TVtommy
03-21-2002, 10:19 PM
I did a search before I posted this....
Is anyone making and selling NOS original style softtops?
I really dont like the Kayline/Tiger tops.....the 40 has such nice linear lines, it looks strange to put such a rounded top on it.....know what I mean?
(let then flames begin...I can take it)
Cheers....
Tommy
PJohnson
03-22-2002, 09:29 AM
If you have the OEM softtop bows and hardware, you can get an OEM replacement top from Spectre. I believe the top is made by BestTop.
Phil
Cruiser Ken
03-22-2002, 10:23 AM
Actually Kayline was making the tops to fit OEM bows and hardware. They went out of business and sold their stuff to another company (someone will know the name I forgot it). There has been a lot of talk and a lot of interest in knock off OEM softtops (bows and hardware) but no one has actually stepped up with a product as of yet. If it could be done for not too much more than a Kayline or Bestop I think they would sell like mad.
Pin Head
03-22-2002, 10:52 AM
I make the OEM soft top bows from OEM hard top sides. In fact I just finished making the rear tube bows this weekend, since I got an original set to use as templates. The hard part turned out to be making bends with a 2 inch center line radius. I'm thinking about offering a U weld it kit for people that want to make their own, so if that tickles your fancy, give me a shout.
If anybody knows of a commercial tube bender that has dies with a 2 inch CL radius, let me know.
http://members.cox.net/cglabe1/OEMBows/FrontBow.html
Specialty top Co. makes the OEM fabric top and they want $500.
http://www.specialtytopco.com/
JasonH
03-22-2002, 11:19 AM
Hey PinHead, do you have a picture of the finished product? With your creation, you can run the replacement canvas that Specialty sells?
I have a hard top that would be a perfect candidate for this operation. :D
fj40guy
03-22-2002, 11:41 AM
Originally posted by Pin Head
If anybody knows of a commercial tube bender that has dies with a 2 inch CL radius, let me know.
Hossfeld?
What size tubing? Round? Square? Thickness?
I used a 1" ball end mill to make a custom die for a tube bender project. Aluminum 6061-T6 material for the die, but heck I was only bending a few items. MDF board actually works pretty good for a quick prototype die, sandwich with steel plates and it will even last longer than a few bends. :D
Biggest problem with machining anything like that... never enough hours in the day to get to everything. :( Funny part about custom tooling... as soon as I finish one project the material get attacked for the next project. :D
Tom :usa: