Softop + Insulation OR hardtop?

[williamset]

I have a 4 dr Bronco with a softop. It was never planned to be my daily, but it's going to have to be. I'd like to do something to reduce the window noise and make the vehicle more comfortable in Ohio winters.

How would getting a bimini and sandwiching insulation between it and the soft top compare to the properties of a Ford OEM hardtop?

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[NoloBroncoBro]

That’s what I do when it gets cold in winter…a bimini top with a 2” foam mattress topper trimmed to size sandwiched above the bimini and under the soft top. Works like a charm…keeping the vehicle warm and also helps dampen highway noise.

 

[moab_b2]

I have 3" foam sandwiches between the bestop bimini and it's way quieter than other soft tops I've been in.

 

[BroncoA512021]

3" foam - works great

 

[LPJunior]

This is going to be my plan this winter unless the aftermarket steps in first. I reached out to hothead headliners and they have a plan to make a soft top insulator, but no ETA when it will be available

 

[williamset]

Thank you all for the responses. Does anyone have any experience as to how this compares to to a hard top solution? I'm okay throwing down the cash for the hardtop if it is better.

 

[helifino16]

Just to add my comments here... I've always had a hard top and can report that I experience a noticeable increase in noise above 40 mph. I also have a Roof Rack and that may contribute noise as well. If you're chasing a 'Cadillac-style' quiet ride with this vehicle, you may be in for a long expensive trip. I know, you think, you spend this kind of money and expect something better than that $16k Jeep I had in 1986; but end up with basically the same thing. Long and short is if you LIKE the soft top, stick with it (squeezing in some padding apparently helps), but it's not going to be wildly different with the hard top.

 

[Headsong]

The trouble with hard tops is a. horrible quality control, still! b. I never see a hard top off. Too bad. Nothing like dropping the top in summer. And I've never had trouble with cold in winter. Ford heat/ac is fantastic.

 

[williamset]

Let me clarify a couple items.....I'm not expecting the vehicle to ever become luxury car quiet. Also, I'm going to keep the softop for the summer, even if I get a hardtop.

The question is really...will there be appreciable benefits to a hardtop over a softop w/ insulation during the long Ohio winter? I don't to waste money, but I wont hesitate to pay $5k for the hard top if it is beneficial.

Thanks!

 

[jtgensler]

I have a 4 dr Bronco with a softop. It was never planned to be my daily, but it's going to have to be. I'd like to do something to reduce the window noise and make the vehicle more comfortable in Ohio winters.

How would getting a bimini and sandwiching insulation between it and the soft top compare to the properties of a Ford OEM hardtop?

look for a dirtydog headliner.
I have one & it makes a world of difference in the winter.
Not sure if they're still making them new or not - I have one saved on my FB marketplace right now from Fairview PA (just west of Erie) if you're on the eastern side of Ohio...
$150 & it makes it a lot quieter when it's in & helps with heat in the winter.

 

[BlarneyStoned]

Dirtydog is going/has gone out of business - they've long been out of all Bronco parts.

 

[Sgt Badlands]

Let me clarify a couple items.....I'm not expecting the vehicle to ever become luxury car quiet. Also, I'm going to keep the softop for the summer, even if I get a hardtop.

The question is really...will there be appreciable benefits to a hardtop over a softop w/ insulation during the long Ohio winter? I don't to waste money, but I wont hesitate to pay $5k for the hard top if it is beneficial.

Thanks!

I would try insulating the soft top. If it doesn’t work to your liking then you will know. Then spend $5k on the hardtop.

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