05-16-2010, 04:58 PM
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#1
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Going Topless (ok, maybe a Bikini Top)
One of the features that drew me to the 4Runner is the ability to remove the top/roof.
Removal / Storage
Even before getting my new (to me) 4Runner, I had a plan for removal and storage of the top.
Costco online sells a 2-pack of the RacorPro PBH-1R Ceiling Mount Bike Lift ( link to RacorPro PBH-1R) for under $30. I've previously paid much more for the same product and was quite happy with it's intended application for storing bicycles.
However, I have some doubts about the adequacy of the bike hoists (I would employ two for the top) and found the RacorPro PHL-1R HeavyLift ( link to RacorPro PHL-1R) which sells on Amazon for about $136.
Of course, now I'm actually burning brain cells trying to figure out my own design to make something similar myself. What would you do?
Soft Top / Bikini
Once off, I'd like to use a bikini top. I've followed some links from here and it looks like they're all up near $300 and all are black. Seems like a lot of money. And I'd prefer something lighter in color (like tan).
Does anyone have suggestions on where I could buy a tan bikini top?
Maybe suggest local vendors that make custom stuff?
TIA,
Jon
my 1987 Toyota 4Runner
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05-17-2010, 12:40 AM
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#2
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Elite Member
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Gonna need to know where you're at before we can suggest somebody local, but if I wanted a bikini top I'd head down to the army surplus, grab a canvas tarp, and make my own. Gonna be a fair bit cheaper than anything you'll find retail.
Edit - to make a lift, I'd hit up harbor freight for a boat winch.
Last edited by KidVermicious; 05-17-2010 at 12:42 AM.
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05-17-2010, 01:45 AM
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#3
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i honestly don't think the bike version of the ceiling mount is going to work... says 50# max.
the 4runner top is said to be 200#... and i believe it. my top weighs a ton!!!
i went to homedepot and got some of those racketing nylon straps, lumber and additional hardware for securing to the ceiling joists, etc.
i'll try to get a pic tomorrow, monday.
joel
---
a little late but here are some pics.
'88 4runner in the garage with the orig top hanging from the ceiling... a soft topper is on right now
a little closer look
lumber, eye hook, etc
into the joist
joel
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'88 Toyota 4Runner 22re manual
Last edited by javendan; 05-18-2010 at 10:22 PM.
Reason: added pics!
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05-17-2010, 09:00 AM
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#4
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- the Internet - the mother-ship of people who don't know much and aren't afraid to go public
'84 4Runner - ARBed 5.29s F&R, 4.7 & 2.28 t-cases, 2" drive train lift, BudBuilt x-member/skid, 30 spl Longs
'83 Toy P/U - Buick 231 V6, Holley 4 bbl, Weiand intake, Downey headers, TH350 w/700R4 low gearset,
'89 4Runner SR5 - stock
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05-17-2010, 09:03 AM
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#5
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Removal / Storage
Yeah, the combined weight rating of 50# x2 is still only 100# for the bike hoists. Think I'm leaning toward DIY. Thanks for the Harbor Freight suggestion...can't believe it didn't come to mind.
Bikini
I'm in Tucson. Don't necessarily expect anyone here to have a specific source. Rather, ideas like KidVermicious' could get me started in the right direction. What other types of biz might I find valuable materials and or the custom ability?
Thx,
Jon
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05-19-2010, 12:21 AM
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#6
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Removal / Storage
Quote:
Originally Posted by javendan
i went to homedepot and got some of those racketing nylon straps, lumber and additional hardware for securing to the ceiling joists, etc.
a little late but here are some pics.
lumber, eye hook, etc
joel
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That's somewhat what I have in mind...
Two 2x4's to slide between the top and the truck, with eyelets like yours.
Then I (currently formulating strategy) will use pulleys and steel cables, along with a winch or crank of some type, to lift the four corners up.
This manual winch would do it:
2000 Lb. Capacity Geared Winch
But I like this better:
110 Volt, 440 Lb. Capacity Electric Hoist with Remote Control
Bikini
Quote:
Originally Posted by fourwd1
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Yep, I think that's the ticket. Can't recall how I found this, but this desribes it in some detail:
Toyota 4Runner Soft Top Options
And this should be required reading for all new Classic 4Runner owners:
Toyota 4Runner and Pickup: Cheap Tricks
I'll keep you all posted on how it all works out.
If any other ideas come to mind, please share them.
Jon
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05-19-2010, 09:38 AM
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#7
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javendan, I notice you roll your sides up "out", I roll mine "in", so if it does rain, the water does not collect inside the rolled up side. Also, you don't see the inside lighter color showing.
I like what you did with the hard top hoist system. I put mine in the back yard after I got my SoftTopper, and have not put it back on since.
I probably never will
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1987 4Runner SR5, 4x4, 5speed, 4.7 low, twin stick, Aussie locker
1997 T100 SR5, 4x4, automatic
1997 4Runner SR5, 4x4, automatic, '99 tall coils
1996 4Runner Ltd., 4x4, slight body damage Look in Classifieds Section for parts
1999 4Runner Highlander, E-locker, 3" OME springs, 1.25" Spidertrax spacers, ARB bumper, 285/75R16 Goodyear MTR
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05-19-2010, 11:04 AM
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#8
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TD4,
that's good idea. i'll try that!
the top's too heavy for me to bring into the back yard.
so, up it went!!!
i plan on putting it back on during the winter after i've done to ZUK mod to lift the rear a bit.
but honestly, the tops been off over a year and i don't see it going on anytime soon... even after the ZUK mod
joel
ps don't tell my wife! she wants the top outta there - lol,.
Quote:
Originally Posted by topdown4runner
javendan, I notice you roll your sides up "out", I roll mine "in", so if it does rain, the water does not collect inside the rolled up side. Also, you don't see the inside lighter color showing.
I like what you did with the hard top hoist system. I put mine in the back yard after I got my SoftTopper, and have not put it back on since.
I probably never will
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'88 Toyota 4Runner 22re manual
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05-24-2010, 04:34 PM
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#9
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I just bought a Harken 4-point hoister (200# model). Check out hoister.com.
I have not installed it yet - I hope it works.
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1988 SR5 V6 -since 1989.
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05-24-2010, 11:02 PM
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#10
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looks promising!
good luck and let us know how it goes.
joel
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'88 Toyota 4Runner 22re manual
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05-24-2010, 11:53 PM
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#11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KenBrunner
I just bought a Harken 4-point hoister (200# model). Check out hoister.com.
I have not installed it yet - I hope it works.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by illzoni
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As I was looking at the Harken unit, I thought it's pretty good. Comes with less hardware than the RacorPro, but just enough to lift the 4Runner top. Just checked and the RacorPro is $120 at Amazon, so I though the Harken might be a decent product if under $100...but it's $180.
I'll either make my own or go for the RacorPro.
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05-25-2010, 04:10 PM
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#12
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Try discountmarinesource - $126.
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Ken B.
1988 SR5 V6 -since 1989.
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05-26-2010, 01:28 AM
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#13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by javendan
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Are you sure you've not just built a really elaborate hat stand there?
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1995 4Runner - 6 cylinder - 4x4 - Automatic - 145,000 miles
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05-26-2010, 12:19 PM
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#14
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i have to resist the temptation to lay a board across and store more stuff!
joel
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'88 Toyota 4Runner 22re manual
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05-26-2010, 08:49 PM
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#15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KenBrunner
Try discountmarinesource - $126.
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Cool. Thanks.
linky
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