Half/Bikini Top Recomendations

[CoffeeAchiever]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this Jeep thing (just got an '05 SE) and I'm looking for advise before I purchase my first accessory - a half or "bikini" top. Now that the weather is turning favorable here in the desert southwest, I plan to run my TJ with a half-top most of the time. What brand of half/bikini top would you experienced Jeep owners recommend?

I just learned that most of the aftermarket half-tops require mounting a windshield bracket semi permanently to the windshield frame itself. I'd prefer not to drill holes in my Jeep's windshield frame. Also, I've read that some people have experienced problems with half-tops that leak between the leading edge of the top and the windshield frame when driving in a rain shower. Now, as a veteran motorcyclist, I'm not afraid of a little water. I just don’t relish the thought of being sprayed in the face as I'm driving down the freeway.

Please let me know your opinions of the various half-top products out there. I plan to buy and install my half-top by mid October.

Thanks for your help!

[desertdawg]

Best Top makes a good product. You need to buy the header rail along with it to attach it. No drilling required. It uses the same attachment points as your OEM top. I prefer a safari top rather than a bikini top because it provides shade for the rear passenger compartment as well. I haven't had any leaks with mine.

[AzTrailrunner]

By the best..Bestop! x2 on the no-drill header.I went with the Bikini top because i never have more than two people in my TJ. Especially since my rear seat is in storage:) Bestop advertises a strapless Bikini which i think i would like compared to the strap model.personally i think running totally open from now until May is awesome.I use the Bikini during hot months.

[4 Wheelers Supply]

We only sell the Bestop brand. They are the best in quaility. Make sure you ask for the header style no drill channel. :) We stock the standard and the safari styles. Call myself(Simon) or Cole and let us know you are from the AZVJC.
Good luck and fun with your new toy:)

[aklars1]

definetly go with Bestop I had a bikini top on my 97' and it worked great.( Didn't have the back seat in so didn't have to worry about the extra shade from a safari:D )

[desertdawg]

I don't have my back seat in either, but the safari top provides shade and rain protection for the cargo I keep back there. Plus the ice doesn't melt as fast in your cooler when it's in the shade.

[LOST TJ]

X5 on Bestop and X2 on the Safari Top. I know i love mine. :D

[Sedona Jeep School]

I have always found these to be very inexpensive and easy to install:

http://wickedweasel.com/

Enjoy, guys! :D (Where is the smiley with little devil horns?)

[jeepin_in_az]

I have always found these to be very inexpensive and easy to install:

http://wickedweasel.com/

Enjoy, guys! :D (Where is the smiley with little devil horns?)


DAMN Nena!!! You trying to get us all in trouble!!! :eek:

[cypherjoe]

I have always found these to be very inexpensive and easy to install:

http://wickedweasel.com/

Enjoy, guys! :D (Where is the smiley with little devil horns?)

That was cool!

I dont know about the inexpensive part though:eek:

[Nnote]

I'd go with the safari top. Problem is, I have to buy a new one every year at 80 bucks a pop. The velcro always ends up rippin off and it flaps around. and that's the bestop....

[AZXJ]

I have always found these to be very inexpensive and easy to install:

http://wickedweasel.com/

Enjoy, guys! :D (Where is the smiley with little devil horns?)

Sure wish we could market that.... :D Phew... Damn........

[Triple-XJ]

I have always found these to be very inexpensive and easy to install:

http://wickedweasel.com/

Enjoy, guys! :D (Where is the smiley with little devil horns?)

I'm not sure what looks better, the top or the SEAT :eek:

[jeepin_in_az]

Sure wish we could market that.... :D Phew... Damn........

I don't think there is enough room for "Simply Offroad" on those Dave!!

[CoffeeAchiever]

Thanks for the input everyone. I checked the Bestop site and their "Header Bikini"/"No-Drill Windshield Channel" combo looks like what I'm looking for. I'm glad to hear that those of you running Bestop Bikini Tops haven't had problems with the header/windshield frame leaking. Bestop also makes the color I'm looking for - khaki.

By the way Nena, I liked your "Bikini" suggestion. Interesting installation and removal possibilities! My wife on the other hand strongly suggested that I go with the Bestop product. She pointed out that the WickedWeasel option could have painful consequences - at least for me. ;-)