I had the canvas version on my radar (VM2DZ-54500W00-C), but that part seems to have gone AWOL.
The mesh isn't enough for the roasting sun out west.
For installing/removing the hard top panels I think
Ah, ok. That makes sense! I didn't realize that you could leave it on under the hard top panels.
This is correct. And I have found that you don't have to latch the front button straps. So you can open and shut the top without any latching or unlatching of the sunshade.Yep
You can leave it on year-round with either top
OEM top is not a Bestop Trektop. Those are the fastbacks you occasionally see.
What he said.
Installed mine a couple weeks ago. Instructions were well like most, vague at best lol. I have the hard top, only issue i have is where the middle top panel latches in, the shade needs moved, but other than that I enjoy having it on. Does well with cutting out the sun, does not allow my MGV seats to get as hot with top off. Also allows me to take drives with my 16m old daughter. she loves the wind in her hair but did not like the full sun. Those strap holders are key! You're right nowhere in the instructions!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.
Did you find that the top plate in your first picture angles back slightly when you tighten the straps in the back? The plates didn't insert into the middle support bar very far so I wasn't sure if you had the same experience.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.
