U.S soft top possibility version 2 east coast

[73fj40lc]

Tan on White

Jim, I think that tan would look great on your 40. You already have the tan interior so it would match. The tan would reflect some of the heat and the black will absorb and rediate the heat. You know our summers are hard on tops and interiors. The tan shouldn't fade as bad as the black will over time. I don't remember seeing true oem top in black. The ones that I remember were mostly the lighter earth colors. It would make your 40 look more oem to me. I will go with the black when I get one because as you know my 40 is all white and black. Keep plugging away at that new soft top so I can put in my order for 1 when you are done with yours. You keep on and my "Betsy" is going to be ashamed to be seen around your 40.

You guys are a fountain of never ending cool info and pics......I'll look for white/tan over the next..2 days 1 hour....I know how the black would look since I had the bestop but the Tan I never considered.......

 

[ocdbeetle]

Yours is pretty awesome....You should post some pics of yours so the mud brethren can see it....

I do like the tan and you're right, it would match my seats....Although I might change the color of them...

Worked on my top tonight some ......

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Jim, sorry I could not find that pic I told you about...it was an '83 (I think) with a off white fiberglass tub (I think) that was for sale about a year ago (maybe a little more) just north of Montreal. It had a tan top, and the combo looked great!! ...even if it was not stock color.

I still really like that pic I just posted above, it's khaki and it just looks right !!!

 

[woytovich]

So... is this manufacturing operation back in business or not? Are these being made?

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

This venture gone anywhere yet?....Is this one of those?

Made in the USA Repro Top

Wow...$499.00 and not one bid...did I read that correctly

 

[blitzkreigfj]

i saw that to wtf?//

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

No bows = no bids.

 

[apeterson]

No bows = no bids.

I was thinking... no background info from anywhere = no bids

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

There was a khaki canvas, 7 window top that also ended without any bids. I was very surprised.

 

[Mr. Toad]

Economics in action. If the tan one had been listed at $350, it'd have sold, I guarantee it. But that's why it's not economical to produce them. I suspect that even at the 500$ level, it's not worth making them unless they sell at a rate of more than 15-20/month.

OTOH, I've seen a top with bows bring a premium. 'course that was before the bottom fell out of the economy . . .

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

There was a khaki canvas, 7 window top that also ended without any bids. I was very surprised.

You are not the only one to be surprised...that is a very nice looking top

 

[John Smith]

Hey Travis, I just sent you a PM based on this post in the other thread. https://forum.ih8mud.com/chit-chat-section/168762-another-trail-cover-design-10.html#post4346980 I still want a trail cover! Perhaps those will sell better since no bows are needed and they would retail for a lower price than a softtop?

 

[KY Longhunter]

I was told the black top was a 1st generation top that has been improved upon by the seller (Travis).

 

[Sputnik40]

Economics in action. If the tan one had been listed at $350, it'd have sold, I guarantee it. But that's why it's not economical to produce them. I suspect that even at the 500$ level, it's not worth making them unless they sell at a rate of more than 15-20/month.

OTOH, I've seen a top with bows bring a premium. 'course that was before the bottom fell out of the economy . . .

I bought and sold two Paki tops at cost, and sold them at the same cost while the economy was revved up. I tried to sell for more - but it was a pain, and I'm not really into profitting off of this hobby, unless it's some idiot who just has too much money .

I would expect much higher quality from anything made here in the States - and I would pay for that quality.

 

[softtopguy]

Both tops sold and the owners got fantastic deals ie: quality materials and craftsmanship.

I would be interested in doing some trail covers, since there seems to be little interest in soft tops.

If anyone has one to loan in exchange for a new soft product, please be in touch.

Travis

 

[southerncruiser62]

Travis, good to see you back on the forum, I hate the soft tops hadn't really worked out like was originally intended, these tops are made with exceptional craftsmanship.

 

[blitzkreigfj]

Were these your homegrown tops?Funny they were never mentioned here untill the bid was almost over.?Ive been in the market for my 68 40,problem is convertingfrom hard top.i would need bows.Ive followed this thread recently,hope all is well.oh and if those were your tops-thumbs up.

 

[woytovich]

Have I been reading things wrong here? It seems to me that there was MUCH interest in USA made soft tops (see the survey). What am I missing?

 

[71AZFJ]

Travis and Scott, these tops are outstanding. I want to be on your list . But first off, I want to say I'm glad you are feeling better. Without health , you have nothing . By looking at your top, I think you guys have a great product on your hands.I'll be watching to see how things go for you guys. Good Luck.

 

[Volcano cruiser]

Have I been reading things wrong here? It seems to me that there was MUCH interest in USA made soft tops (see the survey). What am I missing?

Travis and Scott,
I agree. Throughout this and other threads there is alot of interest and frustration at the lack of a US made top. Despite all of the odds, you guys actually came through and got the tops made. It sounds like you might be giving up on the idea of producing these, don't. All that maybe needed here is some marketing tweaks. Assuming that the economy hasn't rolled over and crushed everyone here, it seems to me that you guys are just one group buy away from taking off.

Regarding a bikini soft top, I have one and you guys know it's yours for as long as you need it. I can send it up to you guys now. You have my email just send me your info and I'll box it up and send it your way. We can talk about the details there.

Hang in there,
John