I want to build my own 4runner can-back style soft top. I've got lots of good pictures and I've saved a lot of posts about that, but I haven't seen much on how to mount a roof rack to the frame while protecting the integrity of the fabric cover. Post up if you've got some info or links. -- Matt

 

You can make a sleeve from dry suit cuff material. This material is made to create a water tight bond against skin so it work fine.

 

I like the idea of a cuff made of dry suit material, but I'm trying to find someone who has a can-back top with rack mounts so I can find out how it is done in that particular case. It looks like the mounts attach to the tube frame and pass through the fabric where the top panel overlaps the side panel. I need details though. -- Matt

 

Like what kind of details? When you make the top, just mock up the canvas and mark where you need to make the holes. You can reinforce the area by sewing and/or some resin so it doesn't fray. Put some kind of gasket.....like the neoprene....over and then metal plate over it. Like a Thule artificial gutter so you could then mount the rack.

I used to have some up close, detailed pics of a can back, but then my 'puter died and I lost them. But, these are pretty good....

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...26tbs%3Disch:1

 

Details like, how do they attach rack feet to the soft top frame. I've got 3 pairs of Thule model 300 feet that are made to attach to a vehicle's rain gutter. I've got the feeling that can-back uses some kind of gutter section that attaches to the horizontal section of the soft top frame and penetrates the fabric right under the seam where the top panel of fabric and the side panel are joined. See, I'm working it out as we speak (so to speak). -- Matt

 

There's just a flat piece of metal welded to it that the rack feet then attach to. There's atleast a dozen of pictures on google images. Search can back roof rack.