Soft top suggestions? (2 Viewers)

[Living in the Past]

So they were selling bow sets that they had bent for them? How much is a tube bender, compared to the presses and dies they have? Something doesn't sound right.

The issue is the radius on the bends is sharper than what most hand bender can duplicate. I have a 3/4" conduit bender and it no where close as factory bows. It's like comparing the sides of the roll bars early to 8/76+. It's obvious the difference without looking that hard.

This is the best picture I have of the radius comparing the very early soft top to the mid 63 on.

 

[Malleus]

I'm familiar with the geometry. I wouldn't believe it could be bent by hand. My question was why a company with the investments in equipment Real Steel has would not be able to afford a tube bender to produce one of their signature products. Tube benders are beer money compared to high pressure presses and their investment in production dies.

 

[Catching Neutral]

My soft top is on….I have no desire to call real steel to rehash a conversation I had a few weeks ago to clarify something that I could have misunderstood.
I assumed the guy I spoke to was talking about hiring someone to bend tubes. Perhaps he was talking about a pice of equipment. Either way…….

 

[cims1970fj40]

@Catching Neutral did you have to make any mods to the B pillar on your soft top bows. I’m also considering buy Troa soft top and was curious on wants all involved with the bows. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[cims1970fj40]

Also trying to decide on black or beige for my cruiser. First picture is @KingAir Driver. Mine is the same color.

 

[Catching Neutral]

@cims1970fj40
Tough choice on the color for sure.
I did not have to modify the b pillar.
The channel which goes on top of the door, between the b pillar and the wind shield frame required some minor trimming. And the rear hoop of the soft top bows had to be shortened.

 

[cims1970fj40]

@cims1970fj40
Tough choice on the color for sure.
I did not have to modify the b pillar.
The channel which goes on top of the door, between the b pillar and the wind shield frame required some minor trimming. And the rear hoop of the soft top bows had to be shortened.

Thanks! Doesn’t sound like it was to awful

 

[Catching Neutral]

@cims1970fj40
My barnacle brain made it worse than it should have been.
Was not too bad.

 

[cims1970fj40]

@cims1970fj40
My barnacle brain made it worse than it should have been.
Was not too bad.

I have a question. I noticed in a post that you mentioned that if you had to do it again with the bows you would go with real steel. What are the main differences please? I’m asking because I texted a mud member near me asking if he received his soft top from Julie and replied he didn’t and sold his 40. He also mentioned he had the real steel kit. As you probably aware real steel doesn’t sell the tubes anymore so I’m going to decide which bows to go with and would like your input. Thanks

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

Also trying to decide on black or beige for my cruiser. First picture is @KingAir Driver. Mine is the same color.

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Colour is a very personal choice, but the first top looks more OEM...

 

[Catching Neutral]

@cims1970fj40 …. @120mm has some photos in this thread of his real steel kit.
It looks like it needs no modifications to install. And the channels between the b pillar and wind shield frame look better IMO.
I am not unhappy with the TROA. However.
I would buy the real steel kit and get it powder coated, painted installed while waiting on the top from Troa. FWIW.

 

[120mm]

As long as you are keeping your cruiser blue, beige is The Answer.

I'm really happy with my real steel bows and troa top combo. No modifications were necessary

 

[cims1970fj40]

I spoke to Julie with Dirt Road tops today and also considering buying one of hers. She told me she’s about 8 months out but have a feeling it’s longer. I currently don’t have my cruiser on the road so it wouldn’t be that big of a deal other than me being impatient and wanting to see it on.

Hell I even thought of getting a sniper first.

 

[RevISK]

Also trying to decide on black or beige for my cruiser. First picture is @KingAir Driver. Mine is the same color.

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Beige

 

[Roastchestnuts]

I am reviving an old thread but I finally bought the Troa soft top kit today off of ebay. I am almost a year late since I started this thread. I took so long because an engine swap and some other things got in the way haha. I ended up buying everything from Troa because last I checked real steel stopped making the tube part of their bow kit. I will keep posted on my build and this thread about the experience. I am excited to get the old salt wagon an nice soft top.

From what it seems hopfully in about 4 weeks Ill have a nice top.

 

[405]

Looking forward to your review.

 

[pismojim]

I am reviving an old thread but I finally bought the Troa soft top kit today off of ebay. I am almost a year late since I started this thread. I took so long because an engine swap and some other things got in the way haha. I ended up buying everything from Troa because last I checked real steel stopped making the tube part of their bow kit. I will keep posted on my build and this thread about the experience. I am excited to get the old salt wagon an nice soft top.

From what it seems hopfully in about 4 weeks Ill have a nice top.

I think you'll be happy. I received mine last month and it looks great to me. Easy peasy and Fedex shipping from Columbia to MT was shockingly fast (three days!).

I'm fitting the top to a set of factory bows and FST doors I picked up many years ago. I had been missing the over the door bow pieces so I separately ordered them from TROA and they were just what I needed. Yes, some minor modifications to fit at the windshield but I expected as much and I'm confident it will work great.

I believe TROA is a great (only?) option. Cheers to Alberto!

I'll get some pics when I get it together. Meantime, here's the TROA door pieces... (yeah powder coated)

 

[Roastchestnuts]

I think you'll be happy. I received mine last month and it looks great to me. Easy peasy and Fedex shipping from Columbia to MT was shockingly fast (three days!).

I'm fitting the top to a set of factory bows and FST doors I picked up many years ago. I had been missing the over the door bow pieces so I separately ordered them from TROA and they were just what I needed. Yes, some minor modifications to fit at the windshield but I expected as much and I'm confident it will work great.

I believe TROA is a great (only?) option. Cheers to Alberto!

I'll get some pics when I get it together. Meantime, here's the TROA door pieces... (yeah powder coated)

View attachment 3612573

I wish I could find some FST doors and hinges. the hinges would just be nice to have. I think I might have to mod the upper door parts as well. I have early hard top doors that have the bug windows. I think @HelloKitty65 said he had to mod them too for his early doors.

Yeah troa might be one of the only options. I have heard alot of people are still waiting on Julie from dirt road tops. and I know you can have a top made with the template from the troa one too if it ever gets worn out.

Alberto is awesome. super nice guy. I talked to him months ago before I bought the top and was super helpful.

When you get it together please do get some pictures! thanks!

 

[brian]

where could i find an oem-looking-ish full bikini top to fit fst bows?

 

[RevISK]

where could i find an oem-looking-ish full bikini top to fit fst bows?

I know SOR has them but I ended up making one from a waxed canvas tarp and some emt. Quick and dirty but it works well and was not difficult.

Got the fit more snug. We (wife) trimmed down the tarp and she sewed in a pocket and seamed the edges.