SUCCESS: First Installed Bronco Bestop Bimini Sun Shade - Pics, Installation Notes, Impressions

[Mando6337]

I’m definitely getting one. That is for the review and pictures.

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[ssolypop]

I ordered the Bestop Bimini top literally two days ago through my dealer. They said yesterday it was backordered, then later that day IT ARRIVED! Below is installation/thoughts:


INSTALLATION:

The directions scared me because they only mentioned a hard top, despite the Accessories catalog saying it fit both. But with a little common sense it's not an issue.

In the instructions, this bracket goes on the current hardtop bracket. But, alas, the softop bracket is farther back and different in design. But there is a pre-threaded hole for the bolt in exactly the right place. Crisis averted.

Not sure if you can make it out, but I screwed the back straps to the outside of the speaker bolt. The instructions say to attach it on the inside, but I didn't like the fit. It seems to be designed to go the way I did it. Win for me!


END RESULT:

THOUGHTS:

I had expected it to be easier to take on/off. Apparently, at least one bracket will need to be loosened and a the back straps unlooped from the buckles. 5 minutes maybe?

The front clasps have to be undone and the front part of the Bimini buttoned to itself to shut the top. I'll let you know the ease of that...


UPDATE:

So a trip to town later...

There is a good bit more wind noise at 60 mph, but livable.

Hey, those plastic clips that weren't in the instructions... apparently they are used to keep the extra cord from flapping everywhere. Who knew?

Flapping of the shade is minimal. I wouldn't enjoy the interstate with it on I imagine. But the highway was ok.

It did a good job of cutting down on the sun. Overall did what I hoped in that regard.


UPDATE (2):



The clips went on easier than I thought. I used a key to pry open one half of the plastic clip and slide the other side of the strap in. Then clipped the strap to a tightened part.

Every strap has a clip to fasten it down. I think it will help flapping.


UPDATE (3):

Update:

I snapped the front to let down the top. A breeze except the snaps to hold it in place don't meet without undoing the front hooks, which in turn makes the front sag. But I just flipped it back without snapping and it's fine. Top goes down without a hitch and latches perfectly.

So with the soft top closed over the bimini, is the noise from the soft top less when driving? Does the bimini do any sound dampening? I know this is probably wishful thinking lol

 

[88to21bronco]

So with the soft top closed over the bimini, is the noise from the soft top less when driving? Does the bimini do any sound dampening? I know this is probably wishful thinking lol

Not noticeably. But let me say that the softtop isn't that loud.

 

[XirallicBolts]

Seeing a mesh top installed, I'm glad we ordered it. Seems like you could keep it on for as long as there's no rain in the forecast for a more open-air feeling and keeping leaves/twigs/woodchippers out.


It's interesting that the mesh top isn't available on Build and Price now. It's been replaced by these interesting Bestop soft panels for the front at an outrageous $1,300. Maybe it has to be ordered through the accessory catalogue now.

 

[KEM IA]

That's the part that makes me wish it were easier to remove. We live in the foothills of the Smoky's so there's lots to see. The kids like watching the stars when we drive at night. You can see through the mesh, but it does hamper visibility significantly.

Yeah the Smoky's are the foothills compared to the Rockies.

 

[swooshdave]

As for the bracket, it is the difference between the hard and soft tops. Not sure why there were no instructions for us softtop folks. Unless they assumed we would use the "top up, windows out" option as a built-in sunshade.

Soft top people with a Bimini.

 

[Peter Gosenya]

Awesome, how about a side shot with those new Toyos.

 

[88to21bronco]

Soft top people with a Bimini.

I get the joke... But for $80 net after my reward points, I can get a good bit of sun protection without the complete blackout of the soft top. Plus, I can leave the rear windows in and fold the top halfway, thus keeping the functionality of a quick close during a popup shower. I live in Tennessee...the saying is, "If you don't like the weather, just wait a minute, it will change."

 

[ColoradoGuy]

Thanks for sharing info on this, OP. I ordered one and plan to use this a lot when the weather is good. I found one for $246 (with shipping and tax) on this site: Genuine OEM Ford Parts & Accessories | Varsity Ford (varsityfordparts.com)

I have one question... is it possible to partially open it and roll it back some? Like just open it above the front row but not above the second row?

 

[88to21bronco]

Thanks for sharing info on this, OP. I ordered one and plan to use this a lot when the weather is good. I found one for $246 (with shipping and tax) on this site: Genuine OEM Ford Parts & Accessories | Varsity Ford (varsityfordparts.com)

I have one question... is it possible to partially open it and roll it back some? Like just open it above the front row but not above the second row?

I'll play with it and see. But it's designed to stay in place for the most part.

 

[Rivers90]

The tires fit great! Like they were meant for it. I have a 4wp level kit waiting on a friend to help install. I'll update.

Take photos and or video of the install . That would be helpful to a lot of people.
Thank you.

 

[DFNMAN]

Is the clearcoat peeling already?

 

[88to21bronco]

Is the clearcoat peeling already?

Umm...no. That's glare from the surroundings. Paint is perfect.

 

[MCG DAWG]

When I get mine just south of Chattanooga you going to come down from McMinnville and show me all the ropes?

Looks great. I want the open air without the harsh sunlight all the time.

Does it have to be removed to reinstall a hard top?

 

[88to21bronco]

When I get mine just south of Chattanooga you going to come down from McMinnville and show me all the ropes?

Looks great. I want the open air without the harsh sunlight all the time.

Does it have to be removed to reinstall a hard top?

It doesn't have to be removed, but the front section has to be folded back. 1 minute max.

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