DIY soft top for 1st gen.
04-24-2006, 04:03 PM
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DIY soft top for 1st gen.
Hello-
I want to fab my own full-length "bikini" top that will go all the way from the cab to tailgate. The idea is to look like a Can-Back top with the sides rolled up. Know what I mean? It, of course would have to waterproof/ resistant and durable (I live in Houston and will be using it most of the year rain or shine). Ideally, I would like to fab a full top with windows but that's probably an even bigger project. I have the sewing skills for the top and the fabbing skills for the frame, but I am not sure what kind of material to use or where to find it. I've heard of Rexine, but cannot find any info on them. Sunbrella would be great too but I can't get just a small amount of fabric from them. Ideally, I would be able to get it from a local fabric store. Please help!
Thanks!
-Marty
also, if anyone has done this before, some pictures/ tips would be great! Or even just some overall tips on the whole project. thanks-
(if anyone has an old can-back top and or frame for sale, I am probably interested)
MORE- It would be nice to get the fabric cheaply (under $200) (under $100 even better!) because if it's much more, I'll just get an STC top.
I want to fab my own full-length "bikini" top that will go all the way from the cab to tailgate. The idea is to look like a Can-Back top with the sides rolled up. Know what I mean? It, of course would have to waterproof/ resistant and durable (I live in Houston and will be using it most of the year rain or shine). Ideally, I would like to fab a full top with windows but that's probably an even bigger project. I have the sewing skills for the top and the fabbing skills for the frame, but I am not sure what kind of material to use or where to find it. I've heard of Rexine, but cannot find any info on them. Sunbrella would be great too but I can't get just a small amount of fabric from them. Ideally, I would be able to get it from a local fabric store. Please help!
Thanks!
-Marty
also, if anyone has done this before, some pictures/ tips would be great! Or even just some overall tips on the whole project. thanks-
(if anyone has an old can-back top and or frame for sale, I am probably interested)
MORE- It would be nice to get the fabric cheaply (under $200) (under $100 even better!) because if it's much more, I'll just get an STC top.
Last edited by marty4runner; 04-24-2006 at 04:06 PM. Reason: 'cause
04-24-2006, 04:33 PM
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I remember coming across something similar before. Check these websites out. Not all the pics work, but at least it might give you some ideas.
http://www.wildyoats.com/canvas_top_tech.htm
http://www.wildyoats.com/canvas_army_top.htm
http://www.wildyoats.com/canvas_top_tech.htm
http://www.wildyoats.com/canvas_army_top.htm
04-24-2006, 07:56 PM
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cool!
Wow! Thanks guys! You have both helped me out a bunch. I think I have everytihing I need. If anyone else has more to add, please do so (I can always use more suggestions/ideas/etc.). Hopefully I will get started in the next week or two. I'll post pictures of the buildup in the end. I think I'm gonna try the side panels, it dosen't seem to be that much more work. The Sunbrella whould be around $100, and the metal and other various materials should be $50-$60. If it comes out nicely, I don't see any reason to get a Can-Back for what they charge. Thanks again!
-Marty
*Actually, the Sunbrella will be closer to $200 if I'm going to do the side panels. Still good, though!
-Marty
*Actually, the Sunbrella will be closer to $200 if I'm going to do the side panels. Still good, though!
Last edited by marty4runner; 04-24-2006 at 08:01 PM. Reason: afterthought
04-25-2006, 11:59 PM
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There are 4 or 5 of us in the UK who want to do this . As shipping from USA to UK would be to much we have talked about a homemade topper . Look forward to the finished result 
Rick
Rick
04-26-2006, 10:19 AM
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I just put a soft top on my 88, I used to have one on my 86 as well. I love it!
I dont like how the canback cant be a convertable though!!
everybody likes pics
sorry I know its unrelated but I just wanted to post pics
I dont like how the canback cant be a convertable though!!
everybody likes pics
sorry I know its unrelated but I just wanted to post pics
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04-28-2006, 05:53 AM
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top mounting to cab
Yo-
Does anyone have a pic of how a CanBack, STC, etc. mounts to the cab? I have some ideas of how to do it well, but just wanted to see what they do.
-Marty
Does anyone have a pic of how a CanBack, STC, etc. mounts to the cab? I have some ideas of how to do it well, but just wanted to see what they do.
-Marty
03-09-2010, 07:42 PM
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In the interest of not "reposting", I will instead revive this old, dead thread.
I am in the research phase of getting ready to design my own version of a soft top. Has anyone else done a homebrew version of this? Any ideas, photos, or additional information would be appreciated.
TIA,
MC
I am in the research phase of getting ready to design my own version of a soft top. Has anyone else done a homebrew version of this? Any ideas, photos, or additional information would be appreciated.
TIA,
MC
03-09-2010, 09:02 PM
#11
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The op posted in another thread
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/...l#post51387563
and I saw another member make his own , but cant remember who he was . I think he was from arizona and has a white 1st gen runner.
Id really like to make my own also but have to many things going on right now.
good luck though
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/...l#post51387563
and I saw another member make his own , but cant remember who he was . I think he was from arizona and has a white 1st gen runner.
Id really like to make my own also but have to many things going on right now.
good luck though
03-09-2010, 09:34 PM
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Yeah, I figured that you did your research before you did your top. Your design was the one that really made me realize just how well the design could be simplified and streamlined. I have thought about trying to replicate softopper's folding design, but I think I will try for something easier and more sturdy at first.
More pics!
More pics!
03-10-2010, 11:46 AM
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I finally built mine. Here's the thread. I think it's taken at least 3 years. It should have been 3 days. Oh well...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/...der-way-92914/
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/...der-way-92914/
07-11-2010, 07:41 AM
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02-01-2013, 08:12 AM
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Has anyone considered using a soft top from a smaller pickup? I've done so twice and been happy w/ results. first a soft-topper from a Ranger, and now a Best-top from an S-10, just had to cut out vinyl window that would have been against cab. sides roll up/remove and also goes convertible. craiglist for $200 bucks each. (ill attempt to post pics)
