Check out my new Bikini

[illzoni]

Some you have seen my other bikini thread expressing my disappointment with the first one I did (other thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/67617-really-disappointed-diy-bikini.html).

Re-using the mounting bracket from that install, I made a new, custom bikini for my 4Runner. This one turned out better:

I used wider straps:

Attached the straps to seatbelt mounts from an Autozone seatbelt kit ($15.99):

Bought the snaps at Miller's Surplus here in Tucson (same place I got the web strapping):

Did all the sewing myself with my 25 (or 30) year old Singer:

I believe I got a much better fit over the roll bar:

To fight sag in the fabric top at speed, I used web strap heavily, x-crossing the main area and running lengthwise from the mounting hardware to the rear strap points:

Oh, and I doubled up the camo fabric, with the pattern showing both inside and out. I like the new view from the cab:

 

[K.C.]

 

[T?@\7]

came out really nice, much better than the other kit!

 

[Iroke17]

-- removed by admin --

 

[Tucson4runner]

Looks sweet! Wonder how it will hold up during monsoon season.

 

[illzoni]

Looks sweet! Wonder how it will hold up during monsoon season.

Thanks. :thanks:

At least until I get the bed all painted with Al's Liner, my place is to NOT subject it to Monsoon rains.

Except for the extra webbing I need to secure somehow, it flaps much less than the previous one I used. The only movement at all is some twisting of the read straps. And I'm getting almost no sag at the center.

 

[KidVermicious]

, it flaps much less than the previous one I used.

Along the sides there, just in front of the role bar? Give it some elastic. Or put in some eyelets and lace a skinny bungie through it.

 

[foonanas]

you will like the als liner!!! i did my complete 4runner with the stuff.. just do the prep work real good..

 

[javendan]

wow!

nice work.

for a revision you could sandwich the straps between the two fabric pieces to hide them... just a thought.

joel

 

[illzoni]

wow!

nice work.

for a revision you could sandwich the straps between the two fabric pieces to hide them... just a thought.

joel

Thanks.

Are you talking about the straps x-crossing the inside of the top?
I think sandwiching them between the layers of fabric would be a serious PITA. Having just spent WAY more time than I planned sewing this together, I'm pretty sure that would take a lot of effort.
And I actually like it the way it is. Of course, my other plans including painting over any exposed red (from before the rattle-can-tan paint job; PO) with olive drab or similar...I'm embracing that color scheme.

Thx,
Jon

 

[javendan]

oh, yes, i was.

but i'm sure it is laborious.

i remember having to shorten my rear seat belts in my '88 before installing and having to sew those... i probably only sewed about 20 linear inches and that took me a bit - lol.

keep up the good work!

joel

 

[fourwd1]

I'm liking the camo top with the tan truck.

 

[Rev. Heart Warrior]

Looks Great

Hey Jon,

Just signed up here and when I saw your pics, I had to pinch myself because my truck looks exactly like yours. Plus, since I also live in the Old Pueblo, I had to do a frantic search to make sure I didn't ingest anything left over from the seventies! Would love to get more info on that top and if you could point in the right directions, you can have my hard top. When the winter hits, I was planning to go complete soft top any way. Thanks for the post and your consideration.

Peace,

HW

 

[illzoni]

The spare straps we bugging me. Although they tuck in between the loaded straps nicely and look very neat when parked, they almost immediately wiggle free and flap in the breeze when under way.

Off to good ole Miller's Surplus here in Tucson (Miller's Surplus, The World's Greatest Store - Army Surplus, Military Surplus, Government Surplus) for some Alice Clips (like this Alice Clips | Replacement Parts | Wildland Fire Gear | Fire Fighting Equipment | True North Gear). As the clips are a bit thicker than the three layers of strap, I folded the spare strap over a couple of times, put it back between the loaded straps, then clipped the Alice Clips (one each strap) over the straps. I'll try to snag a photo, but it might be several days.

 

[glideraz]

looks awesome good work