

While we drove away they all watched us and waved (Fabian was most likely thinking, “one less person to get email after email from…lol).

I know as they get bigger, they may not be able to have such a personal interaction with their clients. But we are thrilled we got to meet them and be part of the beginning of a good thing.

Wheels/tires/lift are later this week…but my Bronco has never been happier. It was a fun and exciting experience!

welcome to the armadillo family

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