Is a Bestop header required?

[Moto Mike]

Greetings,
Anyone know if a bestop bikini top will fit a smittybuilt header or is a bestop one required? I have access to a used smitty at a good price but not sure if they are compatible.
Thanks.

 

[Akitadog]

I had a header for bikini top, not sure which brand, but it wasn't a BT. My best top mounted right to it.
My experience with soft tops is limited though.

 

[C.J. Roberts]

As long as it's the permanent mounted one, it should fit. I have the bolt on header and there is a different bikini for it.

 

[Akitadog]

Mine is the clamp on version.

 

[Austin O.]

I have a smittybilt bikini top with a clamp on bestop header. They worked just fine

 

[Moto Mike]

Thanks for the replies. I am having a heck of a time trying to get the bestop bikini to seat in the cornors. The top just will not conform to the radius of the header. The top should have been tapered at the ends to fit.

 

[C.J. Roberts]

Thanks for the replies. I am having a heck of a time trying to get the bestop bikini to seat in the cornors. The top just will not conform to the radius of the header. The top should have been tapered at the ends to fit.

That's normal. How are you trying to install it? Are you trying to get the front in first? Nearly impossible. Try hanging the two middle straps on the sport bar loosely first.
I found that having the door surrounds installed works MUCH better than not. I removed the "C" clip connecting the upper from the lower, and just leave the upper installed. If you do that, you can hook the sides of the bikini into them, and THEN hook the front. Once you do that, the little velcro straps go around the sport bar supports and that will hold everything in place.