Which Bimini Mesh Sunshade & why?

[asuitelife]

As I mentioned above I started with an Amazon aliensunshade Bimini top for my Braptor. I added a zipper pocket and reinforcement for the center roll bar that braptors have. With that template i made another mesh top out of phifer suntex 95 (5% open) and one out of sunbrella seamark (think acrylic canvas with a rubber/vinyl type coating on the bottom). This pattern that i am using does have bungee straps and does have gaps.....so not a fully "closed" as a jtop. But i can fully install or remove in just a couple minutes.
Here is a pic of the zipper pocket and reinforcement.

I'm more worried about the velcro starting to come off on it's own, and every piece of velcro that I've ever tried in my rig is full of debris/burrs/lint and I can't see how this wouldn't end up the same.

I like the concept of Jtops, but adhesive velcro is just a dealbreaker for me.

Bungees may stretch over time, but are really easy to replace.

That’s a great idea!

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[MORaptor1]

That’s a great idea!

Was done out of necessity. The top for the standard bronco will work in a pinch, but it does bounce/pop/rattle on top of the roll bar thing that braptors have.....so i had to secure it. Also moved two grommets into a better spot since the hardware for the roll bar thing kind of make one set of bungees hard to use.

 

[MORaptor1]

I'm more worried about the velcro starting to come off on it's own, and every piece of velcro that I've ever tried in my rig is full of debris/burrs/lint and I can't see how this wouldn't end up the same.

I like the concept of Jtops, but adhesive velcro is just a dealbreaker for me.

Bungees may stretch over time, but are really easy to replace.

bungees are cheap and easy.....but you dont have to use them. 1/8" polyester cord around the same provisions the bungees attach to works fine. Its more permanent, but it works.

 

[Gene Dios]

I bought the gearshade because it has pockets up front that are very useful

 

[Fatfireman]

I'm more worried about the velcro starting to come off on it's own, and every piece of velcro that I've ever tried in my rig is full of debris/burrs/lint and I can't see how this wouldn't end up the same.

I like the concept of Jtops, but adhesive velcro is just a dealbreaker for me.

Bungees may stretch over time, but are really easy to replace.

That makes sense, I was sort of thinking once that top goes on I'm not taking it off. And maybe that protects that velcro.

 

[HCGxKaLiBeR]

The one with zippers at the front and the back. OEM mash has them.

Front zipper makes taking on/off front roof panels very easy as you need to reach through the mash to get to the latches.

Back zipper makes taking on/off the back cap very easy. Assuming you have a hoist. You need to reach through the mash again to get the hoist arm through.

I take mine on and off depending on the weather. Less than 5 mins with powertool for the bolts.

 

[Fatfireman]

As I mentioned above I started with an Amazon aliensunshade Bimini top for my Braptor. I added a zipper pocket and reinforcement for the center roll bar that braptors have. With that template i made another mesh top out of phifer suntex 95 (5% open) and one out of sunbrella seamark (think acrylic canvas with a rubber/vinyl type coating on the bottom). This pattern that i am using does have bungee straps and does have gaps.....so not a fully "closed" as a jtop. But i can fully install or remove in just a couple minutes.
Here is a pic of the zipper pocket and reinforcement.

Pretty cool you have the skills to do that.

 

[Techun]

I'm more worried about the velcro starting to come off on it's own, and every piece of velcro that I've ever tried in my rig is full of debris/burrs/lint and I can't see how this wouldn't end up the same.

I like the concept of Jtops, but adhesive velcro is just a dealbreaker for me.

Bungees may stretch over time, but are really easy to replace.

The Velcro isn't really what holds the top on, just the very sides. It's mostly by the front clips, the portions that go under the side brackets, and two loops around the rear bar. If you look at that overhead picture someone posted here you can see those.


Edit I snipped off the zipper tabs after the first day. They jingle jangle right behind your ears, I have no idea how anyone puts up with that! I put a paperclip in the zippers when I want to use them.

 

[Fatfireman]

The one with zippers at the front and the back. OEM mash has them.

Front zipper makes taking on/off front roof panels very easy as you need to reach through the mash to get to the latches.

Back zipper makes taking on/off the back cap very easy. Assuming you have a hoist. You need to reach through the mash again to get the hoise arm through.

I take mine on and off depending on the weather. Less than 5 mins with powertool for the bolts.

Which top is yours? "OEM mash?"

 

[HCGxKaLiBeR]

Which top is yours? "OEM mash?"

Yup. from Ford accessories. Here is the 4 door version.
Part#: VM2DZ54500W00B
https://www.ford.com/product/bimini-top-soft-mesh-for-4door-p2997177683

 

[Fatfireman]

Yup. from Ford accessories. Here is the 4 door version.
Part#: VM2DZ54500W00B
https://www.ford.com/product/bimini-top-soft-mesh-for-4door-p2997177683

Oh yeah, that one is made by Bestop.

 

[DankBronco]

+1 for JTops. Here's mine........

I love the buckeye leaf, was that a custom order?

 

[THE Buckeye Bronco]

With the Raptor, JTops told me that the mesh would be under cross member. I wanted the American flag with the BRONCO text, but Mike w/ JTops told me they didn’t make it for the Raptor because of that. How do you like the attachment set up?

Doug,

i forgot about the added crossbar on the Raptor, which does add to the complexity. The attachment setup was very simple to install (> 30 min), if you follow the instruction video. I have had zero issues with it. I haven't removed it since I installed it. I do loosen it from the Velcro and stretch it out at the beginning of each season; it stays tight and does not flap in the wind.

 

[THE Buckeye Bronco]

I love the buckeye leaf, was that a custom order?

Thanks, yes, it is Dan.

 

[Jakethesnake]

I need to order a bimini mesh sunshade that I can install and not have to remove on my 2024 Raptor. What brand are you running? Would you recommend it? Please pos a photo. TIA

I have a JTop and it’s been great for me. Stays on under my hardtop in the winter and gets used whenever it’s not raining or below 40. Zero issues and has held up perfectly. Nothing looks to be wearing or gives me concerns about it lasting for many more years

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