How do you make one of the best things about a Jeep even better? Apparently you just give it to Bestop and let them do their thing! Thanks to the new Sunrider from Bestop, you can now have that open-air feeling without having to remove the entire top. The front part of the Sunrider is designed to fold back partway, exposing the front passengers to fresh air. The kit comes very complete, and even included parts that we didn't expect. Bestop has put a lot of thought into their newest top, and it shows.
Installation takes a while since this top does not mount to the OEM hardware and a few improvements over the OEM top have been made to the Sunrider. The framework is slightly different, and does not
have the bow running diagonally through the rear quarter windows like other tops. It seems to fit the Jeep better and is more taught, making for a quieter ride. A few new brackets must be installed, and
a few minor cuts must be made into the sportbar covers, but nothing requiring special tools or a lot of time. All necessary parts are provided, down to a small tube of LockTite.
New door surrounds are included with the kit, and though they are a pain to install (expect some busted knuckles and a few choice words), they work very well. The actual sunroof (it's more like a targa top) mechanism is easy to use, and opening or closing it in a hurry isn't a problem, whether due to sudden rain, or wind-blown spouse, etc.
Raising and lowering the entire top differs slightly from other tops, and requires some minor wrestling. After removing all of the rear windows, spring-loaded knobs in the front release the forward section of the top. From there it's business as usual, as the top folds neatly down against the tailgate.
The top looks great, and lives up to - possibly surpasses - the Bestop tradition of high quality. If you've been thinking of switching to a soft-top, or just want to upgrade your old top, consider the Bestop Sunrider to be our number-one recommendation. Our only complaint is that Bestop's tinted rear windows do not fit the Sunrider top. (The top installed here is black denim and shown with factory upper soft doors).
Evaluation:
Very quiet compared to the OEM top and a lot more functional with the addition of
a targa-top/sunroof. The upper soft doors do not "flap in the breeze"
like the factory uppers, possibly due to better-fitting door surrounds and a more
refined overall design. The ultimate soft top? You'll have to try it for
yourself, but we certainly think so!
How do you make one of the best things about a Jeep even better? Apparently you just give it to Bestop and let them do their thing! Thanks to the new Sunrider from Bestop, you can now have that open-air feeling without having to remove the entire top. The front part of the Sunrider is designed to fold back partway, exposing the front passengers to fresh air. The kit comes very complete, and even included parts that we didn't expect. Bestop has put a lot of thought into their newest top, and it shows.
