JLU bikini on Gladiator?

[GlacierGladiator]

So i called @Bestop monday and the told me the channel would be in by the end of the week. Called again today to ask why i cannot order it online and was informed it will now not be available until August. I realize supply chains are messed up right now but how can you produce a bikini safari that is available this week but you can't install it until the channel comes in August... WTH?
I guess i will be going with the rampage one for now. It make no sense to wait until end of summer for a Bestop one.

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[GlacierGladiator]

the rampage is $45 bucks and it includes a header. It is really hard to beat for the price.

Mind telling me the part # (90435??) And where you were able to buy it from? It says sold out on their website.

 

[Punknhead]

Here is the description from my order confirmation. Ordered it on the 7th and it was delivered on the 10th. Ordered from the Rampage website. Maybe just out of stock at the moment?

Rampage Products 90435 California Extended OE Style Brief Soft Top for 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited (4-Door), Black Diamond, Includes Windshield Channel

 

[FL Handle Guy]

Mind telling me the part # (90435??) And where you were able to buy it from? It says sold out on their website.

well it seems that it is discontinued on some sites or substantially more money. Keep checking back I guess?

 

[GlacierGladiator]

Here is the description from my order confirmation. Ordered it on the 7th and it was delivered on the 10th. Ordered from the Rampage website. Maybe just out of stock at the moment?

Rampage Products 90435 California Extended OE Style Brief Soft Top for 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited (4-Door), Black Diamond, Includes Windshield Channel

Says discontinued now
Guess I'm stuck with keeping the hard top on all summer. 2020 is really turning into a shit show.
Nothing from bestop
Nothing from Rampage
Mopar is not available either i think & more than i want to pay.
Everybody feel sorry for my 1st world problems haha.

 

[Punknhead]

It is surprising how few aftermarket parts are out there for our trucks at this point. I’d blame Coronavirus but that just happened in March. I don’t think it’s a supply chain issue—I think we would have heard of the products being developed. This Rampage top is just a bandaid for now—having to do a lot of modification to make it work. It just goes to the roll bars so water is gonna pour in. But to your point—first world problems. There are folks dealing with real issues right now.

 

[Punknhead]

So here is my install of the Rampage JL Bikini. It’s a little redneck but it works. Used Yakima eyebolts in the T Slots on my bed rails. Pulled the middle down and fastened to car seat anchor behind the seat. I may change that. Really tight fit and no flapping on the interstate. Yes—that is a broom handle across the roll bars—cut to sit in the indentions.

 

[SwampNut]

I think I see a banjo in your back seat, LOL.

But nice work and engineering a solution.

 

[GlacierGladiator]

So here is my install of the Rampage JL Bikini. It’s a little redneck but it works. Used Yakima eyebolts in the T Slots on my bed rails. Pulled the middle down and fastened to car seat anchor behind the seat. I may change that. Really tight fit and no flapping on the interstate. Yes—that is a broom handle across the roll bars—cut to sit in the indentions.

Ever considered having it cut down and additional straps added to secure it to the roll bars? I think that is going to be my plan and i can't imagine it would cost very much for an upholstery shop to make the modifications.

 

[Punknhead]

That is a good idea—I’m sure it would be possible. Potential problem is that the roll bars are so forward you may lose some coverage. Not a big deal—you’re gonna get wet anyway if it rains. Hoping this is temporary and someone will come out with something better soon that covers from door to door like I had on my JK. Does the JT/JL soft top use surrounds like the JK? You gotta fill that gap somehow to keep the rain out.

 

[dernawe]

I’ve only had my gladiator for 2 days and this is already a pain point. With all the Jeep accessories out there you would think they would have figured this out. Love the redneck fixes (originally from Oklahoma), but I don’t see any duct tape? I’m going to design and make something myself, and if it works I’ll work on getting more made. If anyone has suggestions for design or things they thought of, let me know and I’ll incorporate. I’ll sell you one at a discount if you do

 

[GlacierGladiator]

I’ve only had my gladiator for 2 days and this is already a pain point. With all the Jeep accessories out there you would think they would have figured this out. Love the redneck fixes (originally from Oklahoma), but I don’t see any duct tape? I’m going to design and make something myself, and if it works I’ll work on getting more made. If anyone has suggestions for design or things they thought of, let me know and I’ll incorporate. I’ll sell you one at a discount if you do

I'm trying to work on something too but i have no intention of making a bunch.
Here is what i discovered in my planning.
If you want to make it most effrctive in rain you are going to need to use a windshield channel as well as some gutter rails (passenger & drivers roll bar) to keep rain from draining into the cab.
I'm looking a making at gutter rail that will mount in the factory hole for the soft top door surrounds. The top will also need to come over the roll bar enough to drain into the gutter rail.
A cable style bikini or safari top would be ideal but i think more complicated to design.
I also think you would want an additional support bar across the roll cage right where it curves above the back seat to reduce sag & flapping.
Also it kind of needs to be pulled out & supported in the bed to eliminate any water draining into the cab behind the back seat. I have a bed rack so for me, i will incorporate the support straps to anchor off the rack.
Im planning to have a duster made to cover the back seat area to make sure nothing that comes off the back of the top drains into the cab.
I dont think what im coming up with will be cheap, but i prefer to have my hard top off the entire summer and use a cab cover in major rains when parked.
Good luck with your design.. I've been up late many nights trying to think it thru. I'm frustrated too that the JT is getting sidelined in this department by many manufacturers.

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