If you own a Jeep Wrangler, one of its coolest features is the way it keeps its top on and allows you to take it off at will. Only the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco can boast of proper removable tops, as well as doors, allowing you to enjoy an unmatched open-air experience at will. Truly a fantastic feature that harks way back to Jeep’s military roots, there’s a plethora of aftermarket tops available as well, including the bikini top style.
In this article, we’ll take you through what to consider when shopping for a Jeep bikini top, as well as some of our picks. Then, we’ll tell you how they manage against rain, and close off with some advice for installing your own Jeep bikini top.
What is a bikini top, also known as a brief top? It’s a soft top that covers only the top, leaving the sides and rear open, so you receive a great blend of open-air motoring, as well as protection from the sun and rain. Other types of tops include soft tops and hard tops. Are you looking for Jeep tops? Keep your top on and shop easy in our dedicated Jeep Tops, Nets and Accessories section. You’ll find everything you need here, including window kits and accessories.
Things to Think About While Shopping Jeep Bikini Tops
When shopping for a bikini top, there are a few things you should consider. First off, how often are you likely to use it? This will also determine your budget in a way. Bikini tops can cost three or four figures, and the necessary windshield channel can also cost three figures. If you’re planning to use your bikini top two to three times per year, it may not be worth the cost.
Then, consider the weather in the area you’re planning to use it. As you’ll find out shortly, bikini tops don’t do well under anything more than a light rain shower. If your area is regularly hit by moderate to heavy rain showers, with some wind thrown into the mix, a bikini top may not be for you.
On the other hand, if you’re lucky to live in a beautiful sunny area with plenty of interesting trails and are planning to hit them regularly, a bikini top will elevate your Jeeping experience to new heights.
Jeep Bikini Tops – Our Picks
Let’s look at three great Jeep bikini top ranges from our inventory that you can buy right now from our website or at our stores.
Bestop Safari Bikini Tops
You can’t go wrong with Bestop’s Safari range of bikini tops. They’re designed to be used with or without factory door surrounds, with industrial-grade webbing, high-strength thread, and heavy-duty composite buckles for durability.
Smittybilt Cloak Extended Mesh Tops
Smittybilt is another great brand, and their Cloak Extended Mesh Top range offers a great blend of protection while letting in ample light. Installing is a cinch, with heavy-duty bungee cords keeping it in place, and you can keep it on when installing your existing hard or soft top.
Rampage California Brief Soft Tops
The Rampage range of California Brief Soft Tops is available as mesh or traditional Jeep-color styles to keep out the sun while allowing ample breeze to keep you cool. A windshield channel is required, and we can help you with that.
How do Jeep Bikini Tops Hold Out Against the Rain?
The answer to this question depends on how strong the rain is, as well as if there’s wind involved. A bikini top made of solid fabric does offer some waterproofing, and can handle a light shower. Lighter bikini tops made from mesh-like material aren’t so great at keeping water out, so you will get wet. Furthermore, if there’s wind involved, remember that a bikini top doesn’t cover the sides and rear of your Jeep, so the wind can blow rain into the cabin via those open areas. In short, you better check the weather report if you’re heading out with your bikini top.
Advice for Installing Your Own Jeep Bikini Top
Installing a bikini top isn’t complex, but you’ve got to ensure that it’s done properly. Almost all owners do it themselves, so don’t rush it. You may need a specific windshield channel to install a bikini top, so consult our experts when purchasing from us, and we’ll help you out. Some tops include the necessary channel, while others do not. Ensure that the channel is clean each time you install it.
Once you’ve sorted out the channel, installing the bikini top is as simple as following the manufacturer’s instructions on how to secure it. Take your time, don’t skip any steps, and get assistance from a second pair of hands if required. A good installation practice is to start from the front of your Jeep and work your way backward. Finally, tighten, but do not overtighten any straps or clamps, as this can wear them out over time or even cause them to suddenly break. Sometimes, it’s a matter of lightly tightening one side, moving to the other side and lightly tightening it, returning to the first side for a final tighten, and finally doing the same on the other side too.
All Things Jeep at 4 Wheel Parts
Whatever you may require for your Jeep, or other make off-roader, SUV, or truck, we’re bound to have it at 4 Wheel Parts. Shop at one of our 100+ stores peppered across the nation, or shop online from your device of choice. Whichever avenue you prefer, you’re availing yourself of a fantastic array of thousands of products from hundreds of great brands.
Our experts are always on hand to provide prudent advice, and you’re assured of the best prices when you shop with us. After-sales is equally streamlined, and we offer applicable warranties as well, depending on the product. That’s why so many Jeepies and off-road aficionados have selected us as their lifetime partner for aftermarket components.
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