Topic of the week: soft tops

[bailey2]

I've got an "Extreme Summer" bikini from SOR {$115.00 for top+$26.96 for channel+ shipping} http://www.sor.com/sor/cat272b.tam?xax=18849 . Bought it because although I have the original hard top for my 77 FJ-40, I have not had it on in 5 yrs. Thought this type of top (covers from windshield/over rollbar/down to about 6 inches off floor in back of front seats) and a set of hard doors would cut down on the wind chill in the middle of Wash. DC winters.

Pro: Material seems to be good quality and I like the sunroof flap/screen I can roll back on nice days.

Con: The fit is VERY loose over the rollbar. In fact so loose that I have only used it about twice since I bought it (8 months ago). It would probably fit better if I had a metal hoop that was raised a few inches above the rollbar level secured in the door/top post holes, but you would think the thing should fit with just rollbar.

:birf: :birf: :birf:

 

[Pin_Head]

[quote author=eshelbyk link=board=1;threadid=14006;start=msg130068#msg130068 date=1080708352]

--other than OEM@ $15 PER, only source for twist-fasteners with threaded bolt is Specialty Tops in CO. Footman loops there, too.

I rate it 4/5 birfields.
[/quote]

Vicar International makes the barrel stud turnbuckle fastners. About $2 each in quantity. Nickle plated and guaranteed not to rip, rust, bust or tear around the edges.

http://www.vicarinternational.com/vfasteners005.htm

 

[milesstarkey]

wasn't there a vote setup for this very question not too long ago? i can't find it. how did it turn out?

 

[Rat70Fj]

Hi, minor hijack here. I'm looking for a set of body mounts for the top bows for a Besttop dualmatic soft top. As soon as I find some, I can un hijack!! Any ideas??

Kent

 

[bad_religion_au]

[quote author=milesstarkey link=board=1;threadid=14006;start=msg132242#msg132242 date=1081033492]
wasn't there a vote setup for this very question not too long ago? i can't find it. how did it turn out?
[/quote]

yes there was, if you follow the 40 FAQ, it's listed in there.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=12507;start=msg116337#msg116337"

The reason this was stickied this week was that some people felt that there was a little too much hearsay in the post you mentioned. but it's still a valuable resource.

 

[Romer]

I just got done installing the new Kayline on my rig. Biggest problem was getting rid of the broken screws the PO left for me/ Only drove with it for about 10 minutes. I'll take pictures later in the week and post them with my opinion of how the top is.
Once it is installed, the top goes on fairly easy.

Door fit is a little tight. I still have the full hard doors on.

 

[brian]

do the paki tops come with bows?

 

[3_puppies]

Anybody have a 45 series soft top?

 

[nuclearlemon]

[quote author=brian link=board=1;threadid=14006;start=msg133330#msg133330 date=1081207693]
do the paki tops come with bows?
[/quote]

yes.

 

[rgentry]

What about this "bimini" made by Ehsan for OEM bows?

 

[Romer]

I just drove to work and back with the new STC Fastrack and I really like it. Not a lot of sound and no issues. 10 mil city, 20 mil Hiway.

Here is a pic

 

[Romer]

And another

 

[nuclearlemon]

man romer...that thing looks better and better

 

[beanz2]

Specter Bikini Extreme Top

Likes: the material, the fit and the fact it stops the annoying wind turbulance common in regular bikini tops.

Dislikes: backing up is really hard with the tiny opening. When wheeling you can't see the opposite side of the tub (think Old Sluice on the Rubicon). When the cruiser is loaded for bear, the rear flap cuts down the space by a bit.

Dave


Here is how I use it when wheeling:

 

[Romer]

[quote author=nuclearlemon link=board=1;threadid=14006;start=msg134012#msg134012 date=1081299883]
man romer...that thing looks better and better
[/quote]

Thanks Ige

 

[IDave]

Yeah, I really like the looks of that top, too, Ken.

 

[milesstarkey]

does anyone run a supertop? a guy on ebay has it for $445, compared to CCOT's $627.

 

[IDave]

I do, but oddly enough, I don't have a picture. As soon as it got warm enough, the Supertop came off for the bikini.

 

[Romer]

[quote author=IDave link=board=1;threadid=14006;start=msg134564#msg134564 date=1081367782]
Yeah, I really like the looks of that top, too, Ken.
[/quote]

Thanks Dave.

The main reason I picked the STC over the super top was that the windows zip out and can be removed. I read the article in Toyota Trails from last Dec/Jan and called around. Both Bestop and STC are made here in Denver. I called Bestop and asked them why their top was better, and they said it was equivelant but they didn't have any real data. I called STC and the guy went down a list of advantages giving specifics on even the hardware. Told me they bought a Supertop and brought it in the factory. They made improvements on both the Bestop and the old Fastrack.

I am very pleased so far. I could have bought the old Fastrack from CCOT for $450, but the windows don't zip out.

 

[milesstarkey]

what's the difference between the fast trac at coolcruisers.com for $444.71 and the fast track zippertop at sor.com for $562.50 and specialtytopco.com for $593.91?