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

[MDH33]

How many Paki tops have you seen in person? You should refrain from making uninformed broad sweeping statements until you are informed. Most people are very happy with Eshan's quality.

X2. I own one and can vouch for the high level of quality. And for all those whining about seams off center...

 

[highlandcruzer]

Have you decided what type of material is going to be used on the final product? If so, what type of care will be needed to make it last? So my 40 will be sitting inside a building most of the time. Was concerned about it rotting.

It looks like there will be a primary, user-friendly fabric.

It's synthetic, and my understanding is, it is practically no maintenance. It's designed to be a lifetime material for these applications. This is what we will introduce initially.

Softopguys' first goal is to produce a top that looks OEM, but is more of a pleasure to use. [Less maintenance, more durable, easier to use]

Canvas, being made from natural materials [cotton], will deteriorate relatively quickly if exposed to the elements on a regular basis. Even "treated" canvas isn't terribly well suited to being used outdoors. [per manufacturer] Maintaining [natural] canvas can be a PITA too. IMHO

However, I know that many of us just love all things OEM. [Myself included] And there are many among us that, in reality, keep there rigs under cover most of the time, and aren't all that concerned about "the elements". They may just want the most authentic reproduction that they can get. We can cater to you too.

I'm no textile expert by any stretch, and I'm just the messenger here. Softtop guy will discuss specifics in greater detail very soon.

 

[JohnnyC]

i think highlandcruizer was looking for input in order to make tops...its just a critique...that a seam looks nicer if it would be centered or two down the center or seams over bows...you will get criticism with anything...so...we are just giving ideas.

Ehsan has a great product as i have stated many times over...and i have alot of respect toward Ehsan and his crew....but...with any product it can be improved....soooo I will say it as it is....when highlandcruizer comes out with his product...it will also be critiqued and criticisized....so he just wants to get it right....thats why he's been asking for ideas and sugestions with this thread.


boy that was a bit of rambling....soory about that

 

[highlandcruzer]

I'm interested in bows and the 5 window top for my 67. Is there any sort of price range yet?

Coming soon.

 

[JohnnyC]

I think you and softopguy are on the right track.

and the info of canvas is right-on....untreated it will go down hill quickly...not the best for an all round top...just for authenticism...is that a word?

 

[highlandcruzer]

Thank you Johnny. Right-on again.

We're just trying to make the best product that we can. Nobody's picking on anybody here.

If the vast majority wants a big X stitched across the top, then that's what we want to produce.

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Thank you Johnny. Right-on again.

We're just trying to make the best product that we can. Nobody's picking on anybody here.

If the vast majority wants a big X stitched across the top, then that's what we want to produce.

No X on mine please

 

[lunyou]

Well I have no top right now. When you get a price......I will be looking hard at your tops since the aftermarket tops look like a jeep and there is no way I am going to get my wife at let me drop money into something I won't get for a long while(ehsan's although I haven't seen anything bad posted about his tops minus a few gripes).

lunyou

 

[karp68]

Thanks for all the work and updates...anxious to see the results....and if there is a line or a list...PUT ME IN

 

[cooney]

Very interesting.... I'll be watching this post. I'd buy one (if I can afford it).

I've always been a little nervous on the tops from Pakistan. They look awesome and the price is right, but I know that I would be the one whose top got lost or damaged in transit. And then what? I know Ehsan would make it right, but how long would it take?

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Very interesting.... I'll be watching this post. I'd buy one (if I can afford it).

I've always been a little nervous on the tops from Pakistan. They look awesome and the price is right, but I know that I would be the one whose top got lost or damaged in transit. And then what? I know Ehsan would make it right, but how long would it take?

I think that exact scenario happened. I think everything was corrected in a total of 18 months. Someone will chime in and say for sure...

 

[southerncruiser62]

Updated Photo's

Yet again softopguy's quality is shown and it's still onyl a template. There are still a few small items that need attention on the top but it's getting close.

I will be starting on the bows manufacturing this coming week and should have that completed about the time the first few tops are completed.

Please continue to post up your thoughts and feedback as it only helps us produce exactly what the majority of the crowd is looking for.

Thanks and enjoy,

Greg

 

[cooney]

Looks pretty good so far. Kinda hard to tell a whole lot about fitment at this point. Obviously he knows what he's doing.

 

[charlesD]

How many Paki tops have you seen in person? You should refrain from making uninformed broad sweeping statements until you are informed. Most people are very happy with Eshan's quality.

Are you saying observation is not informative? I didn't mean to hurt you're feelings but I still mean what I said. Maybe you have different ideas of what looks good ,so what! "Most people", Is a very BROAD statement. Anyway hope you understand it's a matter of opinion.

 

[highlandcruzer]

These photo's are very early in the process. Again, last Sunday was the first day that softtopguy could actually begin working on the fabric, because we'd been short some critical pieces up to that point. He was pretty busy last week, and was only able to work on it in his spare time, these two Sundays. Things will move along quickly now.

I know his work. I can assure you, you'll be pleased with fit and finish.

He plans to produce several for a few folks to test out, to get some feedback, and he'll go from there. I'm hoping to have one on my FJ40 at the GSMTR, to see what people think about it.

He also feels very confident about producing them fast enough to keep up with demand. He mentioned to me, what he feels to be reasonable initial production numbers . It surpassed even my expectations. If demand is high, he can ramp up production to meet it.

Not trying to get ahead of myself here, but things seem to be very promising.

 

[fj40z]

I was with southerncruiser62 today when he took the pics of the progress with the template, and wow! From the looks so far it should be an awesome top and after talking with softtopguy you can tell the quality will be top notch. It makes me wish I still had my 40

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

I think it really looks good so far. I like the plastic clip fasteners. What color is that, blue or green?

 

[highlandcruzer]

I think it really looks good so far. I like the plastic clip fasteners. What color is that, blue or green?

It's green.... This is purely a pattern, just random fabric, and the plastic clips are just for mock-up. But if someone wants 'em, we can do that.

 

[lunyou]

any idea on price yet.......I am getting excited about this top, since I might be able to afford one sooner then planned.

lunyou

 

[highlandcruzer]

any idea on price yet.......I am getting excited about this top, since I might be able to afford one sooner then planned.

lunyou

I can't say!

Softtopguy will chime in soon. It really won't be long. He's thrown me some ballpark figures. I think it will be reasonable and competitive.