Going Topless (ok, maybe a Bikini Top)

[illzoni]

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

 

[KidVermicious]

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.

 

[javendan]

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

 

[fourwd1]

CJ8 Tan bikini top $50 Bestop 52508-01 - Bestop Traditional Bikini Tops for 76-91 Jeep® CJ-7, CJ-8 Scrambler & Wrangler YJ - Quadratec
another $20 for the front mounting rail kit.

 

[illzoni]

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

 

[illzoni]

Removal / Storage

i went to homedepot and got some of those racketing nylon straps, lumber and additional hardware for securing to the ceiling joists, etc.
<snippage>
a little late but here are some pics.

lumber, eye hook, etc

joel

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

CJ8 Tan bikini top $50 Bestop 52508-01 - Bestop Traditional Bikini Tops for 76-91 Jeep® CJ-7, CJ-8 Scrambler & Wrangler YJ - Quadratec
another $20 for the front mounting rail kit.

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

 

[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

 

[javendan]

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 :cowboy:

joel

ps don't tell my wife! she wants the top outta there - lol,.

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

 

[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.

 

[javendan]

looks promising!

good luck and let us know how it goes.

joel

 

[illzoni]

I just bought a Harken 4-point hoister (200# model). Check out hoister.com.

I have not installed it yet - I hope it works.

... found the RacorPro PHL-1R HeavyLift (link to RacorPro PHL-1R) which sells on Amazon for about $136.

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.

 

[KenBrunner]

Try discountmarinesource - $126.

 

[Nodd]

Are you sure you've not just built a really elaborate hat stand there?

 

[javendan]

i have to resist the temptation to lay a board across and store more stuff!

joel

 

[illzoni]

Try discountmarinesource - $126.

Cool. Thanks.

linky

 

[illzoni]

Here's my hoist:

And more photos here:
1987 Toyota 4Runner

I'll still probably, eventually go with steel cables and a single winch for covenience.

Jon

 

[Nodd]

Nice setup. Needs a couple of straw hats though.

 

[javendan]

lol... nice.

joel

Nice setup. Needs a couple of straw hats though.

 

[KenBrunner]

My Harken Hoister is installed. I am VERY pleased with this product. It quite literally takes around 5, yes FIVE, seconds to raise and lower the canopy - and I can do it with 1 hand pulling rather gently. It has a HUGE mechanical advantage with the block and tackle. I'm glad because I was hesitant and it cost a premium.

 

[illzoni]

My Harken Hoister is installed....

Ken,

Which model did you get?
Source?

How is it for lowering?
My low-cost rig pictured above has a ratcheting pulley on each corner. Take a little effort to raise, and quite a bit to lower.

Jon