Mesh Bikini Mod

**LHS-Cowboy** · 06-07-2008, 04:01 PM

Here is the first prototype of my mesh bikini that can stay on all the time. Just flip the soft top up and down over it. There is about a 1.5 inch strip just behind the upper windshield weatherstrip to allow for the soft top to be put up and down. As of yet, no problems. Acts just like it did with the header attached. There is a velcro strip in the center (if I did it again, I would have had them use a larger width, but it holds really well) that keeps it tight and I am not really sure if it needed it, but I added a zip tie on each side (out of sight) to keep it tight on each side. I could of used a pop rivet, but I wanted to be able to easily remove it if needed.

rayzordee · 06-07-2008, 04:39 PM

Really great mod. Start taking orders?

ZX14Rider · 06-07-2008, 06:31 PM

very cool...

FatBuoy · 06-07-2008, 08:49 PM

Congrats on getting this done Cowboy! Looks great! Is it pretty taught? How did you secure it around the roll bars?

**LHS-Cowboy** · 06-08-2008, 12:17 AM

I can't say the front is just as taught as when mounted to the header, but it is 98%. It barely moves at 70 down the freeway.

The bikini is from Bestop and already comes able to wrap around the roll bar. It will mount both ways. I left the plastic "rails" on it because the velcro is sewn into it. I used it today and put the top up for the first time. It worked really well, no interference with the top.

Slenny · 06-08-2008, 06:42 AM

I like it, never thought about doing anything like that. I don't leave my top down over night so that would be great in my situation.

**waterboarder** · 06-08-2008, 02:23 PM

I'm confused. What function does this top serve?

**LHS-Cowboy** · 06-08-2008, 02:29 PM

It is the Bestop mesh bikini. It is normally mounted to a header that clamps in place where the soft top clamps on top of the windshield. I did not like having to take the bikini off when I wanted to put the soft top up. It was very time consuming. So I modified it to be able to stay on all the time. I used the roll bar straps and had it cut and sewn at a custom interior shop to my specs.

**waterboarder** · 06-08-2008, 03:06 PM

But what purpose does this top serve??? Why do this?

FatBuoy · 06-08-2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texasdog

But what purpose does this top serve??? Why do this?

Mesh top on, want to put soft top up, have to take mesh top off first before raising soft top=time and is sometimes a PITA. It's simply a way to pop the top in 2 minutes and still have the protection of the mesh top...

**LHS-Cowboy** · 06-08-2008, 04:50 PM

the mesh bikini cuts some of the sun and wind, but you can still see through it so you have the open top feel. I love the top off, but sometimes the 100 degree heat and the sun beating down in Texas get a little much for the kids.

**waterboarder** · 06-08-2008, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LHS-Cowboy

the mesh bikini cuts some of the sun and wind, but you can still see through it so you have the open top feel. I love the top off, but sometimes the 100 degree heat and the sun beating down in Texas get a little much for the kids.

OK - so "sun protection" is the short answer then. This is what I was trying to figure out (:

vwjarhead · 06-09-2008, 09:47 AM

Can you maybe detail the steps taken to convert this product?? I have 2 kids and I like the top down but its like torture on them with the sun beating down on them, they are 4 and 2 so their skin is a little more delicate than ours. Besides, I shave my head and I dont like hats so that one is probably self explanatory. Good job!!

DeepSky · 06-09-2008, 10:25 AM

Can you do this with the 4 door version of the top?

Nvm, I see that is the 4 door one :P

**Hilldweller** · 06-09-2008, 11:05 AM

Thanks, Cowboy; I'm probably going to do something similar.
Did you provide the shop with a template or just describe the alteration? How much did you drop on it?

06-07-2008, 08:49 PM	#4
FatBuoy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Austin Posts: 1,016 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Congrats on getting this done Cowboy! Looks great! Is it pretty taught? How did you secure it around the roll bars? __________________ Rescue Green Auto Unlimited Rubicon, and lovin' it! So far: Rugged Ridge front bumper, rear bumper/tire carrier and side armor, 37" Toyo Open Country MTs, Argent AEV Pintlers, AEV hood, 5.13 gears, Teraflex 4" Long Arm lift, JE Reel front shaft. Flat fenders-Bushwacker. Superchips Flashpaq Waiting to be installed: Nuttin! On order: Nuttin! Some day: I may grow up, but I seriously doubt it. Oh, and a Hemi!