Bestop Safari Bikini ... fit sucks.

**LOCKED UP** · 03-25-2010, 08:29 AM

I got a Bestop no drill header and the safari bikini and I gotta tell you ... the fit sucks.

When I was installing it I noticed the header doesn't seem like it really matches the lines of my windshield frame. It clamps down and all but it's not matching up like I thought it would. I applied as much forward pressure as possible and I'm just not happy.

Then, I went to install the top itself and the plastic tab in the front is way to long. Seems like it is going to allow it all to pull right out as sooon as I get on the highway. I tightened the top down as much as I could and it still didn't seem snug. Then one of the plastic loop through pieces snapped as I was tightening it. Awesome.

Am I alone with this or have other people had similar experiences?

Is there a better option than the Bestop unit?

**jbramble24** · 03-25-2010, 09:10 AM

You're not the only one. There was a thread on here about a year ago with a bunch of us that had the same problem. Apparently, Jeep changed the seal on the top of the windshield frame in 2003 or so and the bestop no-drill headers were designed pre-03. The result is most of us with later model Tjs have to deal with a lousy fit. Mine is the same way but I really havent had any problems with it. You get some wind noise but I haven't had any water come in.

Those no-drill headers are why I will never own a viking top or anything similar. One guy in the old thread took an old factory soft top header and modified the bestop safari top to attach to it. Turned out pretty nice.

**2jhanna** · 03-25-2010, 09:21 AM

Deja Vu !!

I got the same set-up for my `02, Christmas before last. When I went to install it for the first time last spring, I had pretty much the same problem and opinion (piece of crap). I worked, struggled, called Bestop support, posted on this forum, etc. But, finaly got it.

The trick it to get the header in the correct position. Mine had the problem of "falling backward" as I would snug it down. Everybody told me to hold it forward. Don't ask me how I did it, and I hope I can do it again this spring. Also, the next best thing was to attach the center strap first to help apply tension as you insert the front.

After I got it on, I loved it for the entire season with no problems, and the fit and look was great.

**jbramble24** · 03-25-2010, 09:28 AM

Take a look in here. If I had an extra factory header laying around, I'd attach my safari top to it.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/no-drill-header-again-747753/

I got spoiled with the mopar bikini top but it just didn't have enough coverage.

**LOCKED UP** · 03-25-2010, 09:46 AM

Nice to know I'm not alone.

Sucks to hear I'm screwed.

So the no drill header won't fit an 04?
Anybody know why or if it is possible with some modification?

2005X · 03-25-2010, 10:13 AM

mine fits perfect on my 05

Ktjex · 03-25-2010, 10:32 AM

I had the exact same problems on my 04 with the bestop safari bikini. The litle ridge was way too long for the no drill header, but I jammed that sucker in there and got it to stay on.

I also had some issue with the Velcro straps that are attached right above the doors....never could figure out what those attached to. Subsequently I just let em hang and rain had free entry inside the doors. Really annoying.

Don't use the top anymore as it died a martyr's death when my apt burned to the ground last year! Didn't bother replacing it after that. Best of luck with yours.

steelhd1 · 03-25-2010, 11:59 AM

I made mine work pretty good on my 05

erickpl · 03-25-2010, 12:22 PM

I have a 97 and haven't noticed any issues. I press down in front while tightening in back and it has never been a problem. When I finally go with a safari top for the season, I may look a bit more closely at how it mounts and see if I can improve it any.

bige2533 · 03-25-2010, 01:44 PM

The gap in the pics from that other thread is crazy. I think there are different years for both the header and bikini. The length of the tie down straps can differ as well.

I have a 99 with no drill header and it fits like a glove. If I had that gap, I'd be pissed!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbramble24

Take a look in here. If I had an extra factory header laying around, I'd attach my safari top to it.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/no-drill-header-again-747753/

I got spoiled with the mopar bikini top but it just didn't have enough coverage.

**jbramble24** · 03-25-2010, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bige2533

The gap in the pics from that other thread is crazy. I think there are different years for both the header and bikini. The length of the tie down straps can differ as well.

I have a 99 with no drill header and it fits like a glove. If I had that gap, I'd be pissed!

It seems like the issue started with the newer TJs, somewhere around 02 or 03.

There is an option for those of us with 03-06 TJs, get rid of the extra plastic trim around the windshield and get a drill in header. I've already changed out the side plastic trim with the older model trim to fit my cage. It would be pretty easy to put in the drill in style on mine now. If I had any extra money laying around, I'd consider it but the Jeep fund is non-existent right now.

SoonerE39 · 03-25-2010, 02:18 PM

I have the drill in style and it works great - every time. Was difficult the first time and easy since then.

**vindicated** · 03-25-2010, 02:23 PM

I have an 06TJ and it fit perfect. The header does sit at a backwards angle, but it is air and water tight. I drive on the freeway everyday for work, and have noticed 0 wind noises. I understand where you are coming from, because per the directions, it basically says it should sit upright, in which it doesnt. The top should actually only come out a 1/4" on both sides of the header... I just clipped the excess plastic off. originally, 4wheelparts sold me the top for the LJ which is both longer and wider... maybe that is what happened?

**critterjeep** · 03-25-2010, 03:41 PM

i have not had an issue on my 03. i know what you are saying bout it feels like the wind is just going to somehow rip it right out of the channel, but this won't happen. i have found that the best way to put the thing on is to center it in the channel, then crank the strap inside that runs from the windshield to the roll bar. that keeps the thing in the channel while you are going around doing all the other straps.

jonalexdeval · 03-25-2010, 06:40 PM

I have an '04 TJ and my no-drill header and bestop safari fit really well.

Yes, it's a total pain in the you know what to stretch it during installation. Practically requires three people cuz you got to fit all the plastic pieces simultaneously as you pull it back. Don't do it by yourself. But I thought the fit was fine. The front groove on the bikini top that fits into the windshield is a tiny bit long on both ends, true, but I didn't think it was anything worth noting.

Makes a little more noise than the factory soft top, but that's expected and otherwise I like it much better. I'm going to leave mine on permanently now after I put it on this season.

Everyone complains about the no drill header and how bulky it is... got to say I've no idea what they're talking about. I don't even notice it on mine. Looks totally factory. In fact the safari top itself looks and functions way better than the factory soft top without sides.

It's got to be a wrong header or something... because trust me, it should fit almost flawlessly. Not easily... but flawlessly once it's in there. It fits tight because it has got to fit tight.

Quote:

I had the exact same problems on my 04 with the bestop safari bikini. The litle ridge was way too long for the no drill header, but I jammed that sucker in there and got it to stay on.

I think this is probably normal. I remember it from installing last season. It doesn't look like its going to fit when you first start... but you've got to pull the hell out of it with like 3 people for 10-15 minutes. One person has to be on each side to hold that front groove down so it stays in place as the other person pulls it back into place. It's a total pain... but well worth it once it's done.

As far as looks go, the bikini top is very cool because it removes the corner sails of the factory top... makes the jeep look more stout and sporty.

Wish I had a better pic: