Summer Top Advice - NON MESH
#1
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Summer Top Advice - NON MESH
I'm seeking input (showing pics or telling stories) on the best safari top for a 2012 JK (one that covers the cab and the back seat). I have already come across several threads on this subject and they all seem to revert to a debate between the Spider Web Shade and the Dirty Dawg Shade (or some really awesome home-engineered versions!). Those all look way cool but they lack the one thing I'd like to have: the modest rain protection that comes from a solid top. I can put up with some flapping and I suspect that a header bar will be required.
I would appreciate direct experiences and/or pics on which brand is of the highest quality and maybe even get some input on installation.
Thanks in advance for help!
I would appreciate direct experiences and/or pics on which brand is of the highest quality and maybe even get some input on installation.
Thanks in advance for help!
#4
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I have the smittybilt extended brief top ( Smittybilt Part 94535 - Extended Brief Top ) I'm not exactly sure why the top looks mesh and see through in the picture on the website put there is absolutely no sun penetration whatsoever. I love it! I originally ordered the smittybilt header channel along with the top. I had it on for about two weeks and was going about 70 on the freeway for literally not more than about 2 minutes and I heard and saw the header channel bend up along with the mounting brackets and threaded knobs that attached it. It held bent up like that for a few weeks but I didn't really trust it and it started a whistle. I then ordered the Bestop header ( Bestop Part 51243-01 - Quick Detach Windshield Channel ) and it has been great!! Just during the install with the differently designed brackets I could tell that the Bestop was the way to go. (and it was a few bucks cheaper than the SB) I have gone well over 80 with this one and it is very stout and have no problems whatsoever with it!
I hope this is what you are looking for and it helped! I don't have any pictures right now but I can get some soon if you would like.
Good luck with your desicion and let me know if you have any questions.
Nick
I hope this is what you are looking for and it helped! I don't have any pictures right now but I can get some soon if you would like.
Good luck with your desicion and let me know if you have any questions.
Nick
#5
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I had the same questions and needs as you do. I finally ened up ordering the bestop safari top, dust cover, and windjammer combo. It should arrive by saturday and then i'll install and put some pics up here for you.
I went this way after a lot of research because I also wanted the top off but in Illinois it still rains on and off unexpectedly. I might get the spydershade too and switch between the two but we'll see how this goes first. Oh and if you do go my route, you do need to buybthe $50 header channel to attach the front of the top to the windshield
I went this way after a lot of research because I also wanted the top off but in Illinois it still rains on and off unexpectedly. I might get the spydershade too and switch between the two but we'll see how this goes first. Oh and if you do go my route, you do need to buybthe $50 header channel to attach the front of the top to the windshield
#6
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I have the smittybilt extended brief top ( Smittybilt Part 94535 - Extended Brief Top ) I'm not exactly sure why the top looks mesh and see through in the picture on the website put there is absolutely no sun penetration whatsoever. I love it! I originally ordered the smittybilt header channel along with the top. I had it on for about two weeks and was going about 70 on the freeway for literally not more than about 2 minutes and I heard and saw the header channel bend up along with the mounting brackets and threaded knobs that attached it. It held bent up like that for a few weeks but I didn't really trust it and it started a whistle. I then ordered the Bestop header ( Bestop Part 51243-01 - Quick Detach Windshield Channel ) and it has been great!! Just during the install with the differently designed brackets I could tell that the Bestop was the way to go. (and it was a few bucks cheaper than the SB) I have gone well over 80 with this one and it is very stout and have no problems whatsoever with it!
I hope this is what you are looking for and it helped! I don't have any pictures right now but I can get some soon if you would like.
Good luck with your desicion and let me know if you have any questions.
Nick
I hope this is what you are looking for and it helped! I don't have any pictures right now but I can get some soon if you would like.
Good luck with your desicion and let me know if you have any questions.
Nick
#7
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Thanks for the input, particularly Cali Cosmos for the comparison! I'll give the Bestop a look.
How does the header attach to the top and the windshield?
I'd really like a few more perspectives, so please chime in. Thanks again!
How does the header attach to the top and the windshield?
I'd really like a few more perspectives, so please chime in. Thanks again!
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If you take a look at the items at the Quadratec or Morris 4x4 websites, when you click on the items most of them have PDF links to the instruction sheets, which I found really helpful in my search for the top....it also helped me a lot for other parts since I am also a JK noob right now
#9
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If you take a look at the items at the Quadratec or Morris 4x4 websites, when you click on the items most of them have PDF links to the instruction sheets, which I found really helpful in my search for the top....it also helped me a lot for other parts since I am also a JK noob right now