Really Disappointed with DIY Bikini

[illzoni]

Using info from:

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.

And:
Toyota 4Runner Soft Top Options

I ordered the following from Quadratec.com:
Item #: 21021 04
Description: TRADITIONAL BIKINI TOP CJ7-CJ8 TAN 52508-04
and
Item #: 11020 00
Description: WINDSHLD RETAINING CHNL CJ/YJ 45809-01/51209-01

The package arrived last week, and I spent most of Saturday adapting the CJ/YJ Retaining Channel for use on my 4Runner. I was a bit confused by the instructions at 4Crawler.com, but was able to adapt the channel to my 4Runner quite nicely using an 8' length of aluminum angle, 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 1/16". I'll post photos later.

My frustration is with the bikini top. IT'S TOO SHORT!!! The top barely reaches the rollbar, such that the middle rear flaps in the wind when underway. The tailoring seams that should fit nicely over the curves in the rollbar are 3-4" forward of the bar.

Has anyone else done this mod?
Can anyone else offer their experience?
Is it possible they sent the wrong top?

I did mount the retaining channel a bit forward of 4Crawler's description, but only about 1/2". This doesn't account for the large difference.

What's wrong???

TIA,
Jon

 

[illzoni]

This photo shows what I'm concerned about with this top:

More pix at:
1987 Toyota 4Runner

 

[fourwd1]

My frustration is with the bikini top. IT'S TOO SHORT!!! The top barely reaches the rollbar, such that the middle rear flaps in the wind when underway. The tailoring seams that should fit nicely over the curves in the rollbar are 3-4" forward of the bar

That's because you didn't get the top for a CJ-8.
Look again at the pic in my sig.

 

[Iroke17]

-- removed by admin --

 

[illzoni]

I bought from the link in my post:
"Bestop Traditional Bikini Tops
For 76-91 Jeep® CJ-7, CJ-8 Scrambler & Wrangler YJ"

After a few hours in the Arizona sun, then a drive home on the freeway with it flapping a bit, I was able to snug up the rear tie-downs and it's a bit better but still a ways from what I would prefer.

 

[nugsfan]

That's because you didn't get the top for a CJ-8.
Look again at the pic in my sig.

fourwd1...
I know this is an old thread but do you have the part number you used for the CJ-8? On the DIY bikini top instructions on 4crawler, it says a "Jeep YJ". I don't know anything about jeeps. Is this the same thing as a "CJ-8"?

 

[Mpower3]

TPI4x4

Order the FJ40 model (see it says 4 runner application too).

Write up from other website:

My $65 4Runner Bikini Top - YotaTech Forums

 

[nugsfan]

TPI4x4

Order the FJ40 model (see it says 4 runner application too).

Write up from other website:

My $65 4Runner Bikini Top - YotaTech Forums

That's exactly what I was looking for! Looks like an easier application as well. Thanks dude!

 

[illzoni]

I'm nearly done with a new, custom bikini top I'm fabricating myself. Will post photos in a new thread when I finish.