Sun Shade What a Difference

[Only-In-A-Jeep]

So, I guess a legitimate question for soft top folks who use these things - how does a sun shade maintain an open top feeling? Seems to me it'd be a lot safari mode, just closer to your head - blocks sun and wind the exact same as the OE top deck and so I'm curious why? I get hard top folks using it - want to be topless, but you don't wanna burn, and the hard top doesn't do safari mode.

On my soft top JK I used a front seat mesh sunshade. The JL offers the safari which I many ways is like a sun shade...and I do run with that often. However, truth be told the Safari mode extends to the back of the Jeep whereas a sunshade will stop at the sound bar or roll bar...in either case it is shorter than the safari too. It is a different look.

Sponsored

 

[Terry R]

Since this thread has ventured in and out of the Ops original post I will add my current choice. Smittybilt Extended shade top w/ skylights. Doesn’t have to be removed to put the hardtop on. Just stow the front panels in the center pouch. Gives you multiple options (solid, mesh, open air) for the front and back. I’m 6’1’ and haven’t come close to hitting my head on it.

 

[Mocopo]

Since this thread has ventured in and out of the Ops original post I will add my current choice. Smittybilt Extended shade top w/ skylights. Doesn’t have to be removed to put the hardtop on. Just stow the front panels in the center pouch. Gives you multiple options (solid, mesh, open air) for the front and back. I’m 6’1’ and haven’t come close to hitting my head...

I was very close to buying this, it looked pretty intriguing. Glad to hear a good review on it if I choose to make a change in the near future.

I take the top of my jeep all the time, and i agree with those who say the soft top provides way better functionality for that then the SOT. I have a mesh top that protects me from the AZ sun while still giving me an open air feel. And it looks better than safari mode.

 

[ForgottenTaco]

Picked up a Shadeidea sun shade from Amazon for $40. Kinda sucks it blocks out a bit more wind than I want but it’s nice not getting sun burnt. It does use the bungee balls and they really weren’t that bad to use. I didn’t have to lower the windshield all the way. Just loosened the bolts enough to slip the bungee through.

 

[Ecorubi]

I have the hotheads sunshade, am 6'3", and don't hit my head. But I probably drive like a slouched ahole. Crosswinds are about the only thing that can make it a bit noisy.

I have the SOT and don't have to remove any windshield bolts. Install was simple and fast.

 

[Bbp]

I am tall... no issues, never pulled mine since completing the installation.

I admit it needs the rear tightened up. Thinking of a way to make it clip and unclip. The shade only has 4 velcro straps that loop around each pillar. When done right the shade is pulled up almost against the freedom panels. Showing passenger side installed.

I'm not sure which shade that is, but I hooked mine to this bolt. The online manual shows to a different bolt. I think

 

[YBABRAT]

I'm not sure which shade that is, but I hooked mine to this bolt. The online manual shows to a different bolt. I think

Well, there are many different types of sun shade makers. Most all have different types and ways they install. Mine has 4 velcro straps at the corners, plus two fastened straps at the rear side, that mount to the over head light and speaker console. Everything but that part holds nicely.

Yours seems to be a more permanent type to mount and may not have a good way to remove slack.

I think there are 3 manufacturers that use velcro straps. Mine was the cheapest and until I installed it found the mountable straps being difficult to make tight. Due to design and weak oversized mounting holes on the rear straps. An easy fix was to overlap material on the mounting holes to strengthen, and even better done before mounting., as the brass securing rings pull out easily. Which I found out when securing the velcro straps. Other than that the build quality would be right up there with a top name brand.

 

[yokramer]

I'd definitely take a SOT over a soft top when camping in places like the Rubicon Trail that have a crapload of bears. Or hell, parking someplace with a higher crime rate.

I drove convertibles for years. You quickly learn to never lock it and hope that a potential thief will try the door before taking out their knife.

Damn I always forget the top on the SOT is un-cuttable.

 

[Wbino]

 

[Ratbert]

Damn I always forget the top on the SOT is un-cuttable.

You'd have to climb up on top of the Jeep to cut it, then try to climb in. And, of course, you have to be tall enough to realize it's a SOT. 37s and a 3" lift makes that unlikely.

 

[yokramer]

Ahhh yes the guys that bring you "ADVENTURE READY" Jeeps on 22s paragons of good ideas.

 

[Remorseless]

You'd have to climb up on top of the Jeep to cut it, then try to climb in. And, of course, you have to be tall enough to realize it's a SOT. 37s and a 3" lift makes that unlikely.

Honestly if anyone's getting into your Jeep that isn't of the ursine variety they're going to be using some kind of key duplicator. Buddy of mine had his Charger 392 stolen out of his apartment parking lot because some kid from Durham (our local high crime area, ironically a place I've parked a soft top/soft door upper JK numerous times without issue) had a key duplicator and just yoinked it. No crazy theft ring - just a kid out stealing shit.

 

[Blues Fan 30]

I have a Hotheads sunshade that does not require you to drop the windshield. It attaches to the front bolt holes which I assume are for a hardtop. I have a soft top so I don’t know.

Yep I also have a hothead and it bolts into the holes for the freedom panels. It's super nice as you only have to hand tighten and then don't need to remove entirely to reinstall the hard top. Also no need to drop the windshield. Absolutely love mine!

 

[AZ Hella]

Since this thread has ventured in and out of the Ops original post I will add my current choice. Smittybilt Extended shade top w/ skylights. Doesn’t have to be removed to put the hardtop on. Just stow the front panels in the center pouch. Gives you multiple options (solid, mesh, open air) for the front and back. I’m 6’1’ and haven’t come close to hitting my head on it.

I have been thinking about getting one of these off and on for years now. you may have pushed me over the edge.

 

[Heimkehr]

You'd have to climb up on top of the Jeep to cut it, then try to climb in. And, of course, you have to be tall enough to realize it's a SOT. 37s and a 3" lift makes that unlikely.

Damn I always forget that bears can't climb.

Sponsored