That's exactly why I didn't opt for the Jtops one, all that velcro along the sides isn't for me. I had one for my Jeep Wrangler for years and loved that version though....
Who wants a bimini installed all the time? 9 months a year you look at velcro glued all over the Bronco. Thats the point. This Safari bimini is meant to be quick on and off, like any Bimini should be.
Just thought I'd post some pics here since I have not seen anybody running the "safari" bimini yet - this one does not have the zippers/middle bar that the other Bestop version has - it's just a super clean, high visibility bimini.
This one fits like a factory product (no gaps, etc), installs super easy with clips and tightening straps, and has a premium build quality to it that you would expect from a brand like Bestop. The flapping at highway/freeway speeds is as minimal as I could imagine a bimini can be - definitely not terrible.
If you want to put your hardtop panels back on, it's pretty quick and easy to loosen the front two straps and the two bolts on the side grommet tabs (2nd pic below). You can actually roll the whole thing up and it fits between the rear hardtop cap and rollbar so you don't have to undo the rear straps and completely remove it every time. The only negative I found was with the hard plastic strap organizers that are included - I found those smack against the rear rollbar at higher speeds so I swapped them out for soft velcro strips which are easier to mess with anyways (see 3rd pic below).
I'm very happy with it thus far as somebody who wanted a simple, functional, and form-fitting bimini. It's a little pricey at $200 but I do think the quality/design is there to justify it.
The best part is that it has a warranty so you can replace it when the straps break off like mine. I gave it a shot 2 times and now I'm just going without. It just wasn't made well enough for my bronco I guess.
yep. I had issues with replacing mine under warranty. The 2nd top lasted less than 2 months just like the first one. Maybe if driving quietly in the neighborhood or less than 30mph it would have lasted longer. I'm looking into something that is made better.
The Velcro is not really glued all over the top. Plus our jTop acts as a headliner to create a smooth interior look. Leaving it on all year has great benefits and also helps the acoustics.
They're talking about when the Jtop is off too...The Velcro is not really glued all over the top. Plus our jTop acts as a headliner to create a smooth interior look. Leaving it on all year has great benefits and also helps the acoustics.
If you look close you will not see any of the commercial grade Velcro.
Mike
I have the 2D version and has been great. I would give it. 9 out of 10. All that Velcro is fugly to me and management said no way!
When putting panels back on, I loosen the front two straps and the two bolts on each side in the middle of the bimini then roll up the bimini to the back rollbar crossmember. It stays rolled up tucked between the hardtop rear cap and rollbar until I remove the top again and reattach the bimini. Deff not as easy as having the zippers but not too bad if you don't have to take on/off panels super frequently. I keep my Bronco garaged when not in use so have the luxury of keeping the top panels off pretty much all the time so it's not too much of a hassle for me. I usually drive my wife's car if it's going to rain haha
Keeping the open air feeling intact as much as possible was also one of my main concerns and I'm very pleased with how this one manages that aspect. Just to be clear, this one is also a Bestop brand top - it is their 'Safari' version (you can find it listed on Bestop's website) instead of the Ford Genuine accessories version that you have.
Legit Question: Are you talking about the 9 months when you have the Hard Top or Soft Top installed "full time"? If so, would you see the velcro attached if you removed the JTops Bimini or would it be covered by the Hard or Softtop?
Not sure about others but I run full open most of spring and fall where I live so the velcro would definitely show. Top on in winter obviously and bimini on when the sun gets hot in summer. Basically 4 months primarily open top, 4 months top on, 4 months bimini.
