Mesh safari/bikini tops|General 4x4 Discussion|Forum|Gold Hills Posse 4x4

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Mesh safari/bikini tops
April 21, 2010
4:11 pm
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Fred
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Has anyone seen the mesh Safari or bikini Jeep tops in person? If so what did you think?

I'm still trying to decide if I want the Rampage frameless top or the Bestop Sailcloth replace-a-top as a replacement for my aging factory soft top. In the meantime, I need to do something for some sun protection. I really like the riding around with no top but the shade from a solid material safari/bikini is really nice too when the suns really beating down.

I'm thinking the mesh material might be a good compromise. One downside is it wouldn't offer any rain protection at all. At least a solid safari/bikini top keeps some of the rain off.

Choices, choices, choices . . . I need to make up my mind before the May meeting at 4 Wheel Parts. rasta

April 21, 2010
4:40 pm
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Fred
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Something like this looks interesting. One could still put a regular top up over it if necessary.

http://www.spiderwebshade.com/.....oducts.php

It looks like something that would be easy enough to make at home.

April 22, 2010
1:34 am
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k-jeep
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"FAM" wrote: Something like this looks interesting. One could still put a regular top up over it if necessary.

http://www.spiderwebshade.com/.....oducts.php

It looks like something that would be easy enough to make at home.

I like this one. Seems simple, well made, and will let some light in.

Here's a looooooooong thread about it. It seems to be getting good reviews. There's also some links to mesh tarps in there if you want to make your own.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/mesh- ... er-548404/

I don't sew so I will not be making my own. mr-green

Kevin

April 22, 2010
9:24 pm
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k-jeep
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Ordered a SpiderWeb shade today. I like that you don't have to remove it when putting the top on.

I'll let you know about the looks, quality, etc. when I receive it. 😀

Kevin

April 22, 2010
9:37 pm
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Fred
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Cool!

Do you think you'll have it in time for the May meeting? That's my deadline for making a decision. I keep going around and around on this. Today I'm leaning toward the Rampage frameless top AND a Bestop mesh bikini or safari top.

April 22, 2010
9:58 pm
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k-jeep
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"FAM" wrote: Do you think you'll have it in time for the May meeting?

I think so. I already received an email saying that it has shipped. It's coming USPS Priority.

Kevin

April 29, 2010
3:40 pm
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Fred
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I saw on the other topic you got your mesh top. Have any pictures of it?

How much of a gap is there, if any, between the front side roll bar spreaders and the edge of the top?

April 29, 2010
4:18 pm
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k-jeep
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"FAM" wrote: I saw on the other topic you got your mesh top. Have any pictures of it?

How much of a gap is there, if any, between the front side roll bar spreaders and the edge of the top?

There is a gap on mine but I don't have a roll bar pad and cover on the side bars and my front cage has streamer bars in the center that push it up a little. I emailed asking if the JK version was wider but never got a response. Maybe I'll call.

I do like the material.

Kevin

April 29, 2010
4:40 pm
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BKGM Jeepers
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"kevheb" wrote: [quote="FAM"]I saw on the other topic you got your mesh top. Have any pictures of it?

How much of a gap is there, if any, between the front side roll bar spreaders and the edge of the top?

There is a gap on mine but I don't have a roll bar pad and cover on the side bars and my front cage has streamer bars in the center that push it up a little. I emailed asking if the JK version was wider but never got a response. Maybe I'll call.

I do like the material.

The JK version is wider. I think it is about 2", but I'd have to measure both to be sure.

Kathleen and Brad

April 29, 2010
5:41 pm
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Fred
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"BKGM Jeepers" wrote: The JK version is wider. I think it is about 2", but I'd have to measure both to be sure.

You've got both mesh tops to compare?

April 29, 2010
5:42 pm
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Fred
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"kevheb" wrote: There is a gap on mine but I don't have a roll bar pad and cover on the side bars and my front cage has streamer bars in the center that push it up a little.

I've got the same thing. I'm a little concerned about how much gap there may be.

April 29, 2010
6:22 pm
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I'm going to exchange mine for the JK version. I called and he wasn't sure about the fitment but looking at the pictures I think it will be okay. I just want it to be a little wider in the front.

Kevin

April 29, 2010
7:53 pm
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BKGM Jeepers
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"kevheb" wrote: I'm going to exchange mine for the JK version. I called and he wasn't sure about the fitment but looking at the pictures I think it will be okay. I just want it to be a little wider in the front.

My JK top required a different header than a TJ. I'm not sure about a YJ however...

Kathleen and Brad

April 29, 2010
8:10 pm
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"BKGM Jeepers" wrote: [quote="kevheb"]I'm going to exchange mine for the JK version. I called and he wasn't sure about the fitment but looking at the pictures I think it will be okay. I just want it to be a little wider in the front.

My JK top required a different header than a TJ. I'm not sure about a YJ however...

No header required for this top. That's why I like it because I can put my soft top (or bikini top in a pinch if it rains) over it without removing it. 😀

Kevin

April 29, 2010
8:59 pm
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Fred
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"kevheb" wrote: I'm going to exchange mine for the JK version. I called and he wasn't sure about the fitment but looking at the pictures I think it will be okay. I just want it to be a little wider in the front.

Did he give you any dimensions for the JK mesh top?

Edit) I just sent off an email to them. If I hear anything I'll post what I find out.

April 29, 2010
9:10 pm
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k-jeep
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"FAM" wrote: [quote="kevheb"]I'm going to exchange mine for the JK version. I called and he wasn't sure about the fitment but looking at the pictures I think it will be okay. I just want it to be a little wider in the front.

Did he give you any dimensions for the JK mesh top?

Edit) I just sent off an email to them. If I hear anything I'll post what I find out.

I'm trying to find out more too. I'm thinking of maybe hanging on to the one I have until I see how the JK version fits on the YJ. The main guy is out right now but is supposed to call me back today. I'll let you know what I find out.

UPDATE: I received a call back from the girl that works their. She didn't know the width of the JK model but they are going to ship one out tomorrow. If it comes as quick as the last one I should have it around Tuesday. I'll see how it fits and then return which ever one I decide not to keep. I'll let you know how it goes. They were very polite and helpful. 😀

Kevin

April 30, 2010
1:50 am
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Hey Kevin!
Instead of returning the top, I might be interested in
buying it off of you if you think it might fit over my
rockhard cage?? Do you have the width measurement?
Sue

April 30, 2010
2:26 am
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k-jeep
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The SW1 measures in at 42"x60".

The space (inner edge to inner edge) between my front roll cage is 46" which would have left 2" on each side (I could have lived with that) but with the streamer bars in the middle pushing the top up I think it was closer to a 3"- 4" gap (forgot to measure but see picture below).

When I get the SW1JK-2D I will measure and check the fitment.

Brad, do you know the width of the space between the front roll cage on your JK?

Attached files

58781=2407-P4260090 (Custom).JPGImage Enlarger

Kevin

April 30, 2010
5:21 pm
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BKGM Jeepers
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"kevheb" wrote: The SW1 measures in at 42"x60".

The space (inner edge to inner edge) between my front roll cage is 46" which would have left 2" on each side (I could have lived with that) but with the streamer bars in the middle pushing the top up I think it was closer to a 3"- 4" gap (forgot to measure but see picture below).

When I get the SW1JK-2D I will measure and check the fitment.

Brad, do you know the width of the space between the front roll cage on your JK?

Off hand, no, but I can check tonight.

Kathleen and Brad

May 1, 2010
6:24 pm
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BKGM Jeepers
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The inside of the pads are 45" and the outsides are 52".

Kathleen and Brad

May 4, 2010
12:01 am
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k-jeep
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Received the JK version today and unfortunately it's the exact same dimensions with different grommet locations.

I would have thought that their customer service would know about their product instead of saying they don't know and paying shipping costs to send another. 😯

It's interesting that the JK seems wider but the roll cage is the same width.

I think I'll be sending both back as they are too narrow for the front of my roll cage.

Kevin

May 4, 2010
12:21 am
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On second thought, maybe I'll keep the original. Maybe come up with some filler material for the gap. idea

Kevin

May 4, 2010
12:36 am
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Fred
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Thanks for posting your info about the mesh top. Sorry it didn't work out better for you. I think I'll just get the Bestop mesh safari top for now.

May 4, 2010
2:30 am
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k-jeep
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I just received a response after I sent an email notifying that I would be returning them.

They said they can make custom sizes as well. I asked for a price on a 46" x 60".

For me, that will fill the gap while allowing enough room for my bikini top straps.

I'll let you know what I find out about price.

Kevin

May 7, 2010
1:56 am
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k-jeep
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Ended up sending both back today. I just wasn't happy with the fit. 🙁

They want $120 + shipping for a custom 46" x 60". 😯

I'm going to see what other mesh tops are available for the YJ.

Kevin

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