[palmetto zuk]

Went all summer last year with no top at all but i see that a lot of folks are running a soft top. Convince me why i should have one and whos top should i buy?

[1990silverbullet]

Honestly just look at the way it looks. They are gorgeous. I think it adds to the mountain goat feel. Its also perfect on hot days when your wheeling and you want just a little bit more shade but don't want to compromise the air flow by putting your hard shell back on. That's just the way I feel about it even though I only have a 2nd gen...For now

[Bad_Vision]

Originally Posted by palmetto zuk

Went all summer last year with no top at all but i see that a lot of folks are running a soft top. Convince me why i should have one and whos top should i buy?

Do it or I'll rust your frame....
There your talked into it

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[Dropzone]

https://www.softopper.com/jeep-suv-t...toyota-4runner
https://killertoytops.com/
Can Back Soft Top Truck Camper Shell Canopy

I had my 1st gen 4runner for 4 years. ran it for months during the summer topless.
you are the only one that can make the decision.
But do you want the best of both worlds? A cool classic convertible with more room than a similar year CJ5 or CJ7.

time to fire up :google:

[Th3B3an]

Once I get my 15posts, I'll start a thread of making my own soft top out of canvas. Not the generic od green either. I'm going to either go white, black, or possibly gray. I haven't decided yet.

[89FourRunner]

It is the best investment for the 1st gen. What other accessory is as cool, honestly? It installs quickly, rolls up easily. The roll up safari look was the most talked about thing on my 4runner.

Softtopper is amazing to deal with they ship the thing fast, they have all the spare parts you will ever need, too.

I really enjoyed it. I also ran he STC softtop (the canvas stronger version of the kayline).

The softtopper is king though it goes up and down in a snap, great design.

[palmetto zuk]

Originally Posted by Bad_Vision

Do it or I'll rust your frame....
There your talked into it

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

[Melrose 4r]

I've run Kaylines on both my 4Runners. Crappy engineering but they complement the look of the truck better in my opinion. If you want fresh air, people staring in amazement and giving you thumbs-up all summer, you need the soft top.

[wallytoo]

the soft tops look decent, but i've never understood the fascination with the removable top in the 1st gen. the driver is still under a steel top, not "outside". how often do most of us have rear seat passengers while running topless?

i'd spend the money on something more useful. plenty of airflow via the sliding side windows and the rear window.

[Melrose 4r]

Originally Posted by wallytoo

the soft tops look decent, but i've never understood the fascination with the removable top in the 1st gen. the driver is still under a steel top, not "outside". how often do most of us have rear seat passengers while running topless?

I agree that I wish the cab roof wasn't there...but you do get much more of an outdoor feeling even with the sides rolled up as in my avatar photo. My first 4r had a removable sunroof and I am thinking about installing another one in the current 4r. I toy with pulling the doors, too! But it would look pretty ugly.

Historically, I guess most people don't understand the fascination with removable tops on first gens...or K5's...or Broncos...or Scouts... or Ramchargers...or FJs...or Land Rovers... Heck, some people buy a jeep and never take the hardtop off.
They are missing out.

The only drawback is having to store the top when it's off.

[wallytoo]

Originally Posted by Melrose 4r

I agree that I wish the cab roof wasn't there...but you do get much more of an outdoor feeling even with the sides rolled up as in my avatar photo. My first 4r had a removable sunroof and I am thinking about installing another one in the current 4r. I toy with pulling the doors, too! But it would look pretty ugly.

Historically, I guess most people don't understand the fascination with removable tops on first gens...or K5's...or Broncos...or Scouts... or Ramchargers...or FJs...or Land Rovers... Heck, some people buy a jeep and never take the hardtop off.
They are missing out.

The only drawback is having to store the top when it's off.

it's more specific to the 4r, because the driver remains under a roof. i run a cj5, and drive it as often as possible without the top. all of the vehicles, except the 4r, are able to be convertibles.

[jmcarson]

Do a bikini top - sleek, simple, easy to install/remove. Keeps the sun off your backseat passengers while still giving them the open-top experience.

[Recdiver]

...with the Soft Topper! Usually about 6 months Bikini, 4 months Safari, and 2 months Covered! Grrreat product imho!

[palmetto zuk]

Originally Posted by wallytoo

the soft tops look decent, but i've never understood the fascination with the removable top in the 1st gen. the driver is still under a steel top, not "outside". how often do most of us have rear seat passengers while running topless?

i'd spend the money on something more useful. plenty of airflow via the sliding side windows and the rear window.

I have 2 Samurais as well and i can tell you i like the 4runner being covered over the cabin a lot more than my open section on the suzuki. The sun in the summer is just brutal in traffic.

[wallytoo]

you requested opinions about it. i don't see the removable top as a big bonus.

i also drive a cj5, so i'm well aware of what true open top driving is; the 4runner does not offer it.