Summer Buildup *1st Gen Soft Top*

getitdone · 04-12-2005, 10:11 AM

Calling all soft top owners...I need your help.

The summer is almost here and I need a soft top.
I am going to build one of my own but I need some help.
Will everybody who owns a soft top please send me as many pics of the thing as you can!!!

I have never seen one in person, only in pictures.
So I want a better understanding of how everything works,
so I can take things I like and think up the rest.

I already know that I want to support a roof rack and use the rear power window.
I plan on sharing every step of the process with the board.
So please send me pics of what you got, or better yet,
if you live in the dfw area(and I know someone has a soft top around here!)
let me take my own pics of your top.

I need pics that show the side of the truck, pics of how it connects to the body,
pics of how the roof rack connects, the straps that secures it when you roll it up, etc.
If you are willing to send me some pictures, please pm me for my email address.
Thanks in advance.

sefus · 04-12-2005, 05:59 PM

the easiest way i found was going hummer style by streching canvas from the cab opening (buttoned to an aluminum guide i made up to keep teh rain out), over the top of the roll bar and down to the tailgate. and riggin up some quick disconect attachments to teh sie so it doesnt hit on the freeway. its quick on and off, easy to do, inexpensive, and pretty useful. definetly keep us updated with whatever style you use.

seaflea · 04-12-2005, 06:06 PM

Have you check out thewild yoats site yet? He has a write up on there that shows you how to make one from scratch.

Adam F · 04-12-2005, 06:16 PM

I don't think you could use the rear power window with a soft top. I would be afraid the glass would break since you don't have the hard top on, which supports the glass when it's rolled up. It would be too loose and might crack from moving around.

getitdone · 04-12-2005, 08:04 PM

I am definatly going for the most professional made top that will be secure in the parking lot and in the rain. Something that if I wanted to, I could leave it on all year round.

I have seen the wild yoats(prime inspiration).

The rear glass will need to ride in tracks the same way it does with the hard top. I have already planned on fabing that part up. The only problem I have with the glass is that it is sloped toward the front of the truck. All soft tops I have seen are straight(90 degree angle) in the back. So far, it's a work in progress.

Pics. I need pics. Or somebody local with a top!

getitdone · 04-13-2005, 02:32 PM

Come On!

seaflea · 04-13-2005, 02:58 PM

is this what you are looking for?

and the rear

jla123 · 04-13-2005, 03:02 PM

try this site, www.specialtytopco.com

getitdone · 04-13-2005, 05:28 PM

Yes YES MORE!

Can you give me close ups of where it connects to the body?
Also close ups of the rear ties.
Are the sides sewn into the top?
More pics please.

seaflea · 04-13-2005, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getitdone

Yes YES MORE!

Can you give me close ups of where it connects to the body?
Also close ups of the rear ties.
Are the sides sewn into the top?
More pics please.

dude youre scaring me!

The side are sewn to the top. There is nylon rope sewn inside the top for the rear. It attaches to the frame .Thats how it is kept tight.No close ups of the rear ties or the front part of the frame. ( my camera is broken

) These are actually in another thread here on YT. It is a really simple setup. If I get a new camera soon I wil take more pics.

4Crawler · 04-13-2005, 07:17 PM

I have some info on my soft top page:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...op/index.shtml

I've looked into making a soft top to retain the rear window, but fashioning a compound curved channel for the glass to slide into is tricky. My plan now is to put the hard top back on, cutting out the sides, then putting in a frame in the opening. A pivoting, removeable Lexan window will fill the side panels. Easy to open for the trails, let lockable and secure when needed.

89_4runner · 04-14-2005, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Crawler

I've looked into making a soft top to retain the rear window, but fashioning a compound curved channel for the glass to slide into is tricky. My plan now is to put the hard top back on, cutting out the sides, then putting in a frame in the opening. A pivoting, removeable Lexan window will fill the side panels. Easy to open for the trails, let lockable and secure when needed.

Anyone remember the 4Top soft top from like 15 years ago? I think it had a track that the rear window ran in. I may have a brochure in my files.

It would be interesting to hack a hard top and have removeable sides. A soft top would be nice, but noisy and not very secure.

shiftless89 · 04-14-2005, 12:30 PM

Hmmmmm chris if this works out you might have some DFW customers!!!

getitdone · 04-14-2005, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiftless89

Hmmmmm chris if this works out you might have some DFW customers!!!

Yea I thought of that. Man I am so pumped! I wish I had the time to just do it all right now! Gotta have some patience though.

burlsyota8-7 · 04-16-2005, 06:29 PM

i went to a upholstry shop and they made this for me for 300 bucks.

getitdone · 04-17-2005, 08:39 PM

Pics?

I am working out how the rear will work but I need some metal to start experimenting. All the metal places are open while I am at work

getitdone · 04-20-2005, 08:52 PM

Ok. So a little progress...

A couple of days ago my teacher was sick so I had a little time off.
I went down to Garland Steel and bought up some metal.

------------------------------*Story*---------------------------------
I knew that I wanted square metal for the supports and I was thinking that my o bars were 1.5" when in reality they are 1.25". So I'm in this warehouse with 60ft ceilings and tons of metal everywhere, my blood is pumpin, I'm looking around and the guy asks me, "What do you want." So I point to some square pipe that looks about what I need. Well, to make a long story short, I bought lots of 1.5" square tube. The guy who wrote the article on how to do it uses 3/4".

So now I have lots of big ass metal pipes, and let me tell you, this stuff doesn't bend.

Example

All it does is fold.

Soooooooooooo.
I have to cut lines into the pipe every .5" to make the bend.
Then I go through and weld up all the cuts.
Then I grind all the welds smooth.
Then I sand all the grind marks off.
Then it looks like it was milled that way.

My practice piece.

I chopped off the top to check my welds.
All in all it is pretty easy, just tedious.

I think my soft top will be the strongest one ever made.
Strong enough to get one of these.

Haven't given up on the window either.
I'll keep you posted.

shiftless89 · 05-04-2005, 03:14 PM

Ok, so chris, any updates !?!?!

getitdone · 05-16-2005, 12:45 AM

Hey, I didn't even see your reply!
I have been so straped for time with finals and everything that I haven't done anything... but never fear, I am OUT OF SCHOOL and my free time is finnaly here. Stay tuned.

04-12-2005, 10:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,016	Summer Buildup 1st Gen Soft Top Calling all soft top owners...I need your help. The summer is almost here and I need a soft top. I am going to build one of my own but I need some help. Will everybody who owns a soft top please send me as many pics of the thing as you can!!! I have never seen one in person, only in pictures. So I want a better understanding of how everything works, so I can take things I like and think up the rest. I already know that I want to support a roof rack and use the rear power window. I plan on sharing every step of the process with the board. So please send me pics of what you got, or better yet, if you live in the dfw area(and I know someone has a soft top around here!) let me take my own pics of your top. I need pics that show the side of the truck, pics of how it connects to the body, pics of how the roof rack connects, the straps that secures it when you roll it up, etc. If you are willing to send me some pictures, please pm me for my email address. Thanks in advance. __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

04-12-2005, 06:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
seaflea Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: wilmington nc Posts: 1,604	Have you check out thewild yoats site yet? He has a write up on there that shows you how to make one from scratch. __________________ Will WabFab Off-Road, LLC Toyota 4x4 Parts and Custom Fabrication updated website with lots of new products 87 runner with every bolt on available

04-12-2005, 06:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
Adam F Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 1,980	I don't think you could use the rear power window with a soft top. I would be afraid the glass would break since you don't have the hard top on, which supports the glass when it's rolled up. It would be too loose and might crack from moving around. __________________ Parting out 3vze V6, click for details 88 4Runner. In process of V8 swap

04-12-2005, 08:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,016	I am definatly going for the most professional made top that will be secure in the parking lot and in the rain. Something that if I wanted to, I could leave it on all year round. I have seen the wild yoats(prime inspiration). The rear glass will need to ride in tracks the same way it does with the hard top. I have already planned on fabing that part up. The only problem I have with the glass is that it is sloped toward the front of the truck. All soft tops I have seen are straight(90 degree angle) in the back. So far, it's a work in progress. Pics. I need pics. Or somebody local with a top! __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

04-13-2005, 02:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,016	Come On! __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

04-12-2005, 05:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
sefus Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 127	the easiest way i found was going hummer style by streching canvas from the cab opening (buttoned to an aluminum guide i made up to keep teh rain out), over the top of the roll bar and down to the tailgate. and riggin up some quick disconect attachments to teh sie so it doesnt hit on the freeway. its quick on and off, easy to do, inexpensive, and pretty useful. definetly keep us updated with whatever style you use.

04-13-2005, 02:58 PM	#7 (permalink)
seaflea Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: wilmington nc Posts: 1,604	is this what you are looking for? and the rear __________________ Will WabFab Off-Road, LLC Toyota 4x4 Parts and Custom Fabrication updated website with lots of new products 87 runner with every bolt on available

04-13-2005, 03:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
jla123 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: north carolina Posts: 95	try this site, www.specialtytopco.com

04-13-2005, 05:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,016	Yes YES MORE! Can you give me close ups of where it connects to the body? Also close ups of the rear ties. Are the sides sewn into the top? More pics please. __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

04-13-2005, 07:17 PM	#11 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 6,212	I have some info on my soft top page: http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...op/index.shtml I've looked into making a soft top to retain the rear window, but fashioning a compound curved channel for the glass to slide into is tricky. My plan now is to put the hard top back on, cutting out the sides, then putting in a frame in the opening. A pivoting, removeable Lexan window will fill the side panels. Easy to open for the trails, let lockable and secure when needed. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs. r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

04-14-2005, 12:30 PM	#13 (permalink)
shiftless89 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Keller, Republic of Texas Posts: 1,337	Hmmmmm chris if this works out you might have some DFW customers!!! __________________ 1989 SR5 V6 5sp 4RUNNER. -> MOST VIEWED 1ST GEN ON YOTATECH! www.toyotatrailriders.com Wheeling Texas Style

04-17-2005, 08:39 PM	#16 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,016	Pics? I am working out how the rear will work but I need some metal to start experimenting. All the metal places are open while I am at work __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

04-20-2005, 08:52 PM	#17 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,016	Ok. So a little progress... A couple of days ago my teacher was sick so I had a little time off. I went down to Garland Steel and bought up some metal. ------------------------------Story--------------------------------- I knew that I wanted square metal for the supports and I was thinking that my o bars were 1.5" when in reality they are 1.25". So I'm in this warehouse with 60ft ceilings and tons of metal everywhere, my blood is pumpin, I'm looking around and the guy asks me, "What do you want." So I point to some square pipe that looks about what I need. Well, to make a long story short, I bought lots of 1.5" square tube. The guy who wrote the article on how to do it uses 3/4". So now I have lots of big ass metal pipes, and let me tell you, this stuff doesn't bend. Example All it does is fold. Soooooooooooo. I have to cut lines into the pipe every .5" to make the bend. Then I go through and weld up all the cuts. Then I grind all the welds smooth. Then I sand all the grind marks off. Then it looks like it was milled that way. My practice piece. I chopped off the top to check my welds. All in all it is pretty easy, just tedious. I think my soft top will be the strongest one ever made. Strong enough to get one of these. Haven't given up on the window either. I'll keep you posted. __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

05-04-2005, 03:14 PM	#18 (permalink)
shiftless89 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Keller, Republic of Texas Posts: 1,337	Ok, so chris, any updates !?!?! __________________ 1989 SR5 V6 5sp 4RUNNER. -> MOST VIEWED 1ST GEN ON YOTATECH! www.toyotatrailriders.com Wheeling Texas Style

05-16-2005, 12:45 AM	#19 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,016	Hey, I didn't even see your reply! I have been so straped for time with finals and everything that I haven't done anything... but never fear, I am OUT OF SCHOOL and my free time is finnaly here. Stay tuned. __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.