8cam's 2-door Badlands

[8cam]

I originally ordered my Bronco with the @Bestop_Team Trektop, but after living with the hard top for a little while I decided I really liked the back half of the hard top and the rear window/wiper. Last week I sold the Trektop and I ordered the Bestop Sunrider and it showed up yesterday. Project time!

I watched the install video on YouTube first, and it's a great primer. I almost didn't need the paper instructions, but I did use them at each step just to make sure I didn't miss anything. They do say get a helper when you lift it onto the Bronco, and while it's a little awkward I'll say this reasonably fit 53-year-old managed it solo just fine.

The only missing items in the instructions were that you need a T27 to remove the factory center bolts, and at least in my kit the replacement bolts were T30, not 40.

30 minutes start to finish, really a nicely engineered piece. It could be factory. Once installed, the fabric is VERY tight, so much so it was difficult to close and then re-open. But after parking in the sun for a little while it was no issue.

Hard top panels forever removed

Parts and instructions

Installed and out in the sun

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[8cam]

Today I got the windows tinted and added a tinted windshield header. No more heat coming through the windows, what a huge difference. I had them match the tint from the rear windows and I think it turned out just perfect.

 

[8cam]

Critical step when your windows are tinted.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

Today I got the windows tinted and added a tinted windshield header. No more heat coming through the windows, what a huge difference. I had them match the tint from the rear windows and I think it turned out just perfect.

Do you happen to know what % tint the rear windows are or what % you added to match them?

 

[EL in NH]

How long can you not put the tinted windows down?

 

[8cam]

Do you happen to know what % tint the rear windows are or what % you added to match them?

I believe they are 35%. The shop did a great job matching it up, really happy with the result, and It blocks pretty much all the radiant heat. Totally worth it.

 

[8cam]

How long can you not put the tinted windows down?

Two days at least. I waited three before I put them down. He told me a full week before they dried completely. I’m using them normally now, no issues at all.

 

[8cam]

We are headed out on a long weekend camping trip in the morning and I can’t wait. I’ll say this much, mounting up the old Trasharoo was a lot tougher on the Bronco than on my old Land Cruiser. Since the spare is on the tailgate instead of a swing out, it makes routing the straps a little challenging. But it’s there and secure. Hopefully I’ll have some good pics after the weekend.

 

[8cam]

Just realized this thread needed a little updating. Here are some pics from that camping trip. We timed it perfectly, the fall colors were just beautiful.

 

[8cam]

This was a small, but significant mod that I really like. In my previous truck I used a RAM mount with the X-style phone holder and then used a regular charging cable for the phone. That worked really well and I liked it a lot. Setting up the phone was a 2-handed, 2-step process. Putting it into the X holder, then connecting the charge cable. Not a big deal and it worked great.

But this is a huge improvement on that setup. I used @EIGHTLUG 's SLAP from Archetype Racing to replace the stock accessory mount, which gives me 3 different mounts and is a lot more solid. I also have one of their BALLS on order which will be used for a camera or pretty much anything else I want. Then I added 67 Designs' Bronco Ball and carbon fiber arms (I have two) along with their MagSafe holder, and finally a MagSafe puck from Apple. Now it's a 1-hand, 1-step process and I have a solidly mounted phone that also charges. I should mention my phone is a 13 mini so it's pretty light. 67 Designs also sells a much stronger magnetic mount (which I also have) for larger phones, but for that option you'd have to use a standard charge cable. I love this setup.

I also added Archetype's Badlands console badge because it's just cool.

 

[8cam]

I ordered the SLAP and BALLS from Archetype while sitting on the back deck with friends. After a few beers, I pulled up their site and read the description of the BALLS...dammit we laughed so hard that I HAD to order them.

AR | B.A.L.L.S.

 

[mtclimb3r]

What type of tent did you have on your land cruiser? The bronco looks amazing. Can't wait for mine to come (also a 2-door).

 

[8cam]

What type of tent did you have on your land cruiser? The bronco looks amazing. Can't wait for mine to come (also a 2-door).

Thanks! That was a prototype Terrapod and it was an ideal solution. Low profile, low weight, and yet I could stand on it. The company is owned by a friend of mine and he's in full production with them now, highly recommended.

 

[mtclimb3r]

I thought it was a terrapod. I had a go fast camper on my truck before I sold it a few weeks ago. Terrapod is in the running for a RTT on the bronco, particularly the solo. I need the ability to either remove the tent until I need to use it, or be able to store stuff up there while it's still on. The 2-door bronco with the limited storage means I'll need to store more on the roof.

The other contender is the GFC superlite tent whenever it gets re-released. The V1 only weighs 80 pounds and is designed to be removed frequently.

 

[8cam]

I thought it was a terrapod. I had a go fast camper on my truck before I sold it a few weeks ago. Terrapod is in the running for a RTT on the bronco, particularly the solo. I need the ability to either remove the tent until I need to use it, or be able to store stuff up there while it's still on. The 2-door bronco with the limited storage means I'll need to store more on the roof.

The other contender is the GFC superlite tent whenever it gets re-released. The V1 only weighs 80 pounds and is designed to be removed frequently.

The nice thing about the Terrapod is how strong it is. You can get a roof rack and put stuff on top of the XL.

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