Bestop parts question...

[Jerry D.]

I recently bought a used Bestop (Tiger top) soft top for my 40. But unfortunately the “couplers” that spread the two bows apart are missing. Does anyone know how long these coupler sections are? Thought they would be easier to make a couple than to try and order them.

Thanks,
Jerry D.

 

[xjnation]

Just see what works best. If you need to make them anyways make them to fit you specific application better than a part that has to fit 1000 different trucks. Just my opinion.

 

[FJ40-GARAGE]

This one?

Or the two pipe pieces that connect the bows?

 

[Jerry D.]

Not the one in the picture, it's the two pices that connect each bow, across the top. Looks to be about seven inches or so...

I did make a couple different lengths, but they just seem to allow to much droop or slop across the rear.

Jerry D.

 

[xjnation]

What about making an adjustable piece out of all-thread or the like? Use that for a measurement and build a new solid piece or keep the adjustable one.

 

[FJ40-GARAGE]

Not the one in the picture, it's the two pices that connect each bow, across the top. Looks to be about seven inches or so...

I did make a couple different lengths, but they just seem to allow to much droop or slop across the rear.

Jerry D.

I will measure it tomorrow !

 

[ocdbeetle]

The exposed part of the coupler piece measure 7 3/4 inches....Both of the 2 are the same length...Mine is a supertop not a tigertop though...I'd imagine they're the same bows...?

 

[Jerry D.]

Making an adjustable one makes sense. I would have thought of that by next month sometime. Thanks for the effort for the measurements, I'll start with them with the suggested all thread, and go with the best results.


Here are a couple of pictures of the problem area.

The budge along the top fabric above the window I cannot seem to get rid of. If I widen the bow more, it seems to put too great of presure against the bow curve at the top.



Jerry D.

 

[ocdbeetle]

Supposing the rear bow is adjusted all the way up I'd double check the measurement from the inside of the windshield frame at the top to the back of the tub to see if the windshield angle needs adjusting forward....

 

[Jerry D.]

I took the measurment that ocdbettle gave, 7 3/4 ", and made a "coupler". Looks like a new top now. Amazing what an extra inch in length can provide. Here are before and after shots.

Thanks for the replies, now on to waxing the windows.

Jerry D.