U.S soft top possibility version 2 east coast

[JohnnyC]

glad to see your back in the saddle...need anything let me know

 

[3doghouse]

Glad y'all stuck with it! Please keep us posted.

 

[BBQ BOY]

Thank you thank you thank you. I have been hoping yopu guys would come back around. I defintely want one. We just need to figure out how to get the bows.
How much for a 5 window top?
What is the best material to use? Don't want vinyl.

 

[MuskieFJ]

Ditto those above. Love Made in the USA and a 40 Soft top with bows!!!

 

[cooney]

I definitely want one (5 window soft top). I already have a set of factory bows. I'll keep watching and when you get back on your feet, I get in touch to place my order.

 

[singletrackjunkie]

I definitely want one as well if you can get the bows as well. Glad to hear everyone is doing well. I'll keep my eye on this thread to follow the progress.

 

[G-Cat]

Frame ideas still welcomed WE'LL BE IN TOUCH SOOON!!!!!!

The owner of Real Steel Cruiser Parts in north Texas posted, in an earlier thread, that they were working on bringing bows to the market. I check his website regularly, but nothing yet.

Maybe you could contact him and see if you two could brainstorm a package deal?

 

[softtopguy]

I left my contact info on his web site. If you have any other way let me know.
Thanks
Travis

 

[highlandcruzer]

What years were these style rear bow brackets used? I guess the only difference with the bottom bracket [on the left] is that it has four bolt holes, as opposed to two on later type. I haven't personally noticed this type of upper rear bow bracket before. [on the right]

 

[highlandcruzer]

Frame ideas still welcomed

Of course Travis already knows all this, but just so you guys are aware....

I read somewhere that we had "dropped the ball" on this project. Nothing could be further from the truth. We had an injured quarterback. I didn't see the need to pursue the bow reproduction further without Travis in the picture.

I still fully intend to reproduce these bows IF, and only if no one else in the U.S. does first. I believe I can.

I have no desire to go into the cruiser parts business. But I am absolutely determined to see this through to completion. I'm not working on this because I want my own OEM top. I'm a full-blown 'Cruiser nut, and I'd like to see OEM style tops more readily available for our rigs. I enjoy a challenging project, and especially working on 'Cruisers. Period. + IH8JEEPSTYLETOPS. ;p [naturally, I'd like to see Travis benefit from this as well]

The good news for all of us is, it sounds like others will have reproduction bows available soon.

On the flip side....For the DD, and trail rigs:

We'll also be working on a more user friendly, easy-on, easy off bow set up that will still give the factory style look. It should be less costly as well. This is primarily what Travis was refering to.



Part of the reason that these things aren't already available is that they're not figure-it-out-over-a-weekend kind of projects. This won't happen over night. We are, however, in a position to work much more quickly now than we had been previously.

This is not a "whim". We're on it.

 

[Coolerman]

Bravo! I'll need a set of bows and a top just about the time you get them ready for sale.

 

[BBQ BOY]

Thanks for giving us an update. I will want bows and top. Do you have an idea of an ETA? 1 year, 6 months?

 

[upper canada fjc]

Great To Hear

I would also like to purchase the complete set up.

Top, Bows, hardware. and what ever goodies you guys are planning to make.

I know alot of us are asking, what kind of time line are you guys are looking at for SOP (Start of production).

And again thanks for the updates.


Dave

 

[singletrackjunkie]

Great to hear, keep us up to date. I'll take a set of bows and top when you are up and running.

 

[Volcano cruiser]

Of course Travis already knows all this, but just so you guys are aware....

I read somewhere that we had "dropped the ball" on this project. Nothing could be further from the truth. We had an injured quarterback. I didn't see the need to pursue the bow reproduction further without Travis in the picture.

I still fully intend to reproduce these bows IF, and only if no one else in the U.S. does first. I believe I can.

I have no desire to go into the cruiser parts business. But I am absolutely determined to see this through to completion. I'm not working on this because I want my own OEM top. I'm a full-blown 'Cruiser nut, and I'd like to see OEM style tops more readily available for our rigs. I enjoy a challenging project, and especially working on 'Cruisers. Period. + IH8JEEPSTYLETOPS. ;p [naturally, I'd like to see Travis benefit from this as well]

The good news for all of us is, it sounds like others will have reproduction bows available soon.

On the flip side....For the DD, and trail rigs:

We'll also be working on a more user friendly, easy-on, easy off bow set up that will still give the factory style look. It should be less costly as well. This is primarily what Travis was refering to.



Part of the reason that these things aren't already available is that they're not figure-it-out-over-a-weekend kind of projects. This won't happen over night. We are, however, in a position to work much more quickly now than we had been previously.

This is not a "whim". We're on it.

Scott,
You and Travis have always been stand up guys and this post goes a long way to cure one of the key problems with one of the other soft top suppliers, good communication with and frequent updates for your clients. As you know I already hae a set of OEM bows, I just need a top. I have two questions on materials that you guys are planning on using.
1- Soft top material - IIRC previously you guys had used the Sunbrella fabric in your prototype run. After reading up on that stuff it really looked and sounded great. Are you guys still planning on using the Sunbrella fabric?

2- Windows - After almost a year of running this rig I finally joined the rest of the modern world here and had the hardtop windows tinted. It really cuts down on the heat in this sunny, tropical climate and it is a great at keeping prying eyes out. Do you have any plans to offer tinted windows as an option? If no present plans would you guys consider it. I'd venture to say that a fair number of us live in climates where keeping the blazing sun out is a priority.
Thanks,
John

 

[romey]

ooh, now i think i know what i'll be saving up for next! best of luck on getting back to production!

+1 on the ETA on production?, and curious about the original wait list (from those who pre-ordered but had to get their money back), and if there's a 2nd wait list for after you go through the first batch...

 

[MJM]

I have cash ready for the top only

I already have the bows but am looking for a replacement top.
Thanks

 

[Blue77FJ40]

Just a thought, is it possible to come up with a lower edge retaining system that doesn't require straps/drilling holes/installing footman loops? I'm thinking of perhaps of a caprail that covers the tub tops and provides a rail to secure the bottom edge of the top and uses the stock top mounting bolt holes.

 

[Mr. Toad]

Interested in 7-window top & factory style bows.

 

[highlandcruzer]

Hey John.

1- Soft top material - IIRC previously you guys had used the Sunbrella fabric in your prototype run. After reading up on that stuff it really looked and sounded great. Are you guys still planning on using the Sunbrella fabric?

Yes. This was the most highly recommended material for this application by the textile manufacturers/suppliers that Travis deals with. It's one that he's worked with extensively . If you have deep pockets, there are still higher grades of materials that may be considered. [Icon worthy stuff] The sky is the limit.

He also plans to offer high quality vinyl. [OEM type or better]

Travis comes from a modern industry where emphasis is placed on premium quality materials and craftsmanship made to take what nature throws at it, and ask for more.

I am something of a Cruiser purist, and appreciate the cool factor of having exactly what Mr. T provided. So after some arm twisting....He's also willing to produce these in a heavy grade natural canvas. [Like 82Cruisers original top] Though it kinda goes against his grain to use such a "primitive" maintenance intensive material. [I want one anyway ]

There will certainly be many options considered. Naturally he can't be all things to all people but totally custom stuff can be made for the folks that know what they want and are willing to pay for it.

2- Windows - After almost a year of running this rig I finally joined the rest of the modern world here and had the hardtop windows tinted. It really cuts down on the heat in this sunny, tropical climate and it is a great at keeping prying eyes out. Do you have any plans to offer tinted windows as an option? If no present plans would you guys consider it. I'd venture to say that a fair number of us live in climates where keeping the blazing sun out is a priority.
Thanks,
John

Yup. No problem.