U.S soft top possibility version 2 east coast

[SouthBostonFJ40]

I am not bashing or sticking up for Ehsan because we are in the middle of a group order with him, but I would think that if somebody seriously wanted to get into the FJ40 soft top business, they would just spend the $800-$900 and buy one from Ehsan. It seems like a very small investment to get the ball rolling instead of searching around for someone who can lend one out. It would also show the MUD community that someone is committed about doing this here in the US. That way you'd have one to tear apart and make your patterns from with worrying about returning it to the person who lent it to you. Just my $.02.

 

[JohnnyC]

I am not bashing or sticking up for Ehsan because we are in the middle of a group order with him, but I would think that if somebody seriously wanted to get into the FJ40 soft top business, they would just spend the $800-$900 and buy one from Ehsan. It seems like a very small investment to get the ball rolling instead of searching around for someone who can lend one out. It would also show the MUD community that someone is committed about doing this here in the US. That way you'd have one to tear apart and make your patterns from with worrying about returning it to the person who lent it to you. Just my $.02.

the original doesnt need to be taken apart...when i had mine done they used my old kayline replacement top....and i got that back...and by the way....BigRedFJ40...i want that back now that you are getting one soon

 

[JohnnyC]

JohnnyC....Thanks for the input , and the pics!!

if you are looking for any pics inperticular (bad spellings and grammora ...sorries)

let me know...i have many not posted

good site for ideas: Beachwood Canvas Works

and fasteners and such

also : Badger Coachworks for ideas...Mike Fox has his rig here having a top made...fj25 bows...badger is a bit pricy on all there stuff....but....do great work....you get what you pay for.

also: WEEBEE WEBBING Products Page the company is WEEBEE WEBBING

 

[vtcruiser60]

PM sent...I'd happily donate my top to the cause.

 

[apeterson]

I would be interested to see how much you can make one for?

 

[cruiserloser]

I can send you a canvas top that has never been installed. This is not an Eshan top. Let me know where to send it via PM or indicate if we can talk on the phone. I have a spare set of factory original bows around as well-but they be more difficult to ship. In any case you will most likely need a truck to ensure fitment. I have a couple ideas for you as well.

 

[highlandcruzer]

I am not bashing or sticking up for Ehsan because we are in the middle of a group order with him, but I would think that if somebody seriously wanted to get into the FJ40 soft top business, they would just spend the $800-$900 and buy one from Ehsan. It seems like a very small investment to get the ball rolling instead of searching around for someone who can lend one out. It would also show the MUD community that someone is committed about doing this here in the US. That way you'd have one to tear apart and make your patterns from with worrying about returning it to the person who lent it to you. Just my $.02.

I appreciate where you are coming from.

This has been my goal.....to purchase one myself....and let him go to work.
Again , up until this point , I haven't had the means/disposable income to do that... [I own a fledgeling buiseness , and don't currently have the disposable funds]

Also , it would take a year to get one from Ehsan myself...further delaying this process......

My brother in law , to some extent is doing this , as a favor to me...

And even though I want one for myself , I would like to contribute to our Mud community as well!!
[I'm not getting paid anything! Hopefully I can get a top out of it ]

Furthermore , it would'nt make much sense for him to buy one.....

He doesn't have cruiser....... tooo........test fit the top on....[it's a 3 and a half hour drive from me .....I'll do it if I have to]........ if it doesn't work out he has to try and sell it... and I can't buy it right now!


With that being said , If someone is willing to ship theirs, we would just need a 40 in the Raleigh area for test fittng.


I'm not trying to beg off of anyone here!! just trying to get this accomplished!

I only got a fire under my rear ,after reading the referenced thread

 

[vtcruiser60]

...hit me with your addy via a PM and I'll have mine shipped today. Hows that for getting the ball rolling.

 

[highlandcruzer]

...hit me with your addy via a PM and I'll have mine shipped today. Hows that for getting the ball rolling.

Thanks man, but I think what you have is a best top, no?

 

[MDH33]

If you can produce these for a reasonable price and build them faster than Ehsan, I say power to you. I just don't see how it can be done. A small shop could not keep up with demand and also keep costs reasonable. I'm not trying to be negative, just realistic. Ehsan makes a good quality product for a good price, and with The new distribution from coming from BC, that wait time will soon be a non-issue.

If in fact you do start this up. I have a design recommendation: Keep it looking like the OEM top, but build it so that that the window panels zip completely out rather than just rolling up. The rolling up causes a lot of extra wear and tear on the window. Also if you could zip them out, then if a window clouds, cracks or needs replacement, it would be a whole lot easier.

Good luck, I'll be following your progress.

 

[vtcruiser60]

Thanks man, but I think what you have is a best top, no?

This is what I have....

4X4REVIEW.COM - Tops for Toyotas - Bestop's Supertop for FJ40 Land Cruisers

Personally, I don't like the OEM soft top. Makes the 40 series look like an old MASH jeep in my opinion. If you want a top to tear up and modify....to make something original...than I would donate mine to the cause. If not...I understand.

-Kieran

 

[cruiserloser]

I can send you a OEM factory style canvas top, that has never been installed. I guess I was not clear on that. I will send you a PM.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

I appriciate where you are coming from.

This has been my goal.....to purchase one myself....and let him go to work.
Again , up until this point , I haven't had the means/disposable income to do that... [I own a fledgling buiseness , and don't currently have the disposable funds]

Also , it would take a year to get one from Ehsan myself...further delaying this process......

My brother in law , to some extent is doing this , as a favor to me...

And even though I want one for myself , I would like to contribute our Mud community as well!!
[I'm not getting paid anything! Hopefully I can get a top out of it ]

Furthermore , it would'nt make much sense for him to buy one.....
He doesn't have cruiser....... tooo.....[test fit the top on......it's a 3 and a half hour drive from me .....I'll do it if I have to]........ if it doesn't work out he has to try and sell it... and I can't buy it right now!


With that being said , If someone is willing to ship theirs, we would just need a 40 in the Raleigh area for test fittng.


I'm not trying to beg off of anyone here!! just trying to get this accomplished!
I only got a fire under my rear ,after reading the referenced thread

I am looking at this from a purely business perspective, not on a personal level and the point I am trying to make is this...you (XYZ Soft Top Company, we'll call it), doesn't even have the $800 to buy a top. Where would the money come from to buy materials to make the tops? Would you expect people to pay you in advance? If your brother in law bought a top he could copy it and I am certain that he could find a 40 to do a fit check on in his area.

If someone is going to make a run at making tops, they need to be well funded and have the ability to support the demand that is there. I have a feeeling that if the price is right, you will need a big chunk of money to pay for your first material order.

 

[apeterson]

I am looking at this from a purely business perspective, not on a personal level and the point I am trying to make is this...you (XYZ Soft Top Company, we'll call it), doesn't even have the $800 to buy a top. Where would the money come from to buy materials to make the tops? Would you expect people to pay you in advance? If your brother in law bought a top he could copy it and I am certain that he could find a 40 to do a fit check on in his area.

If someone is going to make a run at making tops, they need to be well funded and have the ability to support the demand that is there. I have a feeeling that if the price is right, you will need a big chunk of money to pay for your first material order.

could make a few tops to get the $$ coming in... no problem starting small... as long as you are up front with people that there may be some wait up front...

 

[highlandcruzer]

If you can produce these for a reasonable price and build them faster than Ehsan, I say power to you. I just don't see how it can be done. A small shop could not keep up with demand and also keep costs reasonable. I'm not trying to be negative, just realistic. Ehsan makes a good quality product for a good price, and with The new distribution from coming from BC, that wait time will soon be a non-issue.

If in fact you do start this up. I have a design recommendation: Keep it looking like the OEM top, but build it so that that the window panels zip completely out rather than just rolling up. The rolling up causes a lot of extra wear and tear on the window. Also if you could zip them out, then if a windows clouds, cracks or needs replacement, it would be a whole lot easier.

Good luck, I'll be following your progress.

Thanks! all input is welcome! Espescially design input!


How many tops do you think would have to be produced per week....to keep up with the demand of our community?

How much proffit can be made by importing Ehsan's?.....Enough to keep prices the same? It still has to be shipped from Canada

Can Ehsan keep him in stock.......... He can't keep up with demand now!!

Some have complained about Ehsans fabric guality,and the craftmanship of the fabric top . What do you do if it falls apart?

Once the first is finished , It really does'nt take as long as you might think.............I've helped him on CUSTOM projects , starting from scratch , with no pattern ......much more complicated than these ,and put them together in no time flat. He has the machinery, supplies and plenty of willing help at his disposal.

He doesn't expect to beat out Ehsan's initial product price.
This would be a premium product.....with premium craftsmanship [Kind of like a Landcruiser ]......, and premium service to those that need it. Truly custom if thats what you want.

He isn't trying to corner the market....thats why I think he can do it, better!

It might not work out...


The only thing we are promising here , is that someone will get a premium quality copy of their top , for giving us the opportunity!

 

[highlandcruzer]

:shotts:

I am looking at this from a purely business perspective, not on a personal level and the point I am trying to make is this...you (XYZ Soft Top Company, we'll call it), doesn't even have the $800 to buy a top. Where would the money come from to buy materials to make the tops? Would you expect people to pay you in advance? If your brother in law bought a top he could copy it and I am certain that he could find a 40 to do a fit check on in his area.

If someone is going to make a run at making tops, they need to be well funded and have the ability to support the demand that is there. I have a feeeling that if the price is right, you will need a big chunk of money to pay for your first material order.

Why do you assume that this is a small shop? Do you know us?!

It is a thriving buiseness in a capitol city! He isn't broke He is already well stocked!

This was my Idea....... why should I expect my bro to spend anything but his time. [time is money....he will have to spend money as well].....he has offered something in return!!

I think you're missing the point of a community effort......I am trying to help fill a need.....FWIW!

 

[highlandcruzer]

SouthBostonFJ

Please re-read the entire thread before posting again.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Why do you assume that this is a small shop? Do you know us?!

It is a thriving business in a capitol city! He isn't broke

This was my Idea....... why should I expect my bro to spend anything but his time......he has offered something in return!!

I think your missing the point of a community effort......I am trying to help fill a need.....FWIW!

Your missing my point that if you want to fill a need, you need to be able to actually fill it. Making a top here and there is not filling the need.

I never said that your brother in law's business was a small shop or that HE was broke, only that YOU weren't able to make a basic and relatively small business investment to get the ball rolling. If you can't buy one top, how can you afford to make two or three? And like I said above, I was looking at your idea from a business perspective and you've obviously taken it personally. Sorry about that!

 

[GarnerFJ40]

I don't have a soft top but would love one, and I'm in your area. Raleigh (NC) has the Olde North State Cruisers Chapter and I'm sure if someone in our club has a OEM soft top, they'll speak up and get this to you, no shipping involved...

 

[apeterson]

how are you going to make the bows or are you just making the canvas?