As its always hot down here in Florida, I was bored this week and looked into getting a bikini top for my jeep. But the cheapest option is at least $50, and I'm cheap so I decided to make my own. In the end it only took a few hours while watching tv, so its not that bad.

Needed:
Some mesh fabric from your local craft store(~4'x3') $14
Basic black cloth, (only about 1'x1') - I had some lying around
Needle/Thread $2
Small Velcro ties $3
5 Small bungee cords - I had some lying around (I saw some packs at walmart with 20 cords for only $5)

I cut the mesh to fit above the driver/passenger, I think its about 48"x29" (I got a 6' long section of mesh to start with)

Along the front I attached 3 velcro wrap ties corresponding with the three hooks above the windshield, I cut a third off the large end and glued that on top while gluing the other 2/3 on the bottom with a third hanging off the end (this will wrap around the hooks above the windshield). I reinforced the glue with some stitching, This took the longest cause I don't really know how to sow and the material is very thick.

Along the back and side I added some more attachment points for the bungee cords using the black fabric and some more stitching. (see pics)

So far it has worked great, keeps the sun off of me, and doesn't flap around much in the wind even up to about 70mph

Let me know what you think.

 

Nice Job. Only 20 bucks? I think I'll have to look into this...

 

I was just researching this earlier today. I was wondering how the soft top header bar worked with the mesh top. I can see them working together but no one mentioned how the soft top and the bungee cords work at the foot man loops. You should be able to leave the mesh top under the soft top, correct?

 

Great idea. This has got me thinking tho. I bought a top similar to this, but when I ran only the screen top and no doors, passengers in the back complained of a lot of wind. I would like to make a screen to go just behind the rear seat to help with the wind buffeting created there...

I don't think you said, but what store did you buy the screen from?

 

Great idea

 

I honestly have no idea if they are compatible.

I got the mesh from Jo-Anne Fabric, and this would be easy to extend to the rear seats.

 

Adding this to the to do list, great and CHEAP mod!

 

That looks really good. Wish I would have seen this before I ordered my spiderweb mesh top yesterday. Oh well, great job though.

 

You should be able to pull the soft top over this. But you'll have to undo the velcro on the outermost header bar clamps.

 

Nice work!