Let's See Some Softoppers

I used velcro and it sucked

drilled three snaps, perfect

 

How tight did you set up the snaps to make the flap?

 

I put a strip of 2" clear automotive protective film across the tailgate to protect the paint then used magnetic strip.

 

snug enough but does not override the side snaps

 

I haven't installed the snaps. I just use the Velcro and it only came loose once. I climb in a make sure it's pressed together whenever I reinstall the cover.

 

I have a Best topper on my ride...sorry no picks yet. I have it off the truck right now, I didn't want to leave it on during the winter. It will be on soon...camping season is around the corner...

 

Thanks for the info. I would have over tightened them.

 

Any tips on cleaning/treating these? I just picked up a Bestop and it could use a little TLC.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lets-see-some-softoppers.277644/page-18#post-7877186

 

Awesome, thanks!!

 

303 Aerospace Protectant.

 

I will definitely hit it with 303 Protectant after I get it cleaned up. Thanks!!

 

It can even be polished into the vinyl window to help protect it from UV degradation. I've also read that it will help keep some of the dust from sticking to the rear window. Personally I havent noticed much of a difference there. It doesn't seem it any worse.

 

Best pic I got right now . But I'm part of the club

 

So after 5 years, the velcro wasn't working, I have been trying different methods and settled on super magnets. 6, small, half inch round. I cut a slot in the velcro strip sewn onto the flap and distributed them evenly( I will sew them in place if needed). I have the metal tailgate rail on already so it has a place to connect. So far it works as well as the velcro.
I had tried the regular magnets and they are not strong enough to go through the velcro.

 

Would you have any pics of the areas you used Velcro/magnetic strip mods?
thanks

 

Have you tried neodymium magnets? My original thought was to use those and in tests they worked fairly well. You should be able to get some beefy ones on Amazon.

 

That is what I used, (I didn't think so on my original post) here are the pics:
This is the size I got without the sticky side. 6 to 10 should be fine.

I cut a slot in the middle and worked them in evenly, so far they stay in place.

With the metal tailgate rail they connect nicely it would work well on the painted gate too but I don't know about scratches

 

Great idea! I actually did something similar but ended up sliding in a thin/long piece of rubber (the full length of that flap) with which I have 3 neodymium magnets embedded inside. With the weight of the rubber and the strength of the magnets, it doesn't move a bit! And on the plus side, the rubber makes it so I can just let it drop and I don't have to worry about it "hitting too hard" on the tailgate! no scratches yet...

 

use scotchguard paint protector film