Softtop Question

[1975stroppebaja]

I was going to post this as a side comment in bax's thread but I decided to not hijack ;D

I was wondering why nobody makes a softtop that maintains the same lines as an original hardtop? I have no experience with softtops, but none of them maintain the same look as a hardtop. Is there some obvious reason why they always have a different look? It seems the hard/soft Jeep tops seem to have the same look. Just curious.

Thanks in advance!

 

[bax]

I was thinking the same thing. I was looking at my stock hard top and was trying to compare the differences. One thing I notice is the top of the window frames. On the hard top the roof comes into the frames at a shallow angle. I guess with a steel drip edge this is easy. The soft tops all seem to want to turn down almost to a 90 degree. To do this the top must be higher. I would guess this is done to help keep water out. Some tops have a slanted back and some are square. I don't think I have seen one that matches the stock angle. I am wondering if anyone would be interested in a hard top with soft sides?

Bax

 

[Tito]

I have designs put together for this exact thing. I like the rear structure of Rick's but would angle it the same as a hard top, would be very easy with his design. The front riser would just need to be more of a solid piece that curved into the corner instead of being squared off.

 

[Hoppy]

so another reason us Bronco Hazard guys need to get a shop.......4bays +
cheap rent%)

 

[DonsBolt]

If there isn't any good tops out before spring gets here, I am going to have my own made.

It is going to have a permanent front frame, from the winshield, and around the doors. Then it will have a sliding track on top of the rear quarter panels. That way if you want to fold it down you can slide the two bows foward, and lie them down, maybee evem roll the top around the bows. The tops and sides will zip out, so tou can run the top with no sides.

Here are a few pics of my idea

I have no problem if anyone wanys to steel my idea, as i have to many winter projects going on anyways. Though if you do keep me in the loop, and maybee I can get some parts from you.

 

[Ohio Bronco 21]

I like Dons plan wth the fixed front frame. I may build my own if one isnt available later in 08. I have to work on some frame ideas. For now i have to finish my build.

 

[tbrend]

Don, I think you got the right idea. Nice and simple.

Make another one while your at it. I call dibs.

 

[smoked77]

If there isn't any good tops out before spring gets here, I am going to have my own made.

It is going to have a permanent front frame, from the winshield, and around the doors. Then it will have a sliding track on top of the rear quarter panels. That way if you want to fold it down you can slide the two bows foward, and lie them down, maybee evem roll the top around the bows. The tops and sides will zip out, so tou can run the top with no sides.

Here are a few pics of my idea

I have no problem if anyone wanys to steel my idea, as i have to many winter projects going on anyways. Though if you do keep me in the loop, and maybee I can get some parts from you.

This looks a lot like the can-back, but with a sloped back and I like it! It keeps the Bronco look. Personally, I don't think a Bronco should look like a Rover. The only thing I would add is a easily removeable front frame section as well (I'd rather slide along rocks and trees with my cage than dent and damage the top frame).

 

[1975stroppebaja]

I was thinking the same thing. I was looking at my stock hard top and was trying to compare the differences. One thing I notice is the top of the window frames. On the hard top the roof comes into the frames at a shallow angle. I guess with a steel drip edge this is easy. The soft tops all seem to want to turn down almost to a 90 degree. To do this the top must be higher. I would guess this is done to help keep water out. Some tops have a slanted back and some are square. I don't think I have seen one that matches the stock angle. I am wondering if anyone would be interested in a hard top with soft sides?

Bax

That's interesting. I figured there must be some reason... maybe that's most of it right there.

 

[DonsBolt]

This looks a lot like the can-back, but with a sloped back and I like it! It keeps the Bronco look. Personally, I don't think a Bronco should look like a Rover. The only thing I would add is a easily removeable front frame section as well (I'd rather slide along rocks and trees with my cage than dent and damage the top frame).

Don, I think you got the right idea. Nice and simple.

Make another one while your at it. I call dibs.

OK
I just talked to a high school friend who owns a auto seat cover shop. I am going to bring my bronco into him next week, so he can take a look at it.

I am not going to do like Rick, and go into buisness selling these tops, but if my friend agrees to make a top or tops for us, I might be able to get you intouch with him.

Or maybee I can get the frames made up, and you can go to a local auto seat cover place and have them make the canvas part of it.

One thing I can tell you my friend isn't the cheepest guy around, even for a friend, but he does do this for a living, and does very good work.

I am sure I could make the door frame removeable with just a few bolts.

 

[Tito]

Hey Don, in my notes I was thinking about having that window frame hinged so that it would fold back onto the rear rails when not in use. That was one drawback to the design with structured door frames that I didnt care for. They just looked out of place with the rest of the top off.

 

[DonsBolt]

Hey Don, in my notes I was thinking about having that window frame hinged so that it would fold back onto the rear rails when not in use. That was one drawback to the design with structured door frames that I didnt care for. They just looked out of place with the rest of the top off.

You could allways put a hindge on the rear upper corner of the door frame, then have a bolt where it goes to the riser, and on the quarter panel rail. Then with just a few bolts the door frame could come off, be folded up and put behind the rear seat.

Then put a notch in the end of the riser, where the top door bar will attach with a countersunk allen head bolt.

Here is a little drawing I did, can't figure out how to draw the notch.:-[

 

[jedblake]

Hey guys,
I've been reading your posts about the struggles trying to find a good quality soft top, in stock that does'nt make our broncos look like a Range Rover or Heep.
I used to work at a boat upholstery shop that specialized in custom benemi tops (sun shades), using all stainless tube, supports & fastners. Looking at the posts of the hardware & materials being used, it looks like its all Marine industry if that. Make be a boat uphostery place can help some of you designing your own tops and locating s.s. items.
I saw a Best Top on my friends 66 Heep and was not impressed with the fit but maybe that goes away w/ time and sun. I'm in the same boat as many of you, tired of waiting on vendors and not wanting to pay w/ my right arm!
I'll stop by my old work and keep you posted, I know the tops are labor intensive but for the price of a "one size fits all" I can get a custom one w/ the look and function I am after.

 

[scotts77]

A GOOD soft half cab is tops on my wish list !!. I have an STC full and have always been happy w/ it.