Hello-
I want to fab my own full-length "bikini" top that will go all the way from the cab to tailgate. The idea is to look like a Can-Back top with the sides rolled up. Know what I mean? It, of course would have to waterproof/ resistant and durable (I live in Houston and will be using it most of the year rain or shine). Ideally, I would like to fab a full top with windows but that's probably an even bigger project. I have the sewing skills for the top and the fabbing skills for the frame, but I am not sure what kind of material to use or where to find it. I've heard of Rexine, but cannot find any info on them. Sunbrella would be great too but I can't get just a small amount of fabric from them. Ideally, I would be able to get it from a local fabric store. Please help!
Thanks!
-Marty
also, if anyone has done this before, some pictures/ tips would be great! Or even just some overall tips on the whole project. thanks-
(if anyone has an old can-back top and or frame for sale, I am probably interested)

MORE- It would be nice to get the fabric cheaply (under $200) (under $100 even better!) because if it's much more, I'll just get an STC top.

 

try questoutfitters.com and therainshed.com for the fabric

 

I remember coming across something similar before. Check these websites out. Not all the pics work, but at least it might give you some ideas.

http://www.wildyoats.com/canvas_top_tech.htm
http://www.wildyoats.com/canvas_army_top.htm

 

Wow! Thanks guys! You have both helped me out a bunch. I think I have everytihing I need. If anyone else has more to add, please do so (I can always use more suggestions/ideas/etc.). Hopefully I will get started in the next week or two. I'll post pictures of the buildup in the end. I think I'm gonna try the side panels, it dosen't seem to be that much more work. The Sunbrella whould be around $100, and the metal and other various materials should be $50-$60. If it comes out nicely, I don't see any reason to get a Can-Back for what they charge. Thanks again!
-Marty

*Actually, the Sunbrella will be closer to $200 if I'm going to do the side panels. Still good, though!

 

Sweet-can't wait to see what you come up with. Make sure you take lots of pictures!

 

There are 4 or 5 of us in the UK who want to do this . As shipping from USA to UK would be to much we have talked about a homemade topper . Look forward to the finished result
Rick

 

I just put a soft top on my 88, I used to have one on my 86 as well. I love it!
I dont like how the canback cant be a convertable though!!

everybody likes pics







sorry I know its unrelated but I just wanted to post pics

 

Yo-
Does anyone have a pic of how a CanBack, STC, etc. mounts to the cab? I have some ideas of how to do it well, but just wanted to see what they do.
-Marty

 

In the interest of not "reposting", I will instead revive this old, dead thread.

I am in the research phase of getting ready to design my own version of a soft top. Has anyone else done a homebrew version of this? Any ideas, photos, or additional information would be appreciated.

TIA,

MC

 

No idea but would like to see what comes of this. If it's cost effective, who knows.

 

The op posted in another thread
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/...l#post51387563

and I saw another member make his own , but cant remember who he was . I think he was from arizona and has a white 1st gen runner.

Id really like to make my own also but have to many things going on right now.

good luck though

 

awww, tad lost there. just realized this thread was pulled up from the dead
the op was also part of the inspiration for top haha

 

Yeah, I figured that you did your research before you did your top. Your design was the one that really made me realize just how well the design could be simplified and streamlined. I have thought about trying to replicate softopper's folding design, but I think I will try for something easier and more sturdy at first.

More pics!

 

Well speak of the devil ...

heres his thread.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...-top-d-180767/

 

I finally built mine. Here's the thread. I think it's taken at least 3 years. It should have been 3 days. Oh well...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/...der-way-92914/

 

The Rain Shed is awesome!! I live across town from the actual store..

 

has anyone made their own yet? ive only been able to find 60" wide by whatever length you want. would this work or would i need 2 sew 2 pieces together

 

Has anyone considered using a soft top from a smaller pickup? I've done so twice and been happy w/ results. first a soft-topper from a Ranger, and now a Best-top from an S-10, just had to cut out vinyl window that would have been against cab. sides roll up/remove and also goes convertible. craiglist for $200 bucks each. (ill attempt to post pics)

 

Img_0117.jpg
img_0159.jpg
img_1026.jpg
img_1027.jpg

 

Grinch! Pics don't work like that! I wanna see! please try again...