Recently Bestop has announced (within the last few months and also last year) that they would be coming out with a Hard Bikini Top made out of Plexiglass. 

I was interested last year at the time as I had not purchased my Bestop 2 piece hardtop yet (I add that the Bestop Hardtop is nicer than factory).

I think there must be some problems that they are working out at this time.

It looks like some type of T Top like the old 70's Cameros and Trans Ams used to have.  A center ABS type center with trays, place to put speakers, cigarette lighter, etc. and holds the 2 pieces of the tinted Plexiglass to the Jeep when attached.

There must be major problems with working with Plexiglass as a fly by night company from the Pacific Northwest tried at one time to come out with a Hard Top totally made from Plexiglass. 

I believe it came apart in as many as 9 large pieces and was held together with an ABS skeleton that attached to the rollcage.  Even the Top Half Doors were made of the stuff and had latch windows. 

Too bad they did not continue the Plexi Half Doors even if the rest of the idea was a complete failure - fiberglass upper door halfs flex too much and chip like crazy.

It had many problems.  The plexiglass was clear and it was like driving in a magnifying glass and washboard roads tended to eject portions of the top at speed I heard on a message board. 

The look was strange too - think Jetson's or Bubble Boy.   

I guess Plexiglass is a hard material to work with.  

i think it was the 'steath top'.

kinda went away.

even factory h/t is not very quiet.  i sold mine.  soft top really isn't much colder.

Pete

Yes, I do believe it was called the "Stealth Top". 

The half doors of this should have been saved.  They were blown out somewhat and provided the same field of vision as going without doors. 

The rest of the top was just odd looking.

I got a Hard Top from Bestop as some of the places I travel to and park are crime infested (criminals never use the zippers in clear sight and always carry box cutter knives it seems) and my plastic windows were getting cloudy. 

I also use the canvas/glass slider windows.  Not box cutter proof but knife resistant.

Noise was not the factor in my purchase.  The carpeted ceiling reduces noise a little and you can use it to store things via velcro (cell phone, pda, etc.). 

I am still able to go open air as the 2nd portion over the cab detaches.  I recently installed the Bestop cargo racks too. 

When traveling to and on the trail top and uppers are always off.

Bestop keeps announcing this Plexiglass half top (Hard Top Bikini) in JP Magazine and Quadratec then days later retracts all information about it.  They also act like it never existed and it was a figment of your imagination if you ask Bestop about it.

i've run a sunrider since i bought my '97 new in 98.  it's great with the little ones.  they're happy and protected in the back, and i have sun.

anything that get's you a 'targa' setup is golden if you have kids.

my 'heap' has 271,000 kms on it.  if they want to steal it, or break in ... life goes on.   a little duct tape will fix the cuts.

i'm sure bestop is into new jeep tops.  chrysler has chosen to use them for all new 2007's.  they're all sunriders.

it's a good thing, i think.

Pete

I contacted Bestop about their new top's status and they did tell me they were still developing it. 

They did not want to bring a shoddy product to market (I could mention a few companies that would have dropped it on us without that concern) and wanted all the bugs out. 

I also suggested they make Plexiglass halfdoors and I think they mentioned they would send along a ballcap for the suggestion.

Bestop - good people!