[atxengr]

Wow, this is only my second post over here... I thought I had posted more but I guess not. I've been hanging out over @ JKO so I probably know / recognize a few of you...

My Dilema: So I'm feeling super cheap these days (screwed up my withholding for the last year so taxes were insane + about to buy a new house). I really want / need a new soft top after I gave my hard top some major rock kisses a few weeks ago when I laid the JK on it's side @ Trees Ranch. I really like the ORH combo top(s) but I can't really stand spending over a grand.

My Solution: Homemade soft top!

My Plan: Use cheap waterproof canvas (similar to what old GI tents were made of) and make my own. I'm planning on starting with a Bikini top, then making a Duster / Tonneau cover, and finally a windjammer. Once I have that done, I will try to make a fastback that can be interchanged with the tonneau / windjammer. For the windows, 30gauge clear vinyl plastic. I'll also grab a cheap windshield header and tailgate bar from somewhere. All said and done, I think the whole thing should come in under $300 if I am lucky.

My Questions: Door surrounds?!?! I've seen mixed reviews on the Bestop style surrounds that appear to be made out of steel rod. The Mopar surrounds are way to pricey for my likings and I want to keep this fairly DIY. Anyone out there have the ORH top? If so, do the surround keep everything fairly dry / how do they mount / can I have pictures pretty please?

Ok, that's all I have for now. I've got my measurements done and the first batch of canvas ordered (about $30 shipped for what I think I will need). I'll probably try and get the bikini working without door surrounds to start with, but leave plenty of extra material on the edges to work with once I figure out how to make it all seal up nicely.

If you have any tips / ideas / think I am completely nuts, let me know!

[RabidUmpaLumpa]

While I think this would be a great wright up, I've got to say that you can get a barely used/not used soft top on craigslist.

This coming saturday I am gonna pick up a 2 door soft top for $500, still in the box, never used. I have seen used one go for $400, both 4 door and 2 door tops seem to be around the same price on Craigslist.

[bunkrdfool]

Wow, very nice idea. Sounds like your going to have your hands full for a little while. But i think your going the easiest way possible, doing the tonneau, wind jammer and the bikini top. Well good luck and take some pictures on how you make it!

[BeerMonkeY]

you have a 2 door or 4?

[OregonVette]

Do it!

Totally all about this stuff.


BTW, you better have thick skin cause there are going to be bitterbastards who will say it's stupid ugly and not their taste. Bfd. You'll make it!

[yoda13]

I think its cool when people make stuff for their Jeep if they have the skills to do it...me, I am better at installing stuff others have made...but I still think its cool...I hope it turns out well...

[NYCJohn]

There truly is a recession...

[Sgalway]

A while back, my wife and I were in the canvas business and I have thought many times of tackling this project. At one point I had come up with plans and all, but never made, a framed cover for the bed of my pickup. Just make sure you have a very strong sewing machine. You will need a commerical modern machine or very old (50's-60's) vintage home machine. Modern home machines are all plastic and the material you are talking about will chew it to pieces. If you don't have the suitable machine look for a 1950's Neechi on eBay. You can pick a good one up for less than $100. We have used the piss out of our Neechi for small projects and it just keeps going and going. We have blown a few motors on it, but you can replace them fairly easily and at relatively small cost. Our large machine is a modern Consew compound walking foot with a 1.5HP motor (will pretty much sew through concrete). Our mid sized machine is a Singer140 with a 0.75HP motor (built in 1941).

Don't forget lots of patience if this is your first canvas project. Everything will make perfect sense in your head, then the material will take over and create a mind of its own...

Best of all luck!!!

[SASQUATCH]

Can't wait to see it, I envision something like the old military Jeeps, Willy's etc used to have.

[MountainRubi]

Recession is the mother of invention ??

[SASQUATCH]

Originally Posted by MountainRubi

Recession is the mother of invention ??

psscchhttt well yeah!!! I'm considering a wooden bumper and he's considering a homemade softop...the burden of proof we're in a recession is evident

[thebobjeep]

Awesome! The JK needs more custom user mods. Hopefully yours turns out a little more defined than this one.....

[atxengr]

Originally Posted by thebobjeep

Awesome! The JK needs more custom user mods. Hopefully yours turns out a little more defined than this one.....

HEY! YOU STOLE MY TOP!

That is exactly what I am sporting now when it rains. My tarp is slightly larger and goes all the way down to the back of the jeep. I just run the hard top bolts through the grommets on the edge and screw it down in the holes the furthest back. I can't really see out of the back when I do it, but I only do that when it's pouring.

[STUPIDFACE]

Whats that, a FEMA top?

corey d

[RabidUmpaLumpa]

Originally Posted by thebobjeep

Awesome! The JK needs more custom user mods. Hopefully yours turns out a little more defined than this one.....

Um...my back seat headrest dosen't bend backwards like that on my 2 door!?!? Is that normal for a 4 door?