Dirt Road Tops aka Julie

[TacoMarv]

I’m curious if the shop situation is back running smoothly again? Any updates on buyers actually getting their products? I need a soft top for my current 40 build and options are definitely limited. Has anyone had luck with the TROA Columbia version?

 

[EWheeler]

I’m curious if the shop situation is back running smoothly again? Any updates on buyers actually getting their products? I need a soft top for my current 40 build and options are definitely limited. Has anyone had luck with the TROA Columbia version?

A few users have reported satisfactory fitment and construction of the TROA tops here on the forum. I don't think they've been used or available long enough to say how the construction and materials hold up to long term use/exposure. @KingAir Driver is one user that has a TROA top. Given the lack of other option or the price of other available options, I wouldn't hesitate to go with a TROA top, even if the longer term plan was to use it for a template to have a higher quality unit custom made stateside.

Here are a couple threads for your reading:

Ci Troa Soft top and bows

forum.ih8mud.com

TROA soft top

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[red66toy]

Thanks @EWheeler for the insight. I am hoping to get a soft-top for my rig and wondering about options.

 

[TacoMarv]

A few users have reported satisfactory fitment and construction of the TROA tops here on the forum. I don't think they've been used or available long enough to say how the construction and materials hold up to long term use/exposure. @KingAir Driver is one user that has a TROA top. Given the lack of other option or the price of other available options, I wouldn't hesitate to go with a TROA top, even if the longer term plan was to use it for a template to have a higher quality unit custom made stateside.

Here are a couple threads for your reading:

Ci Troa Soft top and bows

forum.ih8mud.com

TROA soft top

forum.ih8mud.com

Thank you for the information! Much appreciated.

 

[koccm]

Short (albeit late) update - she texted me back in late March and said she was working through her backlog, and had figured out how many orders were still outstanding and in what order. Sounds like mine is roughly on track for a September completion.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

I ordered mine from Albert at TROA. Great communication and options. Should be here in about 10 days.

Jason

 

[Roastchestnuts]

I ordered mine from Albert at TROA. Great communication and options. Should be here in about 10 days.

Jason

Post pictures when you get it! I just emailed Troa for a quote and info and got a real person that was very helpful.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Post pictures when you get it! I just emailed Troa for a quote and info and got a real person that was very helpful.

If it was Albert he was awesome to work with.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

If it was Albert he was awesome to work with.

Yes it was A guy nammed Alberto. Guessing the same guy. was very nice for sure.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

I ordered mine from Albert at TROA. Great communication and options. Should be here in about 10 days.

Jason

Any updates on this? I am getting ready to order my bows and pillars from real steel. Thanks!

 

[Catching Neutral]

Ordered bows and soft top from TROA on 5/11. eBay has an estimated ETA of 8/8. I anticipated it taking some time but 3 months is a bit much.
@Roastchestnuts …Had I known I might have ordered bows from real steel also So that I could be doing the test fit and paint while waiting on the top. @TRAIL TAILOR …received yours yet?

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Any updates on this? I am getting ready to order my bows and pillars from real steel. Thanks!

Ordered bows and soft top from TROA on 5/11. eBay has an estimated ETA of 8/8. I anticipated it taking some time but 3 months is a bit much.
@Roastchestnuts …Had I known I might have ordered bows from real steel also So that I could be doing the test fit and paint while waiting on the top. @TRAIL TAILOR …received yours yet?

I have received my top. Have not had a chance to install. Customer changed scope of work so not to that point yet.

Top looks and feels top quality.

Real steel bows match up nicely, however I will change the hardware for a cleaner finished look. Bend angles are correct and not having to push or pull for alignment.

Jason
TT

 

[TacoMarv]

Any updates on this? I am getting ready to order my bows and pillars from real steel. Thanks!

I received my second set of bows from real steel last week. The only things I don’t care for are the hardware provided and the rear mounts to the wheel well. I cut them off and ordered factory reproductions from heritage cruisers. They have the upper strap as well. Easy transaction from TROA and my first top just showed up. Seems to be of good quality. I will post pics when I get the rear mounts situated.

 

[Catching Neutral]

I emailed TROA after my last post and promptly received a reply stating that my bows and top will be shipped this week.

 

[Mike Shull]

Has anyone here customized a Jeep top to fit onto a 40 series? I might buy an industrial sewing machine and see where I end up.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Has anyone here customized a Jeep top to fit onto a 40 series? I might buy an industrial sewing machine and see where I end up.

you can just buy one for a fj40 from bestop. Its just not an OEM style one.

 

[Mike Shull]

you can just buy one for a fj40 from bestop. Its just not an OEM style one.

Bestop doesn’t fit my need. I’ve had two of those tops and they are too thin and rickety, plus I need one that is 14” longer than stock. Sorry, I should have provided that context.

DRT told me many years back that they did custom tops, and that they could make something that was thick and well insulated to reduce road noise while keeping the inside temperature better regulated.

I haven’t been able to get ahold of DRT just like the others here so I pushed forward with my project while putting the top to the last piece. I am getting close to that part again and I’ve called local boat shops and they seem a bit perplexed by the idea of doing a custom top. Many of us have ridden in a modern soft top Jeep to know how well they work when using the premium materials and it seemed like a similar body shape to the 40 series (not just the FJ40, but other models, too). Yes, they still have road noise and they flap like a tent, but not like my Bestop did.

I’ve just picked my search up as I will need something within the year. I have a few custom convertible top companies in my notes that I hadn’t yet contacted, and I also have a supply distributor to connect with in the event that I decide to make my own (this should get interesting). I may also call the folks who build the icon. I could also adapt a stock FJ43 top, but I want something modern and versatile (all windows detach, easy to see out of, etc.), which is why I liked the idea of a customized Trollhole-style top. I’ll provide any updates here if DRT does return my messages. DM me if anyone has other options worth pursuing.

 

[Catching Neutral]

@TRAIL TAILOR ….
where did you source the twist locks and loops?

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

@TRAIL TAILOR ….
where did you source the twist locks and loops?

FJ40 Replacement soft top, SOR softtop - 1961-1984 Land Cruiser - Specter Off-Road

Toyota Land Cruiser parts since 1983. From the oldest FJ25 and to the newest Land Cruiser, Non USA or domestic 40 Series, 60 Series 80 Series or 100 Series, SOR has the largest selection of top quality new and used OEM and aftermarket Land Cruiser parts in stock in the world. Specializing in...

www.sor.com

 

[whisky]

@TRAIL TAILOR ….
where did you source the twist locks and loops?

I got the OEM twist locks from Cruiser Corps (I think) and got the grommets for cheap at an upholstery supply shop that sells to boat and auto upholsterers. What came with the TROA top would not fit great with OEM twist locks.