Soft Tops - current vendors as of 2014

[mtully79]

Cool, thanks for the info. I bought a used Best Top from a forum member but wondering about just going with a new softopper.

[Rochlow]

I bought a softtopper a few years back and it was complete garbage! The top had half dollar gaps in the upper and lower parts of the front windows and I had to muscle the back portion of it down to get it to snap to the rail. (I made multiple adjustment to the rails and frame)

Then, the rear window seam let loose and pulled apart creating another gap. I called them multiple times and they never returned my call.

All this and the truck was never driven outside the shop with the top on.

[RW68RSConv]

Well, I've got it installed and everything is good. Overall, I like the quality of the product. I didn't have any of the issues mentioned in the last post, but I will say some things look better than their web pics and even the install instructions show (more Velcro areas & flaps in different places), so I think the top has been continually improved. I did have install challenges, but it was because of my truck, not the manufacturer in my opinion.

I ordered the double wall version because I have a double wall top, but after pulling the hardtop, it appears mine originally came with a installed single wall (two sets of holes) - so the rear top mount bars didn't cover the holes left from the old single wall top. I found a couple of seals/grommets to plug to holes for each side and fixed that problem.

Second issue was the driver door sags and looks like the front fender was replaced sometime and the door was aligned to the vendor, not the other way around. The result was the door sat a little further back. I had to cut about 3/16" off the rail so I could open and shut the door. It didn't affect the top sealing.
Passenger side fit perfectly.

Everything else was mostly straight forward, and for guys who don't like to read instructions - you'll be happy because the instructions are weak. you have to figure out a few things yourself (like exactly how the black plastic rear window clips mount). Overall, with adjustments and modifications, and going very slow, the process took me 1/2 a day. Next time, confident it will take less than 1 hr.

What surprised me is the top is really designed to be put on once and not to be swapped on and off. All the rubber seals and mounts are made with adhesive backing. I set mine up to come off easily so I can put the hardtop on in winter. The only exception was the front header seal - had to glue that one down. Also the Velcro seal for the back tailgate window. That I figure I'll have to replace each season too. They make it very clear this isn't to be used (folded down) under 40 degrees or could damage the vinyl windows. I've owned a dozen convertibles, that wouldn't be my worry done but it would definitely a pain in the ass to work with the top that size in the cold. I don't recommended at all.

The top seals very well except for top front corners (top of "a" pillar) on both sides (noted in another post). I'm thinking in a downpour, it might get a few drops inside. That said, I also have an old MG that looks 10X worse and if you saw how those tops work, you wouldn't believe me that I do stay dry in it (and I did get caught in a major downpour) so maybe this won't leak. I haven't had it in the rain yet.

For a massive piece of covering, it doesn't buffet too badly on the highway. I put top up and down by my self without too much problem, but is a lot easier going up with two people (mainly for getting the middle support in place). One other surprise was the seams (stitching) weren't sealed. They provide seam sealer, I had to go in and seal them all myself.

Overall, it's a solid top. Sides & rear roll up - very convenient. going 'safari style' (top cover only, no sides) might be the mode it stays in the most.

Pics coming!

Thanks!

[RW68RSConv]

With Hard top, pic with rollbar exposed, and then top on. I plan to add thumbscrews so the aluminum frame around cab can be easily removed when top is down. Should only add an extra minute or two when the top goes back up.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/nB5cyy]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/nB612n]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/nB61Sk]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/nB5fpo]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/nTyKQn]

[dujobu]

I have a Specialty Top Co soft top I got from a member and have yet to install it as we're just finishing up the restoration. Does anyone know if STC tops fold down like a real convertible? Just curious as to how this thing is going to work.