U.S soft top possibility version 2 east coast (1 Viewer)

[highlandcruzer]

Sounding good so far...can wait to see/hear more.

You get in touch with Fox? I think he was talking about making bows. Also, just in case Fox's guy gives him a hard time, (always good to have a back up to help fox) can you do a 25 versions as well?

Mmm......I haven't been in touch with him personally...... But I'm rooting for anyone to succeed with the bows!

We'll see how it goes with the 40 bows......if that goes well , in theory , the 25 bows shouldn't be a problem. I'd sure like to see the 25 stuff made too.

 

[Riverrock97]

I'm in for some tops if you're counting.

 

[highlandcruzer]

Well...we're not counting... yet. [Not gonna hold anybody to it!]

But ....Travis and I are very appreciative of all of the interest and positive feedback we're hearing . [Hey , negative too. We can take a little constructive criticism ]

It's really encouraging , and helps to grease the wheels of the project.

 

[schlaker]

I'll be in for one when it happens. Seems like plenty of demand. Make it happen!

 

[MDH33]

But ....Travis and I are very appreciative of all of the interest and positive feedback we're hearing . [Hey , negative too. We can take a little constructive criticism ]

In addition to the suggestions I've already made, one thing I think that's very important is that these tops should be compatible with OEM bows, regardless of what kind of custom bow you end up developing. Lots of us already have bows and the need for replacement material is almost in as much demand as the complete tops.

 

[Tool Pusher]

I would like to see a complete setup, bows and tops, to be as close to stock as possible. This means that the top alone would fit on stock bows. A more cutom top and bow arrangement could also be made that addresses whatever problems people see in a stock setup.

David Sword

 

[highlandcruzer]

one thing I think that's very important is that these tops should be compatible with OEM bows, regardless of what kind of custom bow you end up developing. Lots of us already have bows and the need for replacement material is almost in as much demand as the complete tops.

We're in complete agreement with you there.

 

[rutbeer]

I'm an hour and a half away, let me check my bows and see what I have. I know for a fact I'm missing the front channel, but it may be similar enough to the besttop one that it will work. I do not have the soft doors anymore....they were TOAST. I don't have the hardware that holds the rear bow in place on the fender, but that's pretty easily made if you have a good photo to reference and a truck to install on.

 

[FJ40 CruiserEd]

Subscribed to this thread

 

[T.U.F.F.]

All ears let us know how the weekend turns out. I have been watching this thread I REALLY want a factory soft top.

Highlandcruzer-Thanks for all the work you are putting into this.

 

[highlandcruzer]

All ears let us know how the weekend turns out. I have been watching this thread I REALLY want a factory soft top.

Highlandcruzer-Thanks for all the work you are putting into this.

It's my pleasure, really. I'm enjoying the project.




Update:

I drove down to North Carolina this past weekend, with the hopes of seeing the first fabric get started, and to meet some of the guys from Olde North State Cruisers at their HAMOM meeting. [Great group BTW]

Softtopguy now has the OEM fabric, and a '74 FST FJ40 [thanks,Greg!] to work with. We couldn't put hands on the complete bow set last weekend though...........

This should be the weekend to actually "go to work" on them. 3/15 It's lookin' good.

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Hi Highlandcruzer,

In post number 142 you outlined the top you will be starting with, which I like!

You going with the three window, or the split side window (5 window version)

 

[highlandcruzer]

I've spoken to 82Cruiser, and others. There seems to be a general consensus that we want the small "side" windows in the rear. It seems to resemble the hard tops more.

The large actual side windows don't seem to be as much of a concern for folks. Some have even expressed a desire for no windows.

Split or solid side ? I'm a little torn as to which I would like better on my own. I think the first produced will more than likely be a five or seven window.

As far as sale production, I don't think it will be a huge difference for softtopguy......Maybe a little more labor and window material for the extra windows ?

I believe that the first fabric will go to 82CRUISER, and I'm sure we'll work with his preferences as best we can, on the first one.

I haven't wanted to "jump the gun" so-to-speak, with this project. But I guess before too long we'll need to post some polls to get an idea of most peoples wants/needs/and preferences.

 

[highlandcruzer]

Looking back at the pictures now, I think I like the split side windows better. JMO........ It's a little more unique looking. [one more thing to set us apart from the heeps]

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

I agree...I like the split side window...and the one rear window as pictured above.

Can't wait to see one done...thanks for taking this project on

 

[corbinwelter]

Put my name on 2 if you will do black canvas

 

[highlandcruzer]

Black won't be a problem.

 

[voyager:01]

I believe that the first fabric will go to 82CRUISER, and I'm sure we'll work with his preferences as best we can, on the first one.

Just what Randy needs... more soft tops.. HEY RANDY look who's on MUD!!


Good luck with this project and i hope it's a success!

 

[highlandcruzer]

Yeah, Randy mentioned that he wasn't too concerned with getting a free top, but that it was, kind of us. [Very nice guy BTW]

We're hoping that he will put it to the test for us ! Who better to judge, than someone who is familiar with all the other tops ?

 

[highlandcruzer]

It's late east coast, but I don't have to work tomorrow.

TTT for the poll. I might start a poll for color options soon too.

I don't mind if you post your opinions regarding any preferences on the top designs either. Might come in handy now.