FEELER: M416 Soft Top

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woytovich

woytovich

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I am considering a project to make soft tops for the 1/4 ton military trailers (similar to the CanBack tops for pickup trucks). They would consist of a metal tube frame and a high quality fabric top. The tops would be made by OCD, the guy that makes the great OEM style FJ40 tops.

The design would be reminiscent of the OEM FJ40 soft tops and could be made in fabric to (closely) match your OCD soft top if you have one. This would be built with easy install/removal in mind. Installation will not require modification of your trailer although drilling and bolting will be a more permanent install option.

There would be a BASIC version with solid front and side and a zippered roll-up back "door" and a DELUXE version where the back and both sides can be rolled up. There might also be a "camper" version with tent-style screen windows within the roll-up side panels. These would be approximately 24" tall over the sides of the trailer - at least that is the initial plan. The bows would not be designed to hold a roof top tent although that might be an option.

This would be my product. All ordering and payments would be through me. There would NOT be any long wait list or large up front deposits taken.

BASIC pricing would likely be about $600 for a complete kit including the top, bows and fasteners. DELUXE would be about $100 more. Shipping from NY is extra.

At this point I am looking to gauge interest. I MAY take a limited number of discounted preorders to get this rolling - like I did with the grille badges the first time out. If/when that happens I'll start a new thread in the Merchandise section.

All thoughts, comments, concerns etc are welcome...

Thanks,
mark
 
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I would be interested in one also.
 
Thanks for the replies folks... I know there is not going to be a huge audience for these so it is encouraging to get some positive response.

Here is a preliminary bow drawing as food for thought... (not to scale... this is showing it somewhat taller than planned)

bows.webp
 
Like the OEM FJ40 tops... like in the picture shown more or less...
 
Interested: Need more specifics. Prototype photos?
 
Too early for a full prototype. It seems like there might be enough interest to move forward though.

I'll post more design info here as things progress... and I'll start a classifieds thread the SECOND money is being solicited.
 
Roberto said:
Found this pic. Beautiful trailer

Rob
Click to expand...

Yup... that is a CanBack adapted to the trailer. That was one of my inspirations.
 
Interested. The red trailer is not a M416, it is a Bantam T3-C of late 1940's vintage.

There were several 1/4 ton trailers made with the 4 most popular being: Bantam T3, Bantam T3-C (civilian model with tailgate standard), M100, M416, and the Canadian M100.

There are other 1/4 ton versions too such as a Willys version of the T3, a rare Toyota version, a Sears trailer etc.

My reason for saying this us all 1/4 ton trailer versions have slightly different dimensions and either rounded or square bed top edges.

You might want to take your standard M416 top bow prototype and canvas prototype to confirm it works on the above 4 most popular models.

The Bantam guys have their own trailer website and tend to be sticklers for originality. But I bet a mil-spec looking version would sell to those who need weatherproof carrying capability.
 
Thanks for all of the input. I have an M416 so that will be the starting point. Once that is up and running I would be able to consider adjustments for other trailers.

mark


LakeNorman_FJ40 said:
Interested..........But I bet a mil-spec looking version would sell to those who need weatherproof carrying capability.
Click to expand...
 
Love the concept but I have to find/build a trailer first. The thought of one that matches my OCD top is too much for my brain this early in the morning!
 
Rubiconcruiser said:
I have a sketch you are welcome to use for further research if you like, I will email it to you, it was drawn by a coworker of mine and I used it to develop my top. .jim c
Click to expand...

Cool thanks
 
Any news on this project? I have an BT3C project on hold waiting for a soft top solution of some kind.

Thanks.
Dan
 
No... I might even be thinking about selling the M416... I need more HOBBY TIME......
 
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