Do you have a soft top on your 40?

[RevISK]

Hi. I have a Colombian made soft top on my 40 and I’d love for it to last. Whether you have an FST, Kayline or a TROA I think this info may be helpful.

The nylon straps tend to be the first thing to degrade due to UV on most any cover that incorporates them so that is my first line of defense. Protect the straps and the nylon bits that hold the hardware. I’ve taken a nod from the RV and Marine industry and use 303 Aerospace Protectant.

I coated all my nylon bits today in about an hour and the difference really is noticeable. The nylon felt chalky and had a dull color before applying the 303, afterwards they had a richer color and became slick and snappy to the touch for lack of a better term.

I used disposable acid brushes (like you’d use for flux) and a few paper towels.

About 6 months ago I did the same on an ARB ratchet strap that holds my Jerry can on and it has retained its color and suppleness.

A word of caution is to keep the 303 away from the clear vinyl, they don’t play well.

Can you see the difference in where the 303 was applied? The straps will soak it up and not a lot is needed. I just saturate and let dry before buckling everything back up.

 

[JohnnyC]

Yes the 303 is the goto for me with anything synthetic

Canvak for anything canvas and cotton

More here:

Thread '****Canvas maintenance **** OEM Soft Tops'

Jun 5, 2007

Since I’ve been getting a lot of questions about canvas …here is a list of the do’s and don’ts
I have military coated canvas...Ehsan’s canvas is waxed…but should be taken care of in the same manner as military canvas and any coated canvas.

1) To clean canvas, do not remove it from the vehicle. Either brush it dry with a stiff brush, or hose it off with clean water only.

NEVER brush or rub canvas when wet!!!
Doing this will remove the canvas finish which consists of the color and the water/mildew resistant preservative.

2) Canvas stores best on a vehicle that’s stored...

• JohnnyC
• Replies: 111
• Forum: 40- / 55-Series Tech

• 

 

[RevISK]

Yes the 303 is the goto for me with anything synthetic

Canvak for anything canvas and cotton

More here:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/canvas-maintenance-oem-soft-tops.159334/

Was hoping you’d chime in. Thanks.

Something to add is that this is good time to go over some of your other plastics and whatnot. This round I nourished my lower dash pads with the remains in my yogurt cup that got a second life…

 

[JohnnyC]

The 303 I have found is harder to find these days… Walmart used to carry as well as autozone and advanced auto… can’t get at any without ordering now… did u order or find it someplace

 

[brian]

I'd love a soft top, but its not a thing for me.

 

[RevISK]

The 303 I have found is harder to find these days… Walmart used to carry as well as autozone and advanced auto… can’t get at any without ordering now… did u order or find it someplace

I found the vendor through Amazon and ordered directly through them. Last bottle I got was through the local RV place.

I haven’t set foot in a Walmart in 25 years.

 

[RevISK]

I'd love a soft top, but it’s not a thing for me.

I never thought it would be for me either until I got one.

 

[brian]

I never thought it would be for me either until I got one.

There isn't a version that fits me.

 

[RevISK]

I haven’t set foot in a Walmart in 25 years.

You misinterpret one “Flash Sale” sign….

 

[RevISK]

There isn't a version that fits me.

It is still a holdover until I really dive into the hardtop refresh. After, it’ll be an option.

 

[nabbasi]

I love 303. I’ve used their top/ tonneau cover spray with good results as well. It can be purchased at NAPA.

 

[JohnnyC]

@brian if you have the early bows? Make your own

Cant recall if you had them stashed somewhere

 

[Living in the Past]

I believe the original Kayline straps were cotton.

There isn't a version that fits me.

It was not being able to ever get a source for these is why I gave up on them. After OCD (who did made an early soft top) starting having his issues did make a few and sold them on eBay. Never knew about them until they were gone. Someone bought some from South America, possible from Colombia. But not reselling them. The curse of the early soft tops continues.

 

[RevISK]

Here is another thought/modification/idea—-

If you have a soft top you’ve probably experienced the WUB-WUB phenomenon when certain conditions are met and typically happens in the front section. With my top it happens with the sides and back zipped down and my door windows in various states of being rolled up or down depending on your outlook on life.

If you are still wondering what I am talking about, imagine being in a balloon that is rapidly inflating and deflating with a level of violence that would make a hungry polar bear blush.

Mine calms down with a little bit of upward pressure, so I came up with this idea to use EMT and these little maker pipe connectors. I haven’t driven this yet, but even if it doesn’t work, it’ll help deflect rain if my truck is outside in a storm.

Definitely a WIP…

Link to Maker Pipe connectors: Maker Pipe | Structural Pipe Fittings for DIY Builders - https://makerpipe.com/

I happen to have a bunch of these left over from a job.

 

[LSUfj]

What’s the connection to the windshield frame look like?

 

[RevISK]

What’s the connection to the windshield frame look like?

Pressure fit using these leg tips.

 

[RevISK]

Added some woefully undersized pipe insulation.

 

[LSUfj]

Cool. Keep us posted on the results. That last pic made me think there could be a solution to use the stock windshield latch points for the windshield end. A little notch in the end of the EMT count fit in there…,if the pressure fit doesn’t work

 

[RevISK]

Cool. Keep us posted on the results. That last pic made me think there could be a solution to use the stock windshield latch points for the windshield end. A little notch in the end of the EMT count fit in there…,if the pressure fit doesn’t work

Literally thought the same thing but these Maker Pipe connectors are pretty good

 

[knuckle47]

@RevISK Just off the top of my head…it SEEMS LIKE those pool noodles would fit nicely for id and they are thick. That top looks terrific