Custom Build: Jeep "Hardtop" Bikini & Deck/Tonneau Cover- Wood/Acrylic
 

Design Idea #1
Has anyone out there every seen or built a custom bikini out of
wood/metal/acrylic?

After living with a standard bestop bikini the last 4 years up in the
mountians in Colorado, I'm tired of getting drenched just about every
day in the summers. I enjoy the ruggedness of a jeep as much as
anyone, but when it's your only vehicle, sometimes you just don't feel
like getting wet (ie when you are driving to work or a wedding etc...
) When it rains up here, it is COLD rain. The basic problems I have
with the standard bikini are:

- Flapping
- Takes too long to put up/down for short trips around town. I end up
getting lazy and just leaving it on all the time. Then I find myself
wondering, why even take the top off if I always have this bikini on?
- Rain pours in between the roll bar and door, especially when turning
or when offroading
- rain follows the strap that pulls the bikini tight by connecting the
windshield loop to the rear roll bar. all this water ends up running
all the way in and dripping all over your right shoulder and center
console.
- i bought the factory door surrounds to try to get rid of the water
coming in the sides, but the water still runs down the channel and
pours in where the door surround and the windshield meet. plus, the
standard bestop bikini does not have a way to connect to this channel
like a factory softop does. i used stickyback velcro, but it just
peels off on the really hot days when you are driving on the highway.
- the eternal problem of water pooling when the jeep is parked. i've
considered the plywood trick, or the "bow" or "rib" trick, or the
center tent pole trick, but those are all pretty ugly, and frankly a
pain in the a$$. I usually just carefully back out, and then slam the
brakes.

So, I am considering building my own custom top. I would probably
build the frame out of plywood. I would lay some flush acrylic
"sunroofs". Also, there would be a seam down the middle of the top,
from front to back. I'd hinge it so either side of the jeep could be
folded over on the other for quick trips around town etc. This would
also facilitate storing the top in the back when I didn't need it
during a trip. The top would extend back over the roll bar, over most
of my soundbar. This would prevent water from leaking in the cracks
between the roll bar and sound-bar, providing extra protection.
Finally, the top would be wide enough to extend past the doors, making
sure water drips OUTSIDE the jeep, not down the inside of the doors.
I'd consider using steel, but I don't have a welder, and steel is too
darn expensive right now anyway. I might rhino line the entire thing
after its built for durability.

Design Idea #2
Has anyone tried to construct a plywood deck cover or tonneau cover?
I'd like it to have hinged access doors, and everything should be as
water tight as possible. The plywood would most likely span the
entire width of the jeep, utilizing the factory bolt holes that
oherwise hold on the hardtop. A wood cover would provide extra
security and hopefully a dry place for gear. Again, I think this
system might provide quick easy access to gear without messing with
taking on and off a canvas cover. Plus, if the cover is strong
enough, you could also pile gear on top for the extra long trips.

Thanks!!
Lee
2000 TJ

Re: Custom Build: Jeep "Hardtop" Bikini & Deck/Tonneau Cover-Wood/Acrylic
 

I sounds simple especially if you have a full cage, but everyone's
that's tried it has wound up looking very home made.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Lee wrote:
>
> Design Idea #1
> Has anyone out there every seen or built a custom bikini out of
> wood/metal/acrylic?
>
> After living with a standard bestop bikini the last 4 years up in the
> mountians in Colorado, I'm tired of getting drenched just about every
> day in the summers. I enjoy the ruggedness of a jeep as much as
> anyone, but when it's your only vehicle, sometimes you just don't feel
> like getting wet (ie when you are driving to work or a wedding etc...
> ) When it rains up here, it is COLD rain. The basic problems I have
> with the standard bikini are:
>
> - Flapping
> - Takes too long to put up/down for short trips around town. I end up
> getting lazy and just leaving it on all the time. Then I find myself
> wondering, why even take the top off if I always have this bikini on?
> - Rain pours in between the roll bar and door, especially when turning
> or when offroading
> - rain follows the strap that pulls the bikini tight by connecting the
> windshield loop to the rear roll bar. all this water ends up running
> all the way in and dripping all over your right shoulder and center
> console.
> - i bought the factory door surrounds to try to get rid of the water
> coming in the sides, but the water still runs down the channel and
> pours in where the door surround and the windshield meet. plus, the
> standard bestop bikini does not have a way to connect to this channel
> like a factory softop does. i used stickyback velcro, but it just
> peels off on the really hot days when you are driving on the highway.
> - the eternal problem of water pooling when the jeep is parked. i've
> considered the plywood trick, or the "bow" or "rib" trick, or the
> center tent pole trick, but those are all pretty ugly, and frankly a
> pain in the a$$. I usually just carefully back out, and then slam the
> brakes.
>
> So, I am considering building my own custom top. I would probably
> build the frame out of plywood. I would lay some flush acrylic
> "sunroofs". Also, there would be a seam down the middle of the top,
> from front to back. I'd hinge it so either side of the jeep could be
> folded over on the other for quick trips around town etc. This would
> also facilitate storing the top in the back when I didn't need it
> during a trip. The top would extend back over the roll bar, over most
> of my soundbar. This would prevent water from leaking in the cracks
> between the roll bar and sound-bar, providing extra protection.
> Finally, the top would be wide enough to extend past the doors, making
> sure water drips OUTSIDE the jeep, not down the inside of the doors.
> I'd consider using steel, but I don't have a welder, and steel is too
> darn expensive right now anyway. I might rhino line the entire thing
> after its built for durability.
>
> Design Idea #2
> Has anyone tried to construct a plywood deck cover or tonneau cover?
> I'd like it to have hinged access doors, and everything should be as
> water tight as possible. The plywood would most likely span the
> entire width of the jeep, utilizing the factory bolt holes that
> oherwise hold on the hardtop. A wood cover would provide extra
> security and hopefully a dry place for gear. Again, I think this
> system might provide quick easy access to gear without messing with
> taking on and off a canvas cover. Plus, if the cover is strong
> enough, you could also pile gear on top for the extra long trips.
>
> Thanks!!
> Lee
> 2000 TJ

Re: Custom Build: Jeep "Hardtop" Bikini & Deck/Tonneau Cover-Wood/Acrylic
 

I sounds simple especially if you have a full cage, but everyone's
that's tried it has wound up looking very home made.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Lee wrote:
>
> Design Idea #1
> Has anyone out there every seen or built a custom bikini out of
> wood/metal/acrylic?
>
> After living with a standard bestop bikini the last 4 years up in the
> mountians in Colorado, I'm tired of getting drenched just about every
> day in the summers. I enjoy the ruggedness of a jeep as much as
> anyone, but when it's your only vehicle, sometimes you just don't feel
> like getting wet (ie when you are driving to work or a wedding etc...
> ) When it rains up here, it is COLD rain. The basic problems I have
> with the standard bikini are:
>
> - Flapping
> - Takes too long to put up/down for short trips around town. I end up
> getting lazy and just leaving it on all the time. Then I find myself
> wondering, why even take the top off if I always have this bikini on?
> - Rain pours in between the roll bar and door, especially when turning
> or when offroading
> - rain follows the strap that pulls the bikini tight by connecting the
> windshield loop to the rear roll bar. all this water ends up running
> all the way in and dripping all over your right shoulder and center
> console.
> - i bought the factory door surrounds to try to get rid of the water
> coming in the sides, but the water still runs down the channel and
> pours in where the door surround and the windshield meet. plus, the
> standard bestop bikini does not have a way to connect to this channel
> like a factory softop does. i used stickyback velcro, but it just
> peels off on the really hot days when you are driving on the highway.
> - the eternal problem of water pooling when the jeep is parked. i've
> considered the plywood trick, or the "bow" or "rib" trick, or the
> center tent pole trick, but those are all pretty ugly, and frankly a
> pain in the a$$. I usually just carefully back out, and then slam the
> brakes.
>
> So, I am considering building my own custom top. I would probably
> build the frame out of plywood. I would lay some flush acrylic
> "sunroofs". Also, there would be a seam down the middle of the top,
> from front to back. I'd hinge it so either side of the jeep could be
> folded over on the other for quick trips around town etc. This would
> also facilitate storing the top in the back when I didn't need it
> during a trip. The top would extend back over the roll bar, over most
> of my soundbar. This would prevent water from leaking in the cracks
> between the roll bar and sound-bar, providing extra protection.
> Finally, the top would be wide enough to extend past the doors, making
> sure water drips OUTSIDE the jeep, not down the inside of the doors.
> I'd consider using steel, but I don't have a welder, and steel is too
> darn expensive right now anyway. I might rhino line the entire thing
> after its built for durability.
>
> Design Idea #2
> Has anyone tried to construct a plywood deck cover or tonneau cover?
> I'd like it to have hinged access doors, and everything should be as
> water tight as possible. The plywood would most likely span the
> entire width of the jeep, utilizing the factory bolt holes that
> oherwise hold on the hardtop. A wood cover would provide extra
> security and hopefully a dry place for gear. Again, I think this
> system might provide quick easy access to gear without messing with
> taking on and off a canvas cover. Plus, if the cover is strong
> enough, you could also pile gear on top for the extra long trips.
>
> Thanks!!
> Lee
> 2000 TJ

Re: Custom Build: Jeep "Hardtop" Bikini & Deck/Tonneau Cover-Wood/Acrylic
 

I sounds simple especially if you have a full cage, but everyone's
that's tried it has wound up looking very home made.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Lee wrote:
>
> Design Idea #1
> Has anyone out there every seen or built a custom bikini out of
> wood/metal/acrylic?
>
> After living with a standard bestop bikini the last 4 years up in the
> mountians in Colorado, I'm tired of getting drenched just about every
> day in the summers. I enjoy the ruggedness of a jeep as much as
> anyone, but when it's your only vehicle, sometimes you just don't feel
> like getting wet (ie when you are driving to work or a wedding etc...
> ) When it rains up here, it is COLD rain. The basic problems I have
> with the standard bikini are:
>
> - Flapping
> - Takes too long to put up/down for short trips around town. I end up
> getting lazy and just leaving it on all the time. Then I find myself
> wondering, why even take the top off if I always have this bikini on?
> - Rain pours in between the roll bar and door, especially when turning
> or when offroading
> - rain follows the strap that pulls the bikini tight by connecting the
> windshield loop to the rear roll bar. all this water ends up running
> all the way in and dripping all over your right shoulder and center
> console.
> - i bought the factory door surrounds to try to get rid of the water
> coming in the sides, but the water still runs down the channel and
> pours in where the door surround and the windshield meet. plus, the
> standard bestop bikini does not have a way to connect to this channel
> like a factory softop does. i used stickyback velcro, but it just
> peels off on the really hot days when you are driving on the highway.
> - the eternal problem of water pooling when the jeep is parked. i've
> considered the plywood trick, or the "bow" or "rib" trick, or the
> center tent pole trick, but those are all pretty ugly, and frankly a
> pain in the a$$. I usually just carefully back out, and then slam the
> brakes.
>
> So, I am considering building my own custom top. I would probably
> build the frame out of plywood. I would lay some flush acrylic
> "sunroofs". Also, there would be a seam down the middle of the top,
> from front to back. I'd hinge it so either side of the jeep could be
> folded over on the other for quick trips around town etc. This would
> also facilitate storing the top in the back when I didn't need it
> during a trip. The top would extend back over the roll bar, over most
> of my soundbar. This would prevent water from leaking in the cracks
> between the roll bar and sound-bar, providing extra protection.
> Finally, the top would be wide enough to extend past the doors, making
> sure water drips OUTSIDE the jeep, not down the inside of the doors.
> I'd consider using steel, but I don't have a welder, and steel is too
> darn expensive right now anyway. I might rhino line the entire thing
> after its built for durability.
>
> Design Idea #2
> Has anyone tried to construct a plywood deck cover or tonneau cover?
> I'd like it to have hinged access doors, and everything should be as
> water tight as possible. The plywood would most likely span the
> entire width of the jeep, utilizing the factory bolt holes that
> oherwise hold on the hardtop. A wood cover would provide extra
> security and hopefully a dry place for gear. Again, I think this
> system might provide quick easy access to gear without messing with
> taking on and off a canvas cover. Plus, if the cover is strong
> enough, you could also pile gear on top for the extra long trips.
>
> Thanks!!
> Lee
> 2000 TJ

Re: Custom Build: Jeep "Hardtop" Bikini & Deck/Tonneau Cover-Wood/Acrylic
 

I sounds simple especially if you have a full cage, but everyone's
that's tried it has wound up looking very home made.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Lee wrote:
>
> Design Idea #1
> Has anyone out there every seen or built a custom bikini out of
> wood/metal/acrylic?
>
> After living with a standard bestop bikini the last 4 years up in the
> mountians in Colorado, I'm tired of getting drenched just about every
> day in the summers. I enjoy the ruggedness of a jeep as much as
> anyone, but when it's your only vehicle, sometimes you just don't feel
> like getting wet (ie when you are driving to work or a wedding etc...
> ) When it rains up here, it is COLD rain. The basic problems I have
> with the standard bikini are:
>
> - Flapping
> - Takes too long to put up/down for short trips around town. I end up
> getting lazy and just leaving it on all the time. Then I find myself
> wondering, why even take the top off if I always have this bikini on?
> - Rain pours in between the roll bar and door, especially when turning
> or when offroading
> - rain follows the strap that pulls the bikini tight by connecting the
> windshield loop to the rear roll bar. all this water ends up running
> all the way in and dripping all over your right shoulder and center
> console.
> - i bought the factory door surrounds to try to get rid of the water
> coming in the sides, but the water still runs down the channel and
> pours in where the door surround and the windshield meet. plus, the
> standard bestop bikini does not have a way to connect to this channel
> like a factory softop does. i used stickyback velcro, but it just
> peels off on the really hot days when you are driving on the highway.
> - the eternal problem of water pooling when the jeep is parked. i've
> considered the plywood trick, or the "bow" or "rib" trick, or the
> center tent pole trick, but those are all pretty ugly, and frankly a
> pain in the a$$. I usually just carefully back out, and then slam the
> brakes.
>
> So, I am considering building my own custom top. I would probably
> build the frame out of plywood. I would lay some flush acrylic
> "sunroofs". Also, there would be a seam down the middle of the top,
> from front to back. I'd hinge it so either side of the jeep could be
> folded over on the other for quick trips around town etc. This would
> also facilitate storing the top in the back when I didn't need it
> during a trip. The top would extend back over the roll bar, over most
> of my soundbar. This would prevent water from leaking in the cracks
> between the roll bar and sound-bar, providing extra protection.
> Finally, the top would be wide enough to extend past the doors, making
> sure water drips OUTSIDE the jeep, not down the inside of the doors.
> I'd consider using steel, but I don't have a welder, and steel is too
> darn expensive right now anyway. I might rhino line the entire thing
> after its built for durability.
>
> Design Idea #2
> Has anyone tried to construct a plywood deck cover or tonneau cover?
> I'd like it to have hinged access doors, and everything should be as
> water tight as possible. The plywood would most likely span the
> entire width of the jeep, utilizing the factory bolt holes that
> oherwise hold on the hardtop. A wood cover would provide extra
> security and hopefully a dry place for gear. Again, I think this
> system might provide quick easy access to gear without messing with
> taking on and off a canvas cover. Plus, if the cover is strong
> enough, you could also pile gear on top for the extra long trips.
>
> Thanks!!
> Lee
> 2000 TJ

Re: Custom Build: Jeep "Hardtop" Bikini & Deck/Tonneau Cover-Wood/Acrylic
 

An example of what I call that home made look:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ayphotohosting

"L.W.(ßill) ------ III" wrote:
>
> I sounds simple especially if you have a full cage, but everyone's
> that's tried it has wound up looking very home made.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Re: Custom Build: Jeep "Hardtop" Bikini & Deck/Tonneau Cover-Wood/Acrylic
 

An example of what I call that home made look:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ayphotohosting

"L.W.(ßill) ------ III" wrote:
>
> I sounds simple especially if you have a full cage, but everyone's
> that's tried it has wound up looking very home made.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Re: Custom Build: Jeep "Hardtop" Bikini & Deck/Tonneau Cover-Wood/Acrylic
 

An example of what I call that home made look:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ayphotohosting

"L.W.(ßill) ------ III" wrote:
>
> I sounds simple especially if you have a full cage, but everyone's
> that's tried it has wound up looking very home made.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Re: Custom Build: Jeep "Hardtop" Bikini & Deck/Tonneau Cover-Wood/Acrylic
 

An example of what I call that home made look:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ayphotohosting

"L.W.(ßill) ------ III" wrote:
>
> I sounds simple especially if you have a full cage, but everyone's
> that's tried it has wound up looking very home made.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Re: Custom Build: Jeep "Hardtop" Bikini & Deck/Tonneau Cover- Wood/Acrylic
 

I have a safari top (longer version of the bikini) and have never had a
leak, even in the pouring rain. I have full doors, I'm not sure if you do
or not. I've been going down the highway in driving rain with the windows
up and the safari top on. The only thing that gets wet, and that's only
slightly, was the back seat. This was before I had a/c, of course, and was
forced to leave the top off all the time or sweat to death.

I feel your pain about leaving it on all the time. I took my top down a few
weeks ago, and since it was so hot here, I put the safari on to prevent a
scorching interior (not to mention my head!) when it sat outside during the
day or when I sat at lights. That helped a lot. BUT, now it seems to flap
a lot, and it didn't last summer. Guess that just comes with age. Pretty
annoying, though.

Wish I could just leave the top off all the time, but I wear suit-type
clothes to work 4 days a week and sweating in the Texas heat doesn't mix
well with those clothes. Right now my top's up and the a/c blowing driving
to and from work. Weekends are different. When the fall gets here -- same
thing. Top will be off all the time!

Eric
99 TJ SE
"Lee" <leehoffman@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:f4ae3198.0407211243.1cb4c32b@posting.google.c om...
> Design Idea #1
> Has anyone out there every seen or built a custom bikini out of
> wood/metal/acrylic?
>
> After living with a standard bestop bikini the last 4 years up in the
> mountians in Colorado, I'm tired of getting drenched just about every
> day in the summers. I enjoy the ruggedness of a jeep as much as
> anyone, but when it's your only vehicle, sometimes you just don't feel
> like getting wet (ie when you are driving to work or a wedding etc...
> ) When it rains up here, it is COLD rain. The basic problems I have
> with the standard bikini are:
>
> - Flapping
> - Takes too long to put up/down for short trips around town. I end up
> getting lazy and just leaving it on all the time. Then I find myself
> wondering, why even take the top off if I always have this bikini on?
> - Rain pours in between the roll bar and door, especially when turning
> or when offroading
> - rain follows the strap that pulls the bikini tight by connecting the
> windshield loop to the rear roll bar. all this water ends up running
> all the way in and dripping all over your right shoulder and center
> console.
> - i bought the factory door surrounds to try to get rid of the water
> coming in the sides, but the water still runs down the channel and
> pours in where the door surround and the windshield meet. plus, the
> standard bestop bikini does not have a way to connect to this channel
> like a factory softop does. i used stickyback velcro, but it just
> peels off on the really hot days when you are driving on the highway.
> - the eternal problem of water pooling when the jeep is parked. i've
> considered the plywood trick, or the "bow" or "rib" trick, or the
> center tent pole trick, but those are all pretty ugly, and frankly a
> pain in the a$$. I usually just carefully back out, and then slam the
> brakes.
>
> So, I am considering building my own custom top. I would probably
> build the frame out of plywood. I would lay some flush acrylic
> "sunroofs". Also, there would be a seam down the middle of the top,
> from front to back. I'd hinge it so either side of the jeep could be
> folded over on the other for quick trips around town etc. This would
> also facilitate storing the top in the back when I didn't need it
> during a trip. The top would extend back over the roll bar, over most
> of my soundbar. This would prevent water from leaking in the cracks
> between the roll bar and sound-bar, providing extra protection.
> Finally, the top would be wide enough to extend past the doors, making
> sure water drips OUTSIDE the jeep, not down the inside of the doors.
> I'd consider using steel, but I don't have a welder, and steel is too
> darn expensive right now anyway. I might rhino line the entire thing
> after its built for durability.
>
> Design Idea #2
> Has anyone tried to construct a plywood deck cover or tonneau cover?
> I'd like it to have hinged access doors, and everything should be as
> water tight as possible. The plywood would most likely span the
> entire width of the jeep, utilizing the factory bolt holes that
> oherwise hold on the hardtop. A wood cover would provide extra
> security and hopefully a dry place for gear. Again, I think this
> system might provide quick easy access to gear without messing with
> taking on and off a canvas cover. Plus, if the cover is strong
> enough, you could also pile gear on top for the extra long trips.
>
> Thanks!!
> Lee
> 2000 TJ