1/2 Top = 1/2 Top Frame

[MarknessMonster]

Barrman: Upon reviewing your bikini top photos, I thought to suggest to you an idea I have used in the past for a CJ bikini top. In my CJ, I disliked the large amount of wind flap from the top, as it appeared to never be taut enough no matter how tight I pulled the strap (I too have resewn the straps many times).

A simple solution I used was to take a piece of scrap wood and bow it through the center. The wood was approximately 1" x 3/4" and an appropriate length that required flexing or bowing the wood upward in order to engage the ends into the inside lip of the windshield (specifically on top of the footman loop) and a point on the rear top support. The installation is done after the top is mounted. The wood ends provide only a physical attachment to front and rear, so the specific length requires a tight tolerance.

Although the bubble appearance from a front end view may not be aesthetically desirable, it cured the wind flap, as well as the requirement for yearly strap sewing maintenance. After a short period of time with the wood mounted, it will maintain the nature bow or upward curve, thus allowing for easier future engagement.

Lastly, due to the inexpensive nature of this wood part, it is easy to replace periodically when misplaced, damaged or used for other purposes, and it does not require mechanical anchors or a designated storage area. The part is simple, light and unobtrusive.

[Barrman]

Thanks for the tip.

[militarypotts]

I know you've probably already shared this, but what's the fitting coming outta the side of the cab here?

I have a slave cable receptical on my truck also. When I installed it, I put it on the front passenger side fender. I always wondered why it says to install it there, when aft of the door seems like a much better installation, and easier access to the batteries. Is this a personal choice or one of convienence.

[militarypotts]

By the way, the truck looks great. The doors are really starting to grow on me. With my new knees tho, it might be a problem getting in and out. I may have just answered my previous question tho...."are you going to shave the door handles?" Is the door still rigid enough to open and close without a problem?

[Barrman]

The doors are firm enough to open and close just fine. They don't really slam with a solid "thunk", but they do function just fine.

Remember that the slave system is for starting the truck, not charging the batteries. Having the recepticle on the front fender puts the wires closer to the starter and starter switch.

I put mine in the back of the passenger side of the cab because I figured it would mostly be used for jumping off other people instead of jump starting me. Where I have it is real close to my batteries.

[brute4c]

Hmmm...maybe thats why there are 2 locations on the stock trucks...what a good thought...
1 close to the starter for trucks that predominantly get jump started and the other for trucks the predominantly do the jumping...

I was told by one of the National Guard guys at Fort McCoy here in Wisconsin that they use to leave them all sit with no batteries...except one or 2...then to start, pass the slave cables around...that would make the 2 locations make perfect sense.


Barrmann is a genius!

[CHRIS UNGER]

I went to a top shop near me and for 60 bucks he made a bikini top for me with three straps that go down to the top rail of the bed where I placed some footmans loops. He made it out of convertible top material witch is really good for the limbs and such on the trail.

[wreckless711]

Hey Calpyro; What did you do to your full doors to eliminate the side window that's fixed? Is it all one piece glass or did you just get rid of the windows altogether?

Mike