Possibility for soft tops in the US (1 Viewer)

[Tad Wuertz]

Rockcod, finally mine,

I just posted this today and what a great response. I appreciate all the parts for patterns and suggestions. We will collect what we can and get a prototype made so we can see how long it takes and amount of material involved. The first of each type will take some time to perfect, but once up and going they should be quicker to produce.

 

[Tad Wuertz]

Grant5127,

I know most material is a set width, usually about 52-55 inches. It may be more costly to order custom width material. Any input on how the Paki tops are working or any improvements would help all of us.

 

[Tad Wuertz]

To All,

Thank you for the great responses. I noticed another post from someone who was willing to collect money for the Paki tops and there was a bit of concern giving money to a newer member. I understand this, and although I have been a member for less than a year, my word is solid, my dad is as honest as they come. Any donated tops or bows will be returned in perfect condition. If we work together we can make this happen. I just need some help with what years, if any, the tops changed so we can serve every need. He has also made all the seat covers for my other restorations as well as for my friends. He does a great job and is maticulous about his work. If you can, use my email address: wuertz85220@yahoo.com to send orders. Please put your name, year of Cruiser, color, and type of top wanted(a pic would be great). I will organize this info so that once we get things going and a price we can start to fill the orders. Please be patient though. Getting this all started could take a bit. As far as colors, I will work on getting a list of colors available this weekend. Like they told us in the military when choosing commands....make a wish list and we'll do what we can.

 

[attackchef]

Im in

I would love to support an honest business, that takes care of the customer. Now, what about repairs, and service down the road?

 

[Tad Wuertz]

This should not be a problem. I would like to address some of the current problems with the tops so that we can try to correct them now. I know on the jeep I use to have, the areas that fluttered in the wind took a lot of abuse as well as the folding areas. All we can do it try to improve on the current product with all of your input. I have not had, nor have I seen a soft top on a Cruiser so I will need input/pics of how they are attached and to what points. I know the bikini tops are attached to the back with straps, but how are they attached on the windshield frame? The jeep had a sliding clip that fastened to the window frame.

 

[bsmith123]

interested

Im interested not at that point in the build yet but soon keep posting

 

[bucfan]

You may be able to work from this thread for bows

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/141140-dimensional-pattern-factory-soft-top-frame.html

 

[cruiserdoc]

you are going to be busy...way to fill a need

I have been seriously considering buying a paki top the last few months, I am going to wait and see what you provide before I purchase anything. I am excited to have an american provider for soft tops and can't wait to see your product

 

[shelfboy1]

ive been needing a top for years but no matter how nice he is im not buying from over seas good luck

 

[Weedhopper]

I would be seriously interested. My neighbor down the road would be as well. We actually talked about finding someone like you to make some, but decided that it would cost too much for so few. My bestop is a VERY good top, I just do not like the jeepie look. I think that if you build a high quality product and keep the costs reasonable you will be busy for a long time. Plus you are relatively local (same continent). Keep us posted!

 

[Living in the Past]

I just checked Ground Up restore of his 1973 factory soft top and found all the pictures gone. I know he got his top thru RickD. This was the nicest reproduction top I've ever seen. I would be interested in one if if was patterned after that one. That's if a picture can be found. Looks like Ground UP still check the board once in a while and even if he sold it I'm sure he still has pictures.

I do have all the bows and doors stored in Northern AZ. Plus I've got a old Kayline top thatI only used a couple of times and has been stored inside if that would help. Don't forget you need the piece that bolts to the top of the windshield to get the right fit.

John

 

[vagabond]

I'm interested, as well. My supertop looks too much like a heep.

 

[Liam]

I'm interested, as well. My supertop looks too much like a heep.

i have a super top laying in my garage right now....put it on once. It looks fxxxing terrible.

Someone want it? I picked it up used - all parts are there.


oh, sorry for the semi-hijack - - carry on

 

[motoloco]

Tad, the only hard part will be fabricating the upper door jam portion, the rest could be bent out of the right size OD tubing, maybe even a little thicker than factory for tops that will see trail use?

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Tad, the only hard part will be fabricating the upper door jam portion, the rest could be bent out of the right size OD tubing, maybe even a little thicker than factory for tops that will see trail use?

You could cut up an old hard top side for this as a template. (Borrowed idea from Pinhead.)

 

[Tad Wuertz]

Thanks everyone. My dad still lives in Tempe, AZ so I am going to see him on Sat. We will look at material and talk about how to get this started. If anyone interested is close to our location maybe we could meet discuss this, or if anyone close has a topor bows we could take a look at them.

 

[Living in the Past]

Timing isn't right for me, I'm still moving between two houses in the Phoenix area and not getting up north. In the future I could provide the bows, top and my 73 soft top to help out. Also this might work for us 25 guys, since our soft top repo seem to be stalled in the North East.

John

 

[JohnnyC]

67azcruizr is in az

 

[Living in the Past]

67azcruizr is in az

But his 62 has the early style top like the 25s.


John

 

[JohnnyC]

But his 62 has the early style top like the 25s.


John

they can see a top and its construction...get ideas...make templates for early cruisers...and construct the first canvas for the early 40's/25's....i think that would be cool