Smttybuilt Ext Shade Top with Skylights

[Ran4]

I recently installed the Smittybuilt Extended Shadetop With Skylights. This is a well made top, and the installation is simple and straight forward. I road tested it yesterday in basically every configuration, including at interstate speeds as high as 75+ mph. It holds up well. With the skylights completely closed it billows some and flaps a little against the sound bar, but not obnoxiously, in my opinion (I'm thinking that I might be able to remedy this). In mesh mode, or with the skylights completely open, it is very quiet, and I can easily listen to the stereo at highway speeds

I wanted something that I can close quickly if/when a passing rain shower approaches, and this Smittybuilt product fits the bill. The skylight panels easily store away inside the center section over the sound bar. I'm also able to reinstall the hardtop over this shade top. In order to install the freedom panels, the front skylight must remain open, but the rear section can stay closed, and becomes a headliner when the hardtop is installed. Time will tell how well it holds up, but for now I am happy with it.

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[normaleagle05]

For $80 on Amazon I think you just found my next upgrade.

 

[Ran4]

For $80 on Amazon I think you just found my next upgrade.

Normaleagle....and i got it for $59 (plus tax) at 4WP in West Palm Beach, FL. They had it on sale! It's built very stout; I don't there will be an issue with it.

 

[Pig-Pen]

That looks pretty good. Id be all over that for $59!

thanks for posting. Was planning to get one of these for spring.

 

[CSURamSun]

Hi there,

I have been looking for a top like this to protect against a sudden shower. I live in Colorado where the weather can be beautiful and sunny on second and then a bit of rain comes quickly. Obviously won't be completely dry, but if it rains does this top keep you relatively dry? Just don't want to get soaked, something to provide some protection.

Thanks!!!

 

[redelses]

I realize this thread is from a while ago... but just installed the smittybilt extended shade. When I installed the hardtop over it, I had a lot of trouble getting the rear latches of the freedom panels to close - seemed like the smittybilt material had built up too thick between the rear part of the freedom panel and the catches for the latch. Did you have that issue, and/or have any suggestions on getting those latches to close? Thanks!!

I recently installed the Smittybuilt Extended Shadetop With Skylights. This is a well made top, and the installation is simple and straight forward. I road tested it yesterday in basically every configuration, including at interstate speeds as high as 75+ mph. It holds up well. With the skylights completely closed it billows some and flaps a little against the sound bar, but not obnoxiously, in my opinion (I'm thinking that I might be able to remedy this). In mesh mode, or with the skylights completely open, it is very quiet, and I can easily listen to the stereo at highway speeds

I wanted something that I can close quickly if/when a passing rain shower approaches, and this Smittybuilt product fits the bill. The skylight panels easily store away inside the center section over the sound bar. I'm also able to reinstall the hardtop over this shade top. In order to install the freedom panels, the front skylight must remain open, but the rear section can stay closed, and becomes a headliner when the hardtop is installed. Time will tell how well it holds up, but for now I am happy with it.

 

[Hpc3]

I realize this thread is from a while ago... but just installed the smittybilt extended shade. When I installed the hardtop over it, I had a lot of trouble getting the rear latches of the freedom panels to close - seemed like the smittybilt material had built up too thick between the rear part of the freedom panel and the catches for the latch. Did you have that issue, and/or have any suggestions on getting those latches to close? Thanks!!

You need to make sure the hard top rubber bumpers sit flush on the roll bar(through the top). If you have the Smitty front flaps stored in the pouch the hard top will not sit low enough to install correctly. either fold them back over the rear panel or zip them back in place once your freedom panels are installed.

 

[redelses]

thanks! I noticed the rubber bumpers on the hard top not sitting all the way on the roll bar, but eventually just loosened the middle straps and pushed things as far back as I could to get everything in place. I'll work on it some more to see if I can streamline the hard top install a bit more. thanks!!

You need to make sure the hard top rubber bumpers sit flush on the roll bar(through the top). If you have the Smitty front flaps stored in the pouch the hard top will not sit low enough to install correctly. either fold them back over the rear panel or zip them back in place once your freedom panels are installed.

 

[Hpc3]

thanks! I noticed the rubber bumpers on the hard top not sitting all the way on the roll bar, but eventually just loosened the middle straps and pushed things as far back as I could to get everything in place. I'll work on it some more to see if I can streamline the hard top install a bit more. thanks!!

Good luck... it will work with a little fidgeting. Not really documented well in the instructions they provide.

 

[Ran4]

I realize this thread is from a while ago... but just installed the smittybilt extended shade. When I installed the hardtop over it, I had a lot of trouble getting the rear latches of the freedom panels to close - seemed like the smittybilt material had built up too thick between the rear part of the freedom panel and the catches for the latch. Did you have that issue, and/or have any suggestions on getting those latches to close? Thanks!!

I understand the issue you're having, but I haven't had much of a struggle with it.

 

[redelses]

Thanks - got it to work today, had to push most of the stuff behind where those rubber bumpers are, and effective behind the lower shelf part of the hard top (or as much over the roll bar as possible). Freedom panels went on much easier this time. Thanks!

Good luck... it will work with a little fidgeting. Not really documented well in the instructions they provide.

 

[AZ Hella]

Those who have had it long term, how had it worked out?

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