Just thought I'd share some progress on the can-back style topper I'm making for my Trekker. Since nothing on the market fits this truck, I found the article written by Johnny Lange of Wild Yoats http://www.wildyoats.com/canvas_top_tech.htm

I'm doing mine just a little different with my support bars. I ran out of time last night and need to add 2 more support bars to the sides for a total of 3 each side. Want to eventually run a basket up top and it will need the extra support.

Picked up Sunbrella material yesterday, 15 yards to be exact for about 60 bucks. Found prices on this stuff vary drastically so shop around for the best price before you buy.

Here it is just sitting on the back end. Will start sewing it up tonight, then reinforce the frame tomorrow. Hopin it will be done over the weekend.









I'll keep adding pics and details to this thread as progress is made. Really needin' some rain protection so getting this done is number one priority right now.

Jutty

 

hey thats pretty cool, how are you going to keep it from leaking where the canvas meets the top of the cab? nice truck too

 

Hey Thanks. Hopefully this will inspire some to tackle this job themselves. It's not too difficult and fun.

According to the original article. Johnny rolled the material in a piece of strap steel then bolted the whole thing to the top of the cab where the factory holes are. Then stretched it back from there. I will probably put a piece of weather sealer in there too.

Jutty

 

so you don't intend to put the original top back on?

 

i think hes making this bolt on. am i wrong ?

 

In the winter I will for sure. The fiberglass makes for a warm ride and quiet, but for the summer, going to go rag top.

It's alot lighter on the trails and less risk of damaging something I can't replace. This set up is all bolt on to the truck so removing it won't be a problem.

Jutty

 

Hey man where do you live? We need to caravan down together for the se4rj!

cool lookin rig!

errr, looks like ohio plates? we could still meet up on the way maybe... I should be coming down with another 4runner, and a taco

 

I'm in Columbus and we need to hook up for this. A caravan sounds awesome. I'm flexible on how to get to Tellico too, so we can meet someplace that's convenient for everyone.

I just have 2 more mods and it will be Tellico Ready. Counting the days and have purposley stayed away from the thread to keep the excitement down till a closer date

I'm towing to this event so hooking up will be easy.

Awesome

Jutty

 

dang wannna tow me too??

 

I would if I could. That's for sure. Trying to talk my wife into a bigger rig but to no avail...

I can carry some extra gear though.

Jutty

 

I will be jumping on the band wagon soon for sure. I want to fab mine up so the rear window can still be used. I don't think that will be too hard. By the way, how wide was your 15 yards?
Looking forward to the pics of the fabric!

 

I'm going to build a soft top for my rig one of these days. I was wondering how you made the bends in the tube? That's the only thing holding me back right now. No bender. I guess I could take the tube into a muffler shop or something and have them bend it?

 

I took the Sunbrella back after finding they had Camo Courdura which fits my color scheme better and is 100% waterproof. Was surprised to find that sunbrella isn't 100% waterproof

Material came in 60 inches wide in a roll. 15 Yards is WAY too much material I found out last night too, more like half that would work fine and still have material left over.

The hoops were bent with my tubing bender and are 1" .120 wall DOM. This is overkill too, but had a bunch laying around. You can use simple Schedule 40 and a harbor frieght bender with good results. I have to go dig up some snaps and having a problem finding some beefy enuff for the job, but making a run to the boating supply this afternoon.

Bar none, the material is the most expensive and courdura is 2x the price of Sunbrella, but again, shooting for totall Waterproof here so IMO it's worth it.

Did a bunch of sewing last night (OUCH!) and should have it finished up sometime tomorrow with more pics. Also, painted the entire truck last night Olive Drab to go with the camo topper.

More tomorrow.

Jutty

 

Oh hell yea! I cant wait to see this. When it's all done could you send me some large pics of it for a background?
Get It Done.

Also, what is Schedule 40?

 

I picked up a harbor freight bender for 60 bucks. Wiat for a sale. It bends pretty good if you take your time.

 

so is that trekker like a 4runner? i have nevre seeh one of those before

 

The Trekker is pre 4runner. Its' basically a highly modified mini truck with a fiberglass rear end, capper.

Schedule 40 is a pipe and can be found at your local metal supply in various different diameters.

Here's a pic as of today, sewing is turning out to be a chore and have recruited my mother and mother in law (think I have favors and yardwork to do now ) to help sew.

Installed the winch, made a bumper, painted it. More soon.


Jutty

 

hmmm...I might just have to make a trip up to Columbus and have you bend me up some tube

Rig looks great!

 

That looks way better than the blue

 

O my god! SOOO bad ass!
I completly want your truck.
I can dig it.
Did you really do all that work in 2 days.
Either way, PROPS!