I just smashed my hardtop on my 86 4runner and had an extra hardtop mounting flange I saved from a previous smashed hardtop. I also have a kayline soft top that I am in the process of putting on, but the cab brackets are kinda screwed up. Has anyone ever used the 4runner hard top cab mounting flange as the bracket on the cab for their soft top?

This piece


On here


I'm thinking about putting the snaps in the fiberglass flange, but it's really tight when I pull the soft top over the flange. How much can you stretch these kayline toppers without ripping the seams?

Here's the damage to the hardtop




And what it goes on.

 

Those tops can be manipulated a lot easier in direct sunlight, in summer.

 

I put a Softtopper on mine and it loosened up a LOT after a few weeks. It was tight as hell when I installed it and I really had to muscle it on to get all the snaps snapped. Now it goes on and off easily. I wouldn't worry about tearing it, the seams and canvas are strong and once it stretches, that stress will be relieved.

 

Two different style tops.....different materials.

 

I thought that runner looked familiar...guess you were out wheeling in paradise. Sucks, you busted the top, guess you aren't finding to many of those caps on the island.

I have a Can-Back top, and it is made out of very sturdy thick material, and is a true pain to snap now, like a fat girl sqeezing into jeans. Funny, because last year it wasn't an issue.The Can-Back uses a strip of metal to attach to the cab. I like your idea of reusing the front of the cap mounting, might look for a used damaged top to scavenge.
I would guess you should be able to stretch the Kayline to fit over the fiberglass mount. Maybe try to clearance it a bit. If I were doing it, I'd use epoxy in addition to riveting the new snaps in hopes to stop any wear from the metal contacting the fiberglass and vibrating.

good luck

 

The biggest issue I'm seeing is the OD of the camper flange is quite a bit larger than the lip the metal strips go on. I think I'm just going to make due with the original strips if I can. I know the kayline can stretch when warm, but I'm worried it will tear at the seams.

The tops aren't that hard to find, but for $200 I will pass. I don't want the hardtop anyways.

 

i have seen some threads around here of guys that make there own soft top or bikini using some aluminum strip and angle tabs to mount against the cabbin. My Can-Back has a very simple design, looks to be very easy to duplicate.