OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #61
I remember having to mess with that bar a good bit to get it to fit right.
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SUCCESS: First Installed Bronco Bestop Bimini Sun Shade - Pics, Installation Notes, Impressions
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OP
OP
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- #62
I secured the straps to the outside of speaker bolts rather than underneath the speakers. Did you do that?
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I did the inside. Saw the TFL video and BT put them on the outside as well. Again, the instructions are trash, appear to be written and illustrated by a 3rd grader. If it’s supposed to go on the outside that’s fine. If not, the brass ring is undersized and deforms on the speaker stem.
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Can we get a pic from the side with the top on? Curious how the back window looks. If it’s wavy or not. ThanksI 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.
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #65
I mean, I guess... my soft top looks just like everyone else's. The bimini doesn't change anything about wavy windows.
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In the TFL video, his windows look like they’re more taught. No waves. So that’s why I was curious if you had the same results. Unless yours is different than that one?
What is the outside of the speaker bolts? Are you talking about the two bolts that the instructions say to loosen?
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #68
Yes. My reading of the instructions were that the strap went between the speaker and the roll bar. I attached it between the bolt head and the speaker. It seemed to fit better.
TFL installed the Bestop soft top accessory.
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...icial-details-twill-vinyl-part-numbers.14288/
OP has the factory Ford soft top.
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Holy shit. Sorry. Must’ve missed that part. Thanks for filling me in.
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I'll have to look at these, not sold so far. Really don't like that there seems to be a cross bar behind the driver's seat? That would be a no for me.
I'll just wait and see how much the full sun bothers me, on really hot days I'd have the roof closed anyways, but some protection is probably nice even on non furnace days. Want to see the options in person before spending time and $ though. Thanks for the report and photos, helpful in my decision making!
I'll just wait and see how much the full sun bothers me, on really hot days I'd have the roof closed anyways, but some protection is probably nice even on non furnace days. Want to see the options in person before spending time and $ though. Thanks for the report and photos, helpful in my decision making!
You flip back the front and your standard top closes with it still on works well just installed one tonight.
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Now that you've had it a while, any bird bombs and how was the aftermath?
OP
OP
- Thread starter
- #74
I have not had any yet knock on wood.
My kids have complained about it because they want an unobstructed view of the sky at night. They talked me into taking it "off," i.e., undoing the velcro at the center pole and rolling it up. It fits well on top of the back roll bar between it and the top.
I left the center support pole in place. It isn't bothersome.
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.
Is there a bar in the middle of the Bimini top?
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