make sure your guy uses stainless strap buckles.. and if anyone has any idea where to get some i would love to know.
U.S soft top possibility version 2 east coast (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter highlandcruzer
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JohnnyC
Long ago TLCA# 2231
any military grade black buckles will last a very long time...mine have been outside for over 3 years in the New England weather and used as a DD all that time ...with no rust issues.
SS should be an option IMO...but not standard
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- #203
We seem to have multiple hardware options. SS won't be a problem. 
You know...the OEM vinly top was 7 window...so if it would be easier, I would be OK with that.
OEM vinyl top came in multiple window configurations. There were 5 window, 7 window, 3 window...... I think it depended on the year of something but, they were always changing
I guess the easiest would be a 3 window template. Once you have this, you can "split" the side window, and add the two "corner" windows on the back with-out going crazy
thus being able to make everyone happy with less extra effort than one would think. Like for me, I want the 5 window/split side, so it's less work then a seven window, and should not be a problem seeing as you don't have to cut-out, and install the extra 2 rear windows...but you really need a good patern first!!!
Either way, you're going to have to do an early 40 soft top, which will be good for the 25...those are the ones that don't really have an option to go to a hard top if a soft top is not available.
thus being able to make everyone happy with less extra effort than one would think. Like for me, I want the 5 window/split side, so it's less work then a seven window, and should not be a problem seeing as you don't have to cut-out, and install the extra 2 rear windows...but you really need a good patern first!!! Either way, you're going to have to do an early 40 soft top, which will be good for the 25...those are the ones that don't really have an option to go to a hard top if a soft top is not available.
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- #207
TTT for the poll
82cruiser
GOLD Star
Heya Mark! Good to read you here on mud and welcome. Start a thread on your 40 and post some pics.Just what Randy needs... more soft tops..
Very excited about you and softtopguy taking on this project and thanks for your efforts. I'm in favor of either a 5 or 7 window top. Hoping that you guys decide to replicate the removable window panels so the top can be run as a bimini top. 20oz fabric would be great to increase durability and reduce flapping. I think the OEM top you have was about 20oz, but with the years of waterproofing stuff that was on there it's hard to tell. Have you made a decision on twist-lock fasteners vs. zippers?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 ?
I have seen a couple soft tops that use plexiglass for the windows which are more resistant to scratches and provide better visibility. What are folks thoughts on this option and does anyone have a top that uses plexi?
JohnnyC
Long ago TLCA# 2231
you are right Randy...the oem stuff is 20oz...actually the fabric is 18oz and then treated comes out to 20oz.
I would love a hard plexi rivited window (as seen in my past post)...that would be alil more work ( you need a metal band around the plexi to hold it in )...but would make for a better winter top.
- Thread starter
- #210
Hey Randy,
Yeah, the plan is to replicate the removable windows. Currently Travis is partial to a heavy duty,durable, easy-to-use zipper. He's used twist fasteners, and feels that they just don't hold up to abuse well enough. [could still be an option]
We haven't even considered the option of plexi windows.
..............Some experienced feedback on that would be great.Travis works with these materials for a living, and has some well grounded ideas for the "best" materials. He is something of a perfectionist, and is used to only producing premium products. He refuses to "put his name" on a poor product. He'd like to produce the first, and let you see what you think about it, and go from there.
The options are there for us to use any material known to man. I can't wait for you to test out the first one, and see what you think.
Keep the feedback coming. I know that there are at least two schools of thought........"Purists".....and those that really, really, use and abuse their tops, and want something as durable, functional, and easy to use as possible, and that also looks OEM. Keep in mind, we want to make what you want ! So we will remain open minded through out the process......keep the ideas coming.
JohnnyC
Long ago TLCA# 2231
Randy you can always get the top "Van style" ...which is no side windows and cut out the material and make plexi windows for it
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- #213
I could guess..........Hmmmmm.......But I really better not speculate.
Keep an eye on our progress over the next two or three weeks.
BTW for those interested, at this point, the bow mass production looks very Promising ! Everything is looking good !
Keep an eye on our progress over the next two or three weeks.
BTW for those interested, at this point, the bow mass production looks very Promising ! Everything is looking good !
Did they get my driver side spreader straightened, or is it still bent? Just wondering....I didn't want to straighten it without a roller or torch to get it even. I was just afraid it would kink on me.
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- #215
I haven't talked to Greg since .......Tues., I think. He seemed confident that it wouldn't be a problem. Thanks for your help/interest.
I'll probably touch base with them tomorrow. I feel like I'm being a pest if I call for updates tooo often.
I have not had a chance to get onto the site for awhile due to school. I see that others are interested in producing tops here in the US. I will take no offense if others want to make the effort as long as the end product is a top made in the US for our Cruisers. I have read many of the threads here and it sounds like others are already more equipt to take on the project. I looked into the material and the production of bows and it is quite a bit of $$$ as well as time which I dont have much of right now. I will continue my attempt, but if others can do it faster then I say go for it!
On the other hand, my dad just finished making me new seat covers which costs a whopping 8 dollars in material, although the time was a bit more. We have the patterns and may be able to help others out. He can make fronts as well. He also said that bikini tops would not be as large of a problem as the entire soft top. I'll post picks when I get the covers on, which may be awhile.
On the other hand, my dad just finished making me new seat covers which costs a whopping 8 dollars in material, although the time was a bit more. We have the patterns and may be able to help others out. He can make fronts as well. He also said that bikini tops would not be as large of a problem as the entire soft top. I'll post picks when I get the covers on, which may be awhile.
Did your dad make covers, or skins? What color? Also...did he do them for the stock bench seats...I am assuming you kept your '64 stock...and how long you figure on those pictures?
It may be a month or two. The rig is at my brothers house which is quite a ways from my school, so I wont see it for awhile. I will post when I put them on. Not sure the difference between skins and covers. I just made them from some random material for now because the originals were dried out and cracked. When i do the final restoration i will make them stock.
Highlandcruzer: I am in North Dakota and would be interested in purchasing one of the finished products, when that time comes. Would you please put me on any list you are keeping. I have a 1971 FJ40. Thanks very much.
Whether it is aPaki top or not, I want one and not a Bestop...Canvas and OEM look is the real deal. 
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