Soft top windows

[SteveL]

Any advantages on tinted or non? About to order a top. Leaning toward clear for better vision vision around me.

 

[BCH BRCO]

My ‘74 has tinted windows and I am happy with them. This summer I plan to put a soft top on my ‘66 half cab and will go with Tom’s gray top and tinted windows.

 

[Bronco4x4]

I don't see where you can buy a soft top with clear windows. I only have seen tinted offered with Rampage or Best Top new products. The only place you can get them is the BC Broncos top. I want clear for better vision at night and plan to buy a brand new Rampage top and have the tinted changed to clear.

 

[Bronco4x4]

I forgot to add that I spoke to Lund (owner of Rampage) and they indicated that it will take an EB vendor (he suggested JBG) to buy a large order to get clear windows. They don't sell enough of them to justify the choice of clear or tinted windows.

 

[SteveL]

If I pull the trigger it will be the bc top. Just not happy with the quality of the other options. Talked to Jason the other day. He said they're doing some things to cut down the lead time. He said 6-8 weeks. I know guys have had issues with bc but I'm willing to wait for the better top. I wish they still had the model he made after splitting from can back. That one could be installed as a full top or 1/2 cab. Production cost made him go with what they sell now.

 

[Bronco4x4]

I wish the BCB top would be changed to look less like an International Scout top. BCB are good people and I have all good transactions with them. I also like the top frame to come completely down. I think the BC frame stays up in convertible mode. I have a Kayline now on my 69EB and will go with Rampage when time comes for my current 71 EB build. Just have to plan on make clear windows.

 

[ep67bro]

I have had both. Yes the clear is better for seeing especially at night but I think the tinted looks better. Yup all the Rampages now are tinted. It would be nice if they still had a clear option. But now both my trucks have new or nearly new Rampage tops so don't see me replacing them any time soon. That BC top is nice but too rich for me and the fact the frame stays up no true convertible kind of stinks. In the summer I rarely put my top back up, but if I am cruising and a thunder storm pops up it is nice to be able to put the top up in 5 minutes.

 

[Nothing Special]

I have clear windows on an older Bestop. I tore the top on a tree a couple years ago and would like to get a new one, but I'm not willing to have tinted windows, so for now I just have gorilla tape on the tear.

I have heard that you can take a top to a canvas shop and get clear windows put in it. I haven't looked into that to get a cost, but if / when my top needs to be replaced I'll be looking at that.

My other option is to get a new Bestop and put my old windows in it. The windows are in good enough shape that I can actually consider that. But I think the older material will look faded when next to new material.

 

[SteveL]

I had a kaylie/stc a while back and mostly ran as a full length bikini. I hated the rattling linkage plus it blocked the side window area when people climb in and out of the back. The cheap canvas finally tore and blew off on the freeway. Since then I've just ran topless or a bikini in the rain. I'm looking at moving east and figure the climate may require running a top with sides. I still can bring myself to use the hardtop.

 

[Bronco4x4]

No rattles on the Kayline. Not a daily driver so not sure if a good comparison. Maybe someone with a new Rampage can share their experience on noise. My friend owns a glass shop and said he can have the windows changed out. I’m not a fan of Bestop in the windshield attachment area and middle bow height. I know there good quality (had them in my past j**p days.

 

[SteveL]

Mine was a kaylie. Once it ages a little it rattled like crazy if the sides weren't down. Then the cheap material tore and blew off going down the 15. Then I just made my own bikini to fit the family cage.