Bikini Weather!! (Not the 2 piece kind!)
 

So, I just picked up a '96-'02 YJ Bikini top for my 1985 Toyota 4 Runner. I was wondering who else is running with a Bikini top lately? Does anyone use the Best Top Bikini with the metal channel the plasic lip slides into or are you all running bikini tops with the 'snaps' type?

I have seen Roger Brown's write up on a Jeep Bikini top and his uses the 'snap' type top.

Since 3/14/07 through 3/18/07, Phoenix, AZ set 5 days in a row of record tempuratures - Saturday it got up to 104 degrees at my house. It was ridiculous. It's still technically 'winter' when those temps came down. The other days the aiport reported 95-99 degrees!

Ok, got some pic's of your 1st Gen Runner sporting the Bikini? I just picked one up with hardware for $70 (Black Denium).

I ave yet to fab it to work on the Runner. So many other things going on!!!

John

this is the best picture i have of the bikini http://picasaweb.google.com/bkgpub/4...30893516226578

the bikini is from downey. there are some more pics in another album on that site too. i just got the rig last summer, and haven't had enough time for renovation/modification, not to mention wheeling or worthy photo ops. work in progress...

on a side note, i just can't figure out how to embed picasa photos... anyone?

How much was that one from Downey?

http://lh5.google.com/image/bkgpub/R...img_0006_1.jpg


CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON POSTING PICTURES

John

thanks for the instructions john. i thought that i had followed them in the past, but obviously i missed something :)

paid $184 incl. tax. sounds like the jeep products might be a lot cheaper. on the other hand, no modifications necessary, it was simple bolt on over a lunch break.

if i follow my current plans, i will be selling this one later this summer (here) for half that amount, pending the purchase of a can-back top. the only potential problem with my plan is that the can-back is 10x expensive :(

Yeah, I just couldn't justify $1300 for a can back. I would rather put that $$$ elsewhere!

John

I've been running my Downey bikini top for about 2 years now. I almost never put the top on - But, like John - I'm in the Phx area and its almost always bikini weather here:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...a/IMG_1450.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...a/IMG_0956.jpg

FJ40 top, $45, total fab $65.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...4RUNNER016.jpg

Very sweet lookin' Runner Lofreqjeff! Being in the same area perhaps we should get together for some wheelin! I am getting ready for 5" of lift. Probably install it mid April (realistically) however I want to do it sooner cause I can't stand having the parts and not putting them on!! I have to wait to get to my Brother-in-law because he is the welder in the family.

PM me if you'd like to meet up sometime!

John

Very nice set up 4Runner! I like the look you got going on there! Where did you get the supports for the top?

John

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...andmisc112.jpg[url]
The bikini sure helps keep the beer cold!

Thanks John!

PM'd ya - I'm always ready to hit the trails. And if you need any help with that lift let me know, its always nice to have an extra pair of hands just incase.

The support for the top is a piece of conduit I bent, wiped down with lacquer thinner and painted, about $3 at Lowes.

We make a nice bikini kit - front channel that fits snugly and a rear bow that prevents the top from flapping. You can pick up a Bestop FJ40 bikini top to go with it, which I think are the best and most durable, as I've had several others, for about $65-$75 shipped.

http://www.wabfab.org/products/bikini/bikini4.jpg
http://www.wabfab.org/products/bikini/bikini.htm

:guitar:

Heep bikini top.

Cant remember the year but got a windshield channel and some 1"x1" aluminum angle and it hasnt budged since I put it on.

I love it, not for me really but for my kids. Keeps em nice and shaded in the sun.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...g?t=1174553162

Wow, you guys give me some great ideas and pictures! Thanks for the shots and time to post up your rides! VERY nice! :)

John

I got my top from TPI, landcruiser specialty catalog, 615-826-8853. The only thing I had to modify was the back straps, they were too long and the buckles were past the footman loops. So I had them shortened about 10" and resewn.

Hello from not so sunny Wales (UK)

I'll be topless on the beach oh so soon - I can't wait

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l3...06/topless.jpg

By The Way - The truck was first registered in Misawa air base - Japan - then shipped to the UK - where it lived on Lakenheath and Mildenhall (big USAF) AIR BASES.

Anyone know this truck?

Also - you guys got some nice trucks..........

Hey John,

Here is another of the Bestop style, it uses the channel and lip style mount. I still need to make a bow for the center. Sorry I haven't gotten back to you on the hood. If you can hang onto it a while longer that would be great.

Thanks
Robb

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...y/Notop002.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...carrier009.jpg

you have a nice lookin truck actually mildenhall and lakenheath are RAF bases technicly. even though the USAF has now almost completly taken over. That part of the world is the most beautiful place i have seen though.

No worries man. It's here for you and when you happen out to Phoenix drop me a line and we'll get together. Unless I am out of town I will make time for getting together with you. I have actually set everything aside and even given you the hinges I drilled to use for the hood. That way you don't have to drill yours, you can reuse mine!

Nice Runner too! Which version of the Best Top is that? I think the one I got was a #52530 Denim for a '97-'02 YJ.

John