Are you a fan of Nautiques?

 

The tires are 31x10.5
The rims were black like that when I bought them. They look just like sr5 rims but the casting is a little thicker in the middle and the center caps were a tad too long so I trimmed them.

 

I just can't justify spending that much money on a soft top. Even if that is "cheaper" than the competitors. I plan on finding an old hard top to cut up and make a hard shell bikini style top, or cut it off before the rear side windows for a hatch back type of thing. Both have been done before, not my original idea but I know it will be a helluva lot cheaper.

 

Hey, 4runnerx3.....

I was wondering the other (whilst pondering my own homemade topper) how the runner would handle with the fiberglass top off. What difference have you noticed.....particularly in wet conditions? Did the rear suspension rise a bit with the weight of the fiberglass shell off? And, have you tallied the fuel mileage, yet?

 

With the soft top, 0-60 is 2 minutes instead of 3 minutes. With the extra weight gone, it seems to ride a little different, it may be my imagination knowing there's less weight back there. The whole soft top is only about 23 pounds. As far as gas mileage, it may be a little better. The one thing hard to get used to is with the sides on and the back window up, it's quiet but the noise from loud trucks etc. come right through and will scare you at first.

 

yep it will ride different... less preload on the suspension... and less weight to accelerate, it's like having 1 less adult in the car...

 

Got my new sides with tinted windows last week. Now I can see when backing in those parking lots.

 

Looks great! My wife would be so jealous if she saw that. She's sick to death of helping me lift the top off.

 

Yea, jealous x45658.
im thinking of retrofitting one on my p/u.
im sure it can be done

 

Looks good Tim, do they fit ok?

 

That top looks great! Thanks for sharing all of the pics.

 

I think I am going to have to buy one for myself and put the Kayline on the 89 for my girlfriend. That thing is sweet!

 

do a write up with pix if you do. i'd be interested.

 

Shawn, yes they fit perfect, I had no doubt they would fit knowing your level of craftsmanship. I need to post another pic, it was so humid that morning when I took the above pic the camera lense fogged up.

 

Wow, that's quite the compliment! For any of you other guys with pickups, just drop me a line. I've got some ideas for pickups. Why try and retrofit something when you can have something made right the first time?

 

Perfect soft top! Has a factory look to it. BTW-your mirrors are terrific looking, they look much longer than the square bolt ons i see on other rigs, are they factory?