79 SERIES - OPTIONS FOR CANOPY / CAMPER FOR OEM CARGO BOX

[wardharris]

NEED SOME HELP - 79 SINGLE CAB CANOPY OPTIONS
The new truck is on the ground at @wngrog's compound for some upgrades from @orangefj45 at Terrain Tamer North America ahead of an appearance at Overland Expo West in May.
The long-term plan is to build a functional long distance "car camper" for an old man (me) and his dog (Gus). With a 7 foot bed, a relatively large cab and a 240hp engine, it should make a good platform.
Canopy/camper options are limited in North America - especially if keeping OEM cargo box. Just starting the research phase. What are your thoughts on configuration, vendors, etc.? Here are three candidates under consideration from Alu-Cab / OK4WD and Go Fast Campers.
Thanks for your input!

 

[coldtaco]

If I keep my Ute I will be selling my camper cap, I built it so not perfect but works and you’re Ute will fit through a standard 7foot garage door, as long as you don’t put large tires on message me if interested. It’s in Alaska so come up to visit AK and pick it up there or shipping can be arranged I’m sure. Some modifications will need to be made since its length is for a 75 bed but shouldn’t be too difficult, if you pick it up at my house and I’m around I can help with this. It’s about 4” short

 

[wngrog]

Would it help if I had a full set of OEM 79 bows here at my shop?

 

[wardharris]

Would it help if I had a full set of OEM 79 bows here at my shop?

Ya, we discussed last year....or more. That certainly expands the range of options.
I could definitely rock the look as below. Would need to find a canopy source.

 

[OGBeno]

OEM canopy is still available from Toyota.

 

[wngrog]

OEM canopy is still available from Toyota.

Yes I'm still stocking that one lol

 

[wardharris]

OEM canopy is still available from Toyota.

Any details, sir?

 

[wardharris]

OEM canopy is still available from Toyota.

Apologies - found the p/n

 

[DrRock]

I bet a competent boat cover company could make the canvas part if you decide to go with the factory hoops. I've thought of fabricating up some aluminum hoops that follow the cab size a bit closer than the factory cover to reduce wind noise, drag and wear on the canvas. I am going to wait until I have my drawer system installed in a few weeks to see if I need more space.

 

[wardharris]

As usual, Onur is correct. Canvas available, as are all parts. Total with shipping, duties, etc. around $2,600 via Amayama. Part Souq shows as NLA.
Definitely worth consideration vs. aluminum at twice the price. Also, interesting to see what a locally made version would cost.
Anyone have experience living with OEM canvas (@bottombracket, @Beno, @joekatana) ??

Part #s for hard and soft parts:

 

[OGBeno]

I sourced these parts for a client about 10 years ago. The bows had to be cut for shipping. But if Nolen has a set, getting the OEM canvas and timing bows is a now brainer.

 

[wngrog]

I sourced these parts for a client about 10 years ago. The bows had to be cut for shipping. But if Nolen has a set, getting the OEM canvas and timing bows is a now brainer.

You sourced a set for Lockwood and they are in my container. If I remember the shipping from
Japan was as much as the parts

 

[wngrog]

As usual, Onur is correct. Canvas available, as are all parts. Total with shipping, duties, etc. around $2,600 via Amayama. Part Souq shows as NLA.
Definitely worth consideration vs. aluminum at twice the price. Also, interesting to see what a locally made version would cost.
Anyone have experience living with OEM canvas (@bottombracket, @Beno, @joekatana) ??

Part #s for hard and soft parts:
View attachment 4117202

Ship the canvas to my house and I'll put this s*** on it.

 

[wardharris]

Ship the canvas to my house and I'll put this s*** on it.

That would damn sure be Saudi Style. The truck has officially been named Barak Al Abyad - aka Barry White

 

[joekatana]

From my experience the oem canvas is easy to find at surplus dealers at a fraction of the msrp cost . The ones I have seen though stick out above the cab and are not very esthetic pleasing .

 

[WarDamnEagle]

That would damn sure be Saudi Style. The truck has officially been named Barak Al Abyad - aka Barry White

Nice. If you want to get really into the Arabic culture, you could name it Abu Darryl (often pronounced "Abo"). That is what a close friend would call Barry White since his oldest son is Darryl.

 

[wardharris]

Standing Down - Thanks for all the comments and DMs on this - much appreciated.
After a couple days of effort, it appears that the OEM tarpaulin is either no longer available from Toyota or NOS warehouses (where Amayama and PartSouq get their products) AND/OR the price when available before shipping/duties has increased by 50% or more since I placed an order last week as shown above. Amayama responded saying the product is not currently available and if available, the price is $600 more than last quote. Oh well.
Nolen @wngrog was kind enough to remind me he had the metal bits on hand and the original quote from Amayama showed mid-April arrival to make it possible to finish the truck in time for Overland EXPO West in May.
Moving on to other tasks and putting the canopy/camper matter on the to do list for "later."
Here's a look at Barak/Barry with a soft top, followed by an Alu-Cab Adventure Canopy for comparison.
Still looking for input/suggestions and thanks again!

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Standing Down - Thanks for all the comments and DMs on this - much appreciated.
After a couple days of effort, it appears that the OEM tarpaulin is either no longer available from Toyota or NOS warehouses (where Amayama and PartSouq get their products) AND/OR the price when available before shipping/duties has increased by 50% or more since I placed an order last week as shown above. Amayama responded saying the product is not currently available and if available, the price is $600 more than last quote. Oh well.
Nolen @wngrog was kind enough to remind me he had the metal bits on hand and the original quote from Amayama showed mid-April arrival to make it possible to finish the truck in time for Overland EXPO West in May.
Moving on to other tasks and putting the canopy/camper matter on the to do list for "later."
Here's a look at Barak/Barry with a soft top, followed by an Alu-Cab Adventure Canopy for comparison.
Still looking for input/suggestions and thanks again!

View attachment 4118111

View attachment 4118112

What is your ultimate goal, to simply keep the bed dry or to have security?

 

[wardharris]

What is your ultimate goal, to simply keep the bed dry or to have security?

Primary - dry bed, Secondary - security for tools, etc.
If I go fabric, the bed would have Pelican/ROAM style lockable boxes firmly attached to the bed.
And then, there is the Lenco Landcat for when you absolutely, positively need to get it there overnight....

A 79 Series with attitude

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Primary - dry bed, Secondary - security for tools, etc.
If I go fabric, the bed would have Pelican/ROAM style lockable boxes firmly attached to the bed.
And then, there is the Lenco Landcat for when you absolutely, positively need to get it there overnight....

A 79 Series with attitude

View attachment 4118165

I attended a wedding a while back and one of the guest was driving a new Bronco (the version named after that mythical forest creature). It had a cloth topper with plastic windows. After the event, that particular guest discovered that someone had cut all of the plastic windows and stole a number of items.