Now that I've had the softtop (from Ehsan) on the Cruiser for a few weeks, I think it's time to tell you what I like & don't like about it. Yes, there are some negatives.

First of all, I think the top looks great. It seems to fit pretty well, and I really like the way the sides and back roll up to make it (almost) a bikini top. The material is excellent, and the craftsmanship is very good. The framework is very good, but needs to be repainted or powder coated. Actually, this is probably good, since each owner can paint it to suit his/her whims.

I do have a problem with one of the zippers on the rear window. It wasn't sewn properly at the top, and I've had the zipper-slide come off the teeth at the top. Fortunately, I was able to get it back together, and now I don't upzip it all the way to the top on that side.

I don't like the strap setup for holding the rolled-up windows open. This may be the OEM setup, but I think either Velcro or snaps would work much better.

After having had some rain, I have noticed that the metal fasteners have started to rust. The side snaps are showing rust on them, as well as the footman strap buckles on the back and corners. I plan to replace the snaps with marine-grade hardware, and will try to find replacement buckles.

The final questions -
Am I satisfied with the softtop? Yes.
Would I buy another, if needed? Yes.
I'm sure that Ehsan will make changes in the top, based upon feedback he receives from this first large group of buyers.
Thanks, Ehsan.;)

Rusty bits: yep, me too. Fortunately, it looks easy to replace...

That pic looks great, I'm glad somebody stepped up and reproduces these. Now if I only had a Cruiser that I could PUT a top on!

That'll teach you, tube boy:flipoff2:

I made 5 tops in Wyoming and used Morgan's 1979/80 Japanese top for a sample. In that one and the tops I made I placed the footman loop buckles on the inside of the material. Conceals them from rain but are a little harder to operate (cinch down from inside). The double D/ flap tie down is a factory design as well and really is fairly simple and easy to repair. Adding more may be a detriment.

In a sad statement about US production, even at a super deal sewing rate the US materials and production of one canvas only cost what the entire bowset/canvas did via Ehsan. I think this run of Ehsan's was a great boost to the LC community and I hope it can be sustained for years to come!

happy holidays everyone.

I agree witht he straps on the windows. Sort of a PITA. I had the kayline EM top and it had snaps on elastic strips. Worked like a champ at first then streached out then ripped the snaps out. On the hwy the flapping of the rolled up window put a lot of stress on the snaps and straps. Eshan has a better set up but I think a buckle system would be better. Same sort of hi impact plastic used on backpacks. You can adj it or just snap it into place.

Vortec,
Thanks for the evaluation (good and bad points) I'm seriously thinking about the top and it was good to hear both sides. I must admit that given the cost, I would want at least chrome hardware to prevent some rust - stainless would really seal the deal!

Mark, the top is well worth it despite some "hardware shortcomings." It's all easily replaced...

...a run to your local hardware store and a couple of bucks should remedy that. Still haven't gotten a reply from Ehsan, maybe he's swamped?

Yo Han

I also have one of Ehsans tops. Really good quality craftmanship. The bows and top fit great. I've had my top on since June.

I am completely stoked on the whole thing, and my only comments about things I would like to see done differently (and maybe they have been since I got mine) are:
* rustproof hardware and better / stronger zippers. What he used is fine though. I just mean, ultra industrial quality zippers..
* better/ different windshield channel. I had alot of trouble at first getting my windshield channel to work well on my 71, which has the wipers above the window. the wipers are really close to and pinch the top. I also had trouble getting the channel to keep the top inplace. I fixed this by adding a second flat piece of steel that I could adjust to tighten up the gap to sandwich the top into the channel with.
* Rear corner strap placement. It seemed like the top was designed for ambulance doors. The rear door hinge interfears with the strap for the top. I like the look of the straps, but think I would prefer to use snaps instead, like I have to hold the windows.
But thats it. The top is quiet, looks awesome, is somewhat of a 'rarity', the bows are awesome. The bows do need to be painted. But I was fine with that since you want to paint them the color of your rig anyway.

I know that ordering the top from Pakistan may seem a little sketchy. I had a great experience with Ehsan. He was great to work with, super honest, and really came through for me and my orders. I would do business with him again. All the normal disclamers apply.. I dont have any affiliations, etc. Just a happy customer.

http://www.indismom.com/cruiser/top_0.JPG
http://www.indismom.com/cruiser/top_1.JPG
http://www.indismom.com/cruiser/top_2.JPG
http://www.indismom.com/cruiser/top_3.JPG
http://www.indismom.com/cruiser/top_4.JPG
http://www.indismom.com/cruiser/top_5.JPG
http://www.indismom.com/cruiser/top_6.JPG

Good luck-
Dustin

I purchased a top in the bulk container and I'm *very* pleased. I would buy another. Aside form the hardware and noted points of upgrade i'm interested to see how long the material last and how waterproof it is. The material is straight vinyl. I think/believe real topping material(bestop, etc) has a rubber backing or sanwiching to the material for waterproofness. What I think would be really cool is a 10 canvas or "duck" material top. :eek: I think very early cruisers had this material. How was it for you guys in Cali lately with all the rain?

The top is water proof. The Cruiser has been sitting outside in the rain all month and dry as a bone inside. I think vinyl is just a rubber coated fabric. One side is fabric, the other is the vinyl. That how all the vinyl I have seen is, like for soft tops and seats, etc. His tops are also double layered. Seems to make it quieter and more heavy duty. Twice as much material so that its vinyl on the inside and outside, unlike the bestops I have seen which were only vinyl on the outside, fabric on the inside. Bestop and Kayline probably make other tops that are higher quality too, but I havent seen them.

A canvas top would be nice. I like that material too. I like the material factory jeep tops are made from also. The vinyl is easy to clean and I think/ hope should last a long time.

-Dustin

Hello there
Thank you for such a detailed evaluation.. As for your comments..
... I have ensured that the Ds are properly chromed so there is little chance of rusting.. I am looking into getting a die maed for making stainless steel ones ourselves..
... We are getting better quality zippers for the future shipments..
Thanks again for the feedback.. I will continue to try and improve the top and other products.. :)
Ehsan

There is a post on IH8MUD where they are looking for you...

Nice to see you are around again...

http://forum.ih8mud.com/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=9338

eshan,

still loving the looks of these tops!

thanks guys for posting info on em.

hopefully will be able to pull together some guys from down here to get a group order in sometime this spring/summer.

one more question: what was total cost for y'all that did do a group buy (i.e. 5+ tops), including shipping?

i had heard/read that it was between 750 and 850, but wasn't sure of that.

thanks again, and have a great year y'all.

jonathan

Originally posted by FredTheMonster
There is a post on IH8MUD where they are looking for you...

Nice to see you are around again...

http://forum.ih8mud.com/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=9338
Thanks... I just replied..
Ehsan

Very impressed with the write up, and can't wait to get my top. Ordered thru TomQ per Nolans directions. I was last told would ship in February. Hope I get it before the rainy season here in Florida - Nice to have a heads up on the stuff that rusts, living near the beach really wreaks havoc down here. Ehsan, glad to see you're willingness to constantly improve your products.

Bill C.

Has anybody ever attempted to make a custom cage that would replicate the dimensions/arc of the factory bows so that an oem softtop could just slide right on. Pics?

Seems that this would be pretty slick. If this was done would the hard top still fit?


Kevin

Custom Cage to fit the top would be very difficult as the rope slide in portions that hold the top in p;lace would be very hard to replicate. No, the hard top would not still fit, as the soft top rope slide ins are part of the front door "upper sill." You have to take the top bows off to refit the hard top, but it's not very hard...

Ehsan,
Can you make a top in 10oz canvas (duck) fabric??? Do you have access to this type of fabric over there?

Thx
Wes

Dang Ed, I don't know if it is the tires or the pic but your rear axle looks like it is sitting 3" too far forward......:flipoff2: :flipoff2: :confused:
Butch

Butch,
Remember mine? sat just like that with the OMEs until I flipped the springs - Now as baby bear says: 'it's just right!'

Originally posted by 85bj70
Ehsan,
Can you make a top in 10oz canvas (duck) fabric??? Do you have access to this type of fabric over there?

Thx
Wes

We are looking for good quality canvas here and once we find it, we can make the top.. :)
Ehsan

ehsan.. Let me know when you do I'd be very interested in a repro canvas top .. Thanks man!

Wes

>Dang Ed, I don't know if it is the tires or the pic but your rear axle looks like it is >sitting 3" too far forward......BUTCH

I had thought about flipping the rear springs, but then I'd have to start cutting out fenderwells. The body is way too nice to cut any more off it. Maybe in a couple years when it looks like yours. :flipoff2: :flipoff2: :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Vortec_Cruiser
>Dang Ed, I don't know if it is the tires or the pic but your rear axle looks like it is >sitting 3" too far forward......BUTCH

I had thought about flipping the rear springs, but then I'd have to start cutting out fenderwells. The body is way too nice to cut any more off it. Maybe in a couple years when it looks like yours. :flipoff2: :flipoff2: :rolleyes:

You must have me confused, the guys that wheel with me accuse me of waxing it on the trail.
I am thinking of swapping FJ55 rears on mine, I think ya got room for them.
Butch:flipoff2:

Actually, I like it the way it is now, since it doesn't rub at all under full compression. When I did the SOA I had thought about using FJ55 rears, but I changed my mind.

Those patriotic colors look good.;)