Which is the best soft top? (1 Viewer)

[djosar]

I'm getting ready to take off my hard top and add a soft-top. It looks like my two options are the Bestop top _ about $800 plus getting the half-doors to fit in where my rear ambulance doors are, or the other options with the OEM-style bows, which with bows, top and half-doors in the rear about $2,500.

What are the pros and cons of each? The more expensive ones look like they may be worth the price ... more durable mounting system, better ventilation options, look better.
Does anyone have any experience?
For the more expensive option, there is a guy selling off the Internet and there is SOR, about the same price but the half-doors from the guy from Internet seem a little better.
Looking for some ideas and feedback as I get ready to make my decision. Thanks! David

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

I just went through this, a fuller explanation is on my build thread (below) - it's on the last 2 or so pages. They're different tops, I don't know the SOR top, but I can talk to the Besttop and the Trollhole top. ReelSteel makes the hoops (I'm pretty sure he provides them to SOR) - in that you have a couple choices or you can do what I did which was buy a '40 top frame from a wrecking yard (was kind of lucky there because it was $125).... as to the tops themselves, you get what you pay for - besttop will last, but if you want any other color then black then you're buying from Julie (Trollhole's go-to-gal-for upholsltery).

 

[honk]

One thing about the OEM style soft tops - you can't lower them. You can roll up the sides and upper rear panel if you use a tailgate or substitute but without removing the entire canvas top you'll not get the wind blowing through your hair or the sun shining down upon you.

The OEM top is not a convertible top.

This may or may not be an important consideration for you.

I've never had a Besttop type top but I believe that they can be lowered, folding the top and frame down into the rear of the truck.

 

[Northbound]

Bestops can be lowered.

If you're inteeet I've got a bestop and doors with all hardware that I'm about to buy up for sale. It's been sitting in my basement for 3 years. Used t for 2 months then I said the he'll with it I'll either go topless or hardtop.

PM me if interested.

 

[grishw1]

Bestops can be lowered.

If you're inteeet I've got a bestop and doors with all hardware that I'm about to buy up for sale. It's been sitting in my basement for 3 years. Used t for 2 months then I said the he'll with it I'll either go topless or hardtop.

PM me if interested.

PM sent

 

[SargentSnotz]

I just went through this, a fuller explanation is on my build thread (below) - it's on the last 2 or so pages. They're different tops, I don't know the SOR top, but I can talk to the Besttop and the Trollhole top. ReelSteel makes the hoops (I'm pretty sure he provides them to SOR) - in that you have a couple choices or you can do what I did which was buy a '40 top frame from a wrecking yard (was kind of lucky there because it was $125).... as to the tops themselves, you get what you pay for - besttop will last, but if you want any other color then black then you're buying from Julie (Trollhole's go-to-gal-for upholsltery).

Where's your build thread? (Below) I'd like to read it.

 

[White Stripe]

I wonder why no one has tried to duplicate the factory fold down top?

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Where's your build thread? (Below) I'd like to read it.

Shipwreck

 

[JohnnyC]

I wonder why no one has tried to duplicate the factory fold down top?

The oem fold down bows are not a simple design... it would be pretty hard to make a reproduction... the bigger question is why hasn't somebody made a softbtop to look oem but use almost the same framework style as an old style bestop or kayline

Not really too hard in that way

 

[White Stripe]

The oem fold down bows are not a simple design... it would be pretty hard to make a reproduction... the bigger question is why hasn't somebody made a softbtop to look oem but use almost the same framework style as an old style bestop or kayline

Not really too hard in that way

That's true. The besttop bows seem at least visually to follow the same lines as the OEM fold down bows. They work on a much simpler design without the latches. Would not be hard to put fabric on them that mimicked the factory fold down top.

 

[JohnnyC]

Jim was going to attempt this ... but... never really got from under his orders to start a new project

 

[tyama]

i've got a top that was originally from pakistan. pretty basic & okay. I think I'll go with the top dollar troll hole top when I replace it. I've always thought the bestop looked too jeep-like for my tastes.

best, ty

 

[jim land]

quick fold down if the reason why i keep my old stc top , the factory top look much better , but i like too much to drive with the top down and fold down the windshield for trail riding

 

[tls3601]

OEM style, Kayline and then Bestop IMO. OEM is reproductions now and Kayline no longer manufactured