[Garth]

Ehsan,

I thought a new thread was best, to gauge interest and get your reply.

I think that there would be a worthwile market for a top that has the OEM look but is made to work with the modern bow systems. Maybe even the OEM top look with a fast-track system to attach to the tub (like the Kayline).

Not too many people like the Jeep-look of the aftermarket tops available in the US, but those same people like the convenience of the modern bow-system.

Just an idea. I actually much prefer your OEM bows, but it is an option you might want to investigate.

[ehsankiani]

Originally Posted by Garth

Ehsan,

I thought a new thread was best, to gauge interest and get your reply.

I think that there would be a worthwile market for a top that has the OEM look but is made to work with the modern bow systems. Maybe even the OEM top look with a fast-track system to attach to the tub (like the Kayline).

Not too many people like the Jeep-look of the aftermarket tops available in the US, but those same people like the convenience of the modern bow-system.

Just an idea. I actually much prefer your OEM bows, but it is an option you might want to investigate.

Thank you for the idea and posting it here. We can try and make it as close to the OEM look as possible. The sides, though, would have to be detatchable. I have made a motorized, automatic, foldable top for my Jeep CJ-7 to Wrangler convert and was always wanting to make something similar for the 40.. Any ideas, plans, suggestions are welcome.
Ehsan

[nuclearlemon]

the biggest reason the aftermarket tops look "jeepish" is the forward rake on the rear bar. nothing eshan can do about that.

[Garth]

Originally Posted by nuclearlemon

the biggest reason the aftermarket tops look "jeepish" is the forward rake on the rear bar. nothing eshan can do about that.

I'd still rather have the OEM-placement of windows, with that bar showing through, than the little triangle window of most of the aftermarket tops.

[slickrock]

Got any drawings or pictures of the idea?

[ehsankiani]

[crushr]

Easily foldable and retractable soft top with looks of OEM soft top? SOLD! Where do I sign up?

What would be really nice would be those features plus quick release windshield connection and simple over-center top tensioning ala geo tracker soft top.

[sonnydaze]

id be very interested in one .

[mutt]

Even though I haven't really had time to like/dislike/or even know much about my top (Paki I'm told, and since Pakistan is stamped on the frame it fits), It would seem tough to pull on and off. I'd be in for slicker version.
I put together a set-up on an 89 4-runner I had that worked nicely. I made rails from a piece of angle aluminum and then bolted to the factory holes and then mounted to that to keep from drilling up the body. I had the vinyl done at a local shop. It was simple to pull on and off.
Different animal I know, but just to share.
\

[ehsankiani]

Originally Posted by mutt

Even though I haven't really had time to like/dislike/or even know much about my top (Paki I'm told, and since Pakistan is stamped on the frame it fits), It would seem tough to pull on and off. I'd be in for slicker version.
I put together a set-up on an 89 4-runner I had that worked nicely. I made rails from a piece of angle aluminum and then bolted to the factory holes and then mounted to that to keep from drilling up the body. I had the vinyl done at a local shop. It was simple to pull on and off.
Different animal I know, but just to share.
\

Very neat. Would like to see it open.
Ehsan

[Fiberglass40]

Very Interested, but the OEM look is pretty key. I have also always disliked the look of the bows reclined and resting on top of my tub when folded down. I have been wondering about, and making sketches of a more removeable and storable bow system. My ideas often center around a "Mini-roll bar" rack. Some of the bows would attach to the rack and could be much smaller than OEM because they attach to the mini rack. When removed, they would store inside the rack and not be very noticable. The soft top could ideally be folded and stored in the rack also. I have some sketches, but I am not sure if I can scan it and post. The entire rack is also an easy item to remove and would be handy for storage in general. I spotted that idea somewhere online.

PS- My first post. Great site.

[ehsankiani]

Originally Posted by Fiberglass40

Very Interested, but the OEM look is pretty key. I have also always disliked the look of the bows reclined and resting on top of my tub when folded down. I have been wondering about, and making sketches of a more removeable and storable bow system. My ideas often center around a "Mini-roll bar" rack. Some of the bows would attach to the rack and could be much smaller than OEM because they attach to the mini rack. When removed, they would store inside the rack and not be very noticable. The soft top could ideally be folded and stored in the rack also. I have some sketches, but I am not sure if I can scan it and post. The entire rack is also an easy item to remove and would be handy for storage in general. I spotted that idea somewhere online.

PS- My first post. Great site.

Welcome.. Would love to see the pics and sketches.. Sounds nice.
Ehsan

[atoyot]

I think some of the rigs with the top removed still look cool with the bows exposed. That's why the cruisers stand out because they are different. I like the original look of the bow system.

[Wildman]

Mutt: do the front seats go back too far and run into that canvas? Its a trick idea defenitly. I built the usual bikinni top for my old 4runner. It worked great except it was chilly :LOL:

My idea for the 40s: how about a bikinni, windjammer, tonneau type system? My tub has no back doors and I dont have any rear seats, the back is all storage. I will have a 'stock type' bar in the back. I do understand because of this fact (being the childless 20something that I am) that there isnt much call for something like this. But has anyone seen anything like that on the market?

[pbgbottle]

what is this? fold down bows for your oem soft top .i think something like this would be cool .

Originally Posted by ehsankiani

[ehsankiani]

Originally Posted by Wildman

Mutt: do the front seats go back too far and run into that canvas? Its a trick idea defenitly. I built the usual bikinni top for my old 4runner. It worked great except it was chilly :LOL:

My idea for the 40s: how about a bikinni, windjammer, tonneau type system? My tub has no back doors and I dont have any rear seats, the back is all storage. I will have a 'stock type' bar in the back. I do understand because of this fact (being the childless 20something that I am) that there isnt much call for something like this. But has anyone seen anything like that on the market?

We do make the bikini and bimini tops also for the 40
Ehsan

[ehsankiani]

Originally Posted by pbgbottle

what is this? fold down bows for your oem soft top .i think something like this would be cool .

This is not the OEM top bows. But I plan to make it as close to OEM shape as possible.
Ehsan

[jrfj40]

Mutt, where did you find those rear seats and what brand are they?

HIJACK OVER

[ElkRiverFJ]

Here are pics of the three basic tops styles available for the 40.

Kayline/Specialty Top Co.



Bestop Tigertop:


Ehsan's / OEM style:




(All apologies to all who I stole images from )

The main difference between the Kayline and the Bestop in appearance are the side windows.

BTW, I like the OEM look as well.

[Fiberglass40]

I call these "MINI BOWS". I included a reference sketch of OEM bows.

OK, here is a sketch showing the profile of Mini Roll Bar rack with mini bows erected. The bows on the rack are easily removed or possibly folded back into the rack. Some elements of this top may stay in place such as the main bow that the doors rest against. Or perhaps the main bow can break into a few parts and the overhead section could be removed while the pieces that surround the door stay in place. You can see that there is less overall frame support, especially on the sides of this soft top system. But I don't think that those areas require much support.

Another thought that comes to mind is from a "bicycle tent". I remember these tents that long distance bikers would carry. They had some sort of internal frame that I was told was metal. The entire tent would roll into a pack, frame and all. To erect the tent, you flung it open and the frame would go rigid-- at least rigid enough to support the tent. I can't help but wonder about its potential for a "packable soft top".

[JohnnyC]

Originally Posted by ElkRiverFJ

BTW, I like the OEM look as well.

x2 an oem look with besttop type bows would be a big seller...and less weight to ship (by alil bit lol)

[shelfboy1]

there is a company in nj that make military tops from canvas all quality stuff with all the toyota people looking for these mayby they would be will ing to step up i have there tops on my 6x6 and weapons carrier and there top notch only hitch they would need someome close by to supply a toyota i talked to them on my last order and they said it was of intrest and could i prove the market for them would be nice to get the stuff right here in the us save shipping if any one is interested or can help here let me know im just a farmer and dont know where to start thanks

[jrfj40]

where in NJ?
I'm headed there next month on bus.
i'd like to check them out.

[slickrock]

Originally Posted by pbgbottle

what is this? fold down bows for your oem soft top .i think something like this would be cool .

That looks exactly like my old CJ5 Best top bars. They were easy as heck to use. As with all soft tops, a pain when the fabric is cold but warm water or a blow drier worked when so sun was around.

[slickrock]

Originally Posted by Fiberglass40

I call these "MINI BOWS". I included a reference sketch of OEM bows.

OK, here is a sketch showing the profile of Mini Roll Bar rack with mini bows erected. The bows on the rack are easily removed or possibly folded back into the rack. Some elements of this top may stay in place such as the main bow that the doors rest against. Or perhaps the main bow can break into a few parts and the overhead section could be removed while the pieces that surround the door stay in place. You can see that there is less overall frame support, especially on the sides of this soft top system. But I don't think that those areas require much support.

Another thought that comes to mind is from a "bicycle tent". I remember these tents that long distance bikers would carry. They had some sort of internal frame that I was told was metal. The entire tent would roll into a pack, frame and all. To erect the tent, you flung it open and the frame would go rigid-- at least rigid enough to support the tent. I can't help but wonder about its potential for a "packable soft top".

Without having something right up against the clear windows, it was suck in and look like a bra from the insde out. imagine an egg crate looking down and turn it on the sides. that is what the top would like like above the windows. The abck sucks in also but due to pressure, tends to stay fairly flat. Something needs to be supportive right up to the window since the air pressure is less inside the rig when moving. Everythign sucks in, except the top which pushes out. Unless the sides had something to keep them from sucking in, they would have to be VERY tight, then we are back to difficulty monting the soft top and it woud rip after a while at the seams from the pressure exerted on them.

[nuclearlemon]

Originally Posted by ElkRiverFJ

Here are pics of the three basic tops styles available for the 40.

Kayline/Specialty Top Co.



Bestop Tigertop:


Ehsan's / OEM style:




(All apologies to all who I stole images from )

The main difference between the Kayline and the Bestop in appearance are the side windows.

BTW, I like the OEM look as well.

i actually would consider the biggest difference being that kayline and bestops rear bows lean forward and eshans/oems do not. that is where the jeep look occurs.

the straight up and down rear bow is what really sets the oem top apart. if there was a full size single window with a straight up and down window, it wouldn't look nearly as gay as the bestop/kayline tops.

fwiw, i drewup a very easy piece top based on a fastbac top when i was much younger (bout years ago) that involved full fastback top based off a rollbar i had, that coud be onverted to bikini, tonneau, and pickup style softtop. al the pieces zipped together with the big industrail plastic zippers.

[DallasFJ40]

The OEM looks so much better than bestop or kayline. I would be all over an option for OEM-type top with easy bows.

IMHO, bestop/kayline look like they are heep tops modified to fit a 40...not right.

[slickrock]

The OEM is by far the best and I would ditch my hard top in a second for the soft top. Less weight up high means better center of gravity and would keep the origionalesk look.

How much would it cost for a top like this once the production aspect is figured out?

[JohnnyC]

ehsan look at this top...very interseting...looks like an oem...but...definitly not...easy bows.
http://www.luxuryimports.ca/forsale/...42-1/index.php

[pbgbottle]

intersting the mirrors on that thing are oem ,sorry if a little off track ,