Building custom soft top for the LJ

[jscherb]

Squint,

You've probably seen this from the Safari Cab design work - this a a soft-top design that would work with the Safari Cab roll-up side curtains.



And here's the side curtains (but with the hard roof panel):



Just FWIW as an idea starter...

jeff

[squint]

Squint,

You've probably seen this from the Safari Cab design work - this a a soft-top design that would work with the Safari Cab roll-up side curtains.


And here's the side curtains (but with the hard roof panel):


Just FWIW as an idea starter...

jeff

Hi Jeff! Absolutely, I remember seeing that drawing on JF. I was not surprised when you came up with it because of the proliferation of ideas you had and your uncanny ability to put them into visual form so quickly. I began to write you an email asking what you thought of my project on that day with pictures, but then decided against it. Somewhat embarrassed, I had torn my project down and rebuilt it/tweaked it many times and it was still not where I wanted it. I didn't want to be the guy that says he is going to do something and then never finish what I started and I felt I would have "jinxed" myself by openly talking about my project. My busy schedule has drawn this project out but I finally feel that I am on the home stretch, hopefully!
I have been a huge fan of your work, and if I had the engineering/woodworking/fiberglassing/visio pro skills that you have, I believe this would have been finished long ago. I feel I am a mere mortal next to some of the amazing and creative folks like yourself that frequent this forum. I wanted to thank you for your encouragement and your incredible contributions to the community. If you are ever in Arizona, please let me know. I would be absolutely thrilled to meet the legend!

[squint]

When I began thinking about this, I had a design idea in which the supports would fold down and slide. As the design materialized, I came to the realization that my needs really did not require this and decided on a more permanent structure that was always on. That is not to say that the structure cannot be taken down in a few minutes, however, that is not really the intent. I wanted a very strong, vesatile top that would not bend or break like the factory top has in my experience.

I had these goals written down when I started:
1. Retro soft top with a military look and a flat back
2. Easy access to cargo on the sides and back
3. A strong structure- strong enough to support a rack if needed
4. Easy roll up sides and back
5. Versatile configurations: Bikini top only, soft pick-up truck (rescue style), full safari with sides rolled up (similar to Jeff's drawing above), and separate zippers for windows to be rolled up only.
6. Ability to easily add brackets, clamps, bolts, tabs, footman loops, etc for a myriad of custom add ons.
7. Use only factory holes for the entire project - no drilling.
8. Compatibility with a future custom roll cage for a taller, safer cage with more internal space. (more on that later)
9. Only straight zipper lines if at all possible for durability and ease of use.
10. Insure that it is as safe as possible in the event of a rollover or accident.

[squint]

Here are a couple of pics from a year or so ago when we did a safari top mockup using some cheap fabric and velcro. We drove it all the way up to northern Arizona for the weekend and back and it did great. Sometimes, it is hard to really know what the issues will be without some experimentation. As a result of that drive, I then made more changes, adding a front support structure (which was planned) for the future bikini, changed the angle of the B and C pilars near the tub and mounting rail, and lowered the entire thing by a half an inch (This part was painful for such a small change but I wanted it perfect ).





More to come...

[squint]

Oh sorry for the poor quality of those pics. It was taken with my old iphone 3gs. I now have a 4s so the new pics should be much clearer.

[reece146]

The factory top on a LWB Suzuki SJ-413 is very similar to what you are making. It had roll up sides and tail gate as well. The hardware underneath was much lighter than what you've designed.

Loved that top, probably the only part of the old Suzuki that I really miss.

[squint]

The factory top on a LWB Suzuki SJ-413 is very similar to what you are making. It had roll up sides and tail gate as well. The hardware underneath was much lighter than what you've designed.

Loved that top, probably the only part of the old Suzuki that I really miss.

I have seen those LWB Suzukis in Malaysia- pretty neat. I have never seen one with a soft top though.
Do you happen to have a picture?

[reece146]

I'll try to find a picture. We are mid house renos right now so may be packed away.

[jscusmcvet]

Slight hijack here...

What rims do you have on that jeep? Love the top you are designing.

John

[squint]

Slight hijack here...

What rims do you have on that jeep? Love the top you are designing.

John

No worries and thanks for the compliment, John. Those are Stockton smoothies. They are the same ones used on the jeep JT concept seen here: http://www.offroaders.com/tech/jeep/Jeep-JT.htm

My wife and I are doing some sewing tonight- I am lucky to have a jeep nut nut living with me who knows how to sew.

Greg