STC (Kayline) Softtop Questions

[89FourRunner]

I grabbed a well used STC soft top for my 4Runner for really cheap. It is canvas not vinyl, and it has the beefier frame (all the improvements STC did after Kayline). The canvas is in great shape, windows are clear but there are two small cracks, one on each big window. I plan to simply patch them with Tear-Aid Type B patches. I seem to have all the pieces, including the no-drill adapter kit with all the angled T-adapters, but I still have some pressing questions...

The two bows and their swivel bracket. What the hell am I looking at? Do I really need to use the two horizontal cab rods to hold the forward bar? Why can't I just use two tension straps that I buy to link the two bows, snug them up, and then tighten the straps in the back to pull the rear bar back and down (therefore having the front bow go back and up against the top) just like the soft topper.

Anyone make this modification? I guess I don't understand the logic in attaching the front bow to the cab, whats the point? It puts no upward tension on the soft top.

Also, anything I need to look out for, or anything tricky before I install this thing?

Seal issues? Leaks? Tough spots? It looks like I have to do some drilling, but not as much since I have the 4Crawler kit. Still, drilling doesn't really bother me - after all I did make my own rear quarter panels with sheet metal, a rivet gun and bond hahahahah.

 

[89FourRunner]

 

[89FourRunner]

Okay _ I have another question. I am loving this thing, rolling it up has been reliable at all speeds.

I tried to put it down fully tonight though, and I just cannot figure out a way to get it down nice and neat with pinching a window.

Anyone have any tips or tricks for that, or am I forced to remove it from the frame?

 

[Nervo19]

If it's designed like the old Kayline I could never get mine (ca. 1989-1996 RIP) to lay down well in the back. I used a couple of bungies whenever I had it down. I'd love to see you post some pictures of the frame work because there aren't any on the 'net and it might help the next person. When I joined this forum in 2010 Kayline and its successor were not in business any more. One time I found the old instructions for it. They are somewhere in my dead files.

Your 4Runner looks terrific and it's hard to believe you had to do a bunch of body work. I like the color of both top & truck.

 

[89FourRunner]

If it's designed like the old Kayline I could never get mine (ca. 1989-1996 RIP) to lay down well in the back. I used a couple of bungies whenever I had it down. I'd love to see you post some pictures of the frame work because there aren't any on the 'net and it might help the next person. When I joined this forum in 2010 Kayline and its successor were not in business any more. One time I found the old instructions for it. They are somewhere in my dead files.

Your 4Runner looks terrific and it's hard to believe you had to do a bunch of body work. I like the color of both top & truck.

The next time it is warm out I can take some pictures. Quality instructions can be found here, with detailed pictures.

http://www.snyderworld.org/STC/228010.pdf