Bikini top with no header bar?

[Tom D]

I want to remove my hardtop when I get to where I'm going offroading, but I would like to have a bikini top. I do not want to have to carry a header bar along. Any Idea's? I remember my YJ just had a channel on the windshield, so no header needed. I don't think a YJ channel would work on a TJ, though. The top of the frame seems different.
Tom

 

[06TJ35's]

Well if you find a header like a YJ you’ll still have to remove it when you install your hard top.

 

[06TJ35's]

Best thing I can recommend is a sunshade that attaches to the roll bar. Like this SPIDERWEBSHADE Jeep Wrangler Mesh Shade Top Sunshade UV Protection Accessory USA Made with 5 Year Warranty for Your TJ (1997-2006) in Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZQUC3J/?tag=wranglerorg-20
There are others at different price ranges.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

You can install Bestop's permanent header bar that mounts on the inside frame of the windshield, it can stay in place with hard tops and soft tops. You just have to make sure to get the right Bestop bikini or safari top that is made to work with the header.

On 2002 and older it attaches easily with just screws. On 2003 and newer it mounts the same way but you have to temporarily unsnap/lift off the plastic trim to allow the header to be installed underneath it.

This header provides a long slot across the top that you slide the bikini/safari top sideways into. It works great, much better and easier than the cumbersome "no-drill" header that I finally threw into the trash.

 

[Tom D]

Thanks Jerry, that looks like the answer.

 

[ToddL]

I use this Alien Sunshade that stays on when I put the hardtop back on. No header required.

ALIEN SUNSHADE Jeep Wrangler Mesh Bikini Top Cover Provides UV Protection for Your TJ Front Passengers (1997-2006) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z3NH7BO/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Big boy]

Hello Jerry do you know the bestop safari part number that will work with the drill in header

 

[Big boy]

You can install Bestop's permanent header bar that mounts on the inside frame of the windshield, it can stay in place with hard tops and soft tops. You just have to make sure to get the right Bestop bikini or safari top that is made to work with the header.

On 2002 and older it attaches easily with just screws. On 2003 and newer it mounts the same way but you have to temporarily unsnap/lift off the plastic trim to allow the header to be installed underneath it.

This header provides a long slot across the top that you slide the bikini/safari top sideways into. It works great, much better and easier than the cumbersome "no-drill" header that I finally threw into the trash.

View attachment 154984View attachment 154985View attachment 154986

Do you have the part number for the safari top for a 2002

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Do you have the part number for the safari top for a 2002

The drill-style header bar that is required is Bestop #5121001 at https://www.bestop.com/jeep/2002/wrangler/windshield-channels/

The Safari top that matches that header is at https://www.bestop.com/products/1997-2002-bikini-top-strapless-safari-style/ but you have to choose black or spice color.

 

[Big boy]

Thanks

 

[Cedar128]

The drill-style header bar that is required is Bestop #5121001 at https://www.bestop.com/jeep/2002/wrangler/windshield-channels/

The Safari top that matches that header is at https://www.bestop.com/products/1997-2002-bikini-top-strapless-safari-style/ but you have to choose black or spice color.

Do you need the door surrounds to run this top?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Do you need the door surrounds to run this top?

No, the top includes velcro flaps on the sides that wrap around the roll bars above the front window openings.

 

[Cedar128]

No, the top includes velcro flaps on the sides that wrap around the roll bars above the front window openings.

Thanks, Jerry.

 

[outsellem]

You can install Bestop's permanent header bar that mounts on the inside frame of the windshield, it can stay in place with hard tops and soft tops. You just have to make sure to get the right Bestop bikini or safari top that is made to work with the header.

On 2002 and older it attaches easily with just screws. On 2003 and newer it mounts the same way but you have to temporarily unsnap/lift off the plastic trim to allow the header to be installed underneath it.

This header provides a long slot across the top that you slide the bikini/safari top sideways into. It works great, much better and easier than the cumbersome "no-drill" header that I finally threw into the trash.

View attachment 154984View attachment 154985View attachment 154986

Can you please confirm this setup will work with an 04' X and be able to put my hardtop on over it with no issues? If so, this is exactly what im looking for! Much appreciated....

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Can you please confirm this setup will work with an 04' X and be able to put my hardtop on over it with no issues? If so, this is exactly what im looking for! Much appreciated....

It worked with my '97 with its hard top and it works with my '04.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

I have not found a solution like this for an LJ. I even called Bestop to complain about the no-drill header and they sent me another bikini top but I still have the same problem, the top keeps popping out of the header. I would not mind removing the header but the bikini that goes with the no-drill header is really frustrating.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I have not found a solution like this for an LJ. I even called Bestop to complain about the no-drill header and they sent me another bikini top but I still have the same problem, the top keeps popping out of the header. I would not mind removing the header but the bikini that goes with the no-drill header is really frustrating.

Too bad they don't make the drill-type header for Unlimiteds. Bestop seems to be convinced their no-drill header is awesome but it's definitely not, it's a PITA design.