Owner Experiences with Bimini Mesh Shade

[XirallicBolts]

Looking for some feedback, curious if mine's a fluke.

I noticed the aluminum extrusion that goes over your head feels like it should've been maybe half an inch longer. On mine, it just *barely* rests on the mounting bracket on either side. If the mount rotates slightly, the extrusion could pop off.

The little plastic endbushings as well, their inner hole is much bigger than the mounting bracket tab they slide into. This lets the extrustion bounce and make a ton of noise at anything above 45mph. I managed to lose one of the two bushings so now I'm working on designing / printing ones that are longer and fit snugger.

How has the setup been working for others? Anyone find a better solution for the rear strap that normally involves removing two long screws from the speakers? A bit adapter makes it quicker, but still kind of annoying.

Sponsored

 

[carrellslake]

Can you be specific on which mesh top you're referring to?

 

[toymaster]

......

How has the setup been working for others? Anyone find a better solution for the rear strap that normally involves removing two long screws from the speakers? A bit adapter makes it quicker, but still kind of annoying.

The mesh top is made to stay in place under either weather top. You only have to mess with those screws when you install or remove the entire mesh top.


With the other question, we may need more info. But from what I can gather your aluminum center support seems to be looser than it should be, should be tight. The metal support brackets on either side have slotted holes, so there is some adjustment there, make sure the brackets are mounted all the way inward.

 

[XirallicBolts]

Can you be specific on which mesh top you're referring to?

Hmm. It's not on the Build-and-Price anymore, nor does it show up on the Ford Accessories site. It just shows up on my 2022 window sticker as "Top - Mesh Shade Bimini"

edit: this one Bronco 2Dr 2021-2023 Soft Mesh Bimini Top ~ VM2DZ54500W00A (ford.com)

The mesh top is made to stay in place under either weather top. You only have to mess with those screws when you install or remove the entire mesh top.

How would that work? The mesh shade attaches to the same spots as the hardtop in the front. I guess you're right, instructions say hardtop can stay on, but that just seems weird.

Edit 2: " Snap Straps are only used when the Hard Panels are Removed, other wise the front Area of the Bikini is folded and Snapped back to itself. " Uhhh... I guess? Why not just take it all the way off at that point?

Tangent: "Bikini Front Flap folds back to itself and snaps. When Hard Panels are on, this is how the Bikini will need to be in “Flap Open Position”. This position inables access to the Hard Panel Latches. "
My God. The legal section is in perfect English, but the actual instructions are riddled with random capitalization and misspellings. I don't understand how a product, from a well-known company like Bestop, licensed by Ford, can have such terrible instructions. The instructions for the tailgate table are even worse. Is there not a single person at FoMoCo who can say "Hey, this is pretty vague and negatively affects customer experience."

 

[D Rock]

I have the exact same issue with the Bestop Bimini top - I just installed it last weeked. That extrusion kept falling off. I loosened all of the bolts that are holding the bracket where it attaches, and pushed the bracket inward and retightened them (did both sides). This took up some of the tolerance, and it hasn't fallen out again. It has only been 2 days, so we will see. But I am with you, that extrusion should be 1/4 - 1/2" longer.

Also have had issues with the plastic pieces falling out.

 

[XirallicBolts]

I have the exact same issue with the Bestop Bimini top - I just installed it last weeked. That extrusion kept falling off. I loosened all of the bolts that are holding the bracket where it attaches, and pushed the bracket inward and retightened them (did both sides). This took up some of the tolerance, and it hasn't fallen out again. It has only been 2 days, so we will see. But I am with you, that extrusion should be 1/4 - 1/2" longer.

Also have had issues with the plastic pieces falling out.

I think I have a design settled on replacing the bushings with longer/tighter versions. Do you have any issues with it rattling at higher speeds? At 50mph I could cut my overall noise in half by simply holding onto the aluminum extrusion.

 

[toymaster]

...

Edit 2: " Snap Straps are only used when the Hard Panels are Removed, other wise the front Area of the Bikini is folded and Snapped back to itself. " Uhhh... I guess? Why not just take it all the way off at that point?

...

So you don't have to remove the center bar and screw attached straps in the back.

I installed the shade last weekend and re-installed the hardtop this weekend, took me a minute to figure out how to access all the latches, but it does work. The mesh top is not in the way at all and IMO running with no shade is extremely tiring and hot. The mesh is a necessity so leaving it in place is the best option.

 

[Five-O Donut Hole]

I’ve had good luck with mine so far. No rattling and the two metal extensions fit perfectly with room for adjustments if needed. I’ve left it on when putting the hardtop back on and didn’t have any issues…just took a few minutes making sure the hardtop attachments could latch properly.
I didn’t like the loss of 4-5 inches of headroom with the shade installed under the top so now take the extra 5-10 minutes removing/installing it.

OP, what is that plastic piece you included in the photo?

 

[XirallicBolts]

OP, what is that plastic piece you included in the photo?

The little bushing in the ends of the aluminum bar, including the amount of wiggle room left in it.

I printed replacement ones with a tighter fit, no wiggle anymore. Taking it on the interstate today and I expect a much quieter ride.

 

[D Rock]

I think I have a design settled on replacing the bushings with longer/tighter versions. Do you have any issues with it rattling at higher speeds? At 50mph I could cut my overall noise in half by simply holding onto the aluminum extrusion.

With the bar properly held up there I’m not noting rattling. It has not fallen back out yet, but I’m still not confident in it.

Sponsored