Flapping Bikini Top - How to fix??

[Nomis]

I just installed a SOR Extreme Plus Summer top - it's similar to a regular bikini top except it covers the back of the cab. I like the top itself when the vehicle is stopped but as soon as I start driving the top violently flaps in the wind and bubbles up. I have it tightened down pretty tight. I was debating taking it to a boat shop and have some aluminum ribs sewn it to strengthen it. Any ideas??

 

[nuclearlemon]

take it off

it's a soft top...it's going to flap, especially when you don't give the air a place to escape by blocking off the rear.

 

[destin]

how does it look on your truck?

you have oem bows?

love to see what it looks like

 

[fj40dave]

I had the same top on my cruiser. The top lasted one trip before I took it off. I have a top from TPI 4x4 that I love.

 

[ocdbeetle]

As above, I don't know how they're even expected to work....Its like a parachute.....

Anyway, I made a top (not a rear though) and sewed two sleeves that hold a 5/16 steel rod in the windshield hold down receptacle...the other end is pocketed in the canvas where it meets the roll bar....

Make sure your windshield isnt "giving" to much at speed allowing slack in the top....

I can drive 55-60 without any problems....havent gone faster...not sure I can go faster....

 

[Nomis]

OCD - I like what you did there. Might try to modify mine with the pockets/rods.

 

[Trollhole]

You don't have it tight enough. Is your windshield tight? Do you have your spacers for the knobs in?

 

[Trollhole]

As above, I don't know how they're even expected to work....Its like a parachute.....

Anyway, I made a top (not a rear though) and sewed two sleeves that hold a 5/16 steel rod in the windshield hold down receptacle...the other end is pocketed in the canvas where it meets the roll bar....

Make sure your windshield isnt "giving" to much at speed allowing slack in the top....

I can drive 55-60 without any problems....havent gone faster...not sure I can go faster....

Still think that is a great idea.

 

[Nomis]

You don't have it tight enough. Is your windshield tight? Do you have your spacers for the knobs in?

The windshield is what I would consider tight - however the windshield frame still deflects a tiny bit if you grab the top of the frame and move it back and forth but I would consider that normal - knobs are tight, with spacers installed. Do you have the same top? If so, and yours is tight when driving - I must be doing something wrong. If I was running full doors, I think the problem would be reduced but where's the fun in that?

 

[Trollhole]

The windshield is what I would consider tight - however the windshield frame still deflects a tiny bit if you grab the top of the frame and move it back and forth but I would consider that normal - knobs are tight, with spacers installed. Do you have the same top? If so, and yours is tight when driving - I must be doing something wrong. If I was running full doors, I think the problem would be reduced but where's the fun in that?

Ahh there you go. You have your doors off. Way to much wind. Doors on and winows open it is pretty good. Don't own one personally only ridden in one that had it. With the doors and the back panel down I don't see any way of getting around the flapping. You just have to really strap it down.

Do you have a front roll bar?

 

[dgangle]

there are things that can be done to minimize the flap but they all flap and there is nothing you can do to stop it short of removing it. I had mine made with snaps all the way around that attaches to my full cage but it wasn't cheap and I had to look around to find someone willing to take on a custom project. I have had the type with the rear tie straps and some lucky person helped themself to it from one of my previous trucks....did me a favor I guess

 

[Nomis]

they all flap and there is nothing you can do to stop it short of removing it.

I don't mind a little flappage, just not whip cracking, snapping, popping flapping which is what I have now. I think a few bows sown in would greatly reduce the bubble and some of the flapping. If all else fails, I will replace it with one of those mesh type tops which should alleviate most wind related problems while at the same time blocking most of the sun. Without the top, I'm baking when stopped at a light - hot here in Tampa this time of year. . .

 

[Downey]

My guess is you need to do what we designed into our 4 Runner bikini top, we include steel rods that route horizontally from the roll bar to the back of the cab opening (or to the windshield frame in the case of an FJ40). Actually the steel rods route from the bow that is attached to the roll bar to the back of the cab---but you get the jest??

 

[Nomis]

Actually the steel rods route from the bow that is attached to the roll bar to the back of the cab---but you get the jest??

I agree, something like that should work - I need some sort of semi rigid setup.

 

[high country cruiser]

..........

I had the same problem as everyone else,so I took it to an upholestery shop and had them sow in two strips one on each side that velcro'd around the top bar. All they needed was the tubing diameter. Most of my bubble up problem was at highway speeds. Works good, I take it off easily when needed.

 

[fj hunter]

i'd say ...

dirve slower or stiffen it up.

 

[splitshot]

dirve slower or stiffen it up.

I concur, if your trying to keep the heat off you and a passenger on the highway, a top doesn't make a bit of difference. But if you are cruising on a trail....Another story.

 

[esh]

wrap a bungee around the strap and the rear side bars (the pic of the red 40 above is a good example). It tensions up the top a little better and prevents flapping.

For the SOR extremes, I have no idea. I had one that lasted me one trip before it got stuck on a shelf.

 

[Nomis]

Few more of the top:

 

[ocdbeetle]

Looks like the fabric should go back a little more....?....

Edit: looking at the seam at the rollbar.....