Homemade soft top for my tacoma.

HAHA!!! Oh god! The last thing I want is my truck looking like an avalanche!!! Hopefully the actual one will turn out better and perhaps you'll like it more than this. Mind you it's sole purpose is to allow full access to the bed (when needed) and the rest of the time allow for smoother airflow over the top for better fuel economy. Hard edges, like the end of the cab dropping down to the bed, generate a lot of drag. Eliminate that negative space with a smooth curve to the end... and presto! In theory better fuel economy! And I think it looks cool. Reminiscent of old military transports... Kind of. Anyway! Thanks for the feedback everyone! It's made me really excited to start building!

 

ive actually been working on a cap like this for a year. it's patented already. mine is all hard and the arched part opens with remote control. all small metal strips linked together to roll up. still got a lott to go tho before itll be on trucks

 

very crafty. well done

 

Unless you spend all your time on the highways, I doubt that you'd see any MPG differences. Studies I've seen have been at higher road speed simulations, not around town driving.

That being said, I think what you're doing is very cool, props! My personal preference would be not to slant the end to give you move height at the tailgate which is where 80% of the crap I put in mine ends up staying - maybe more out of laziness.

 

Except fabric tends to cause drag due to its lack of rigidity.

 

So you have your idea patented? Because I figured the whole soft top idea was already patented, and I've seen this before, the hard sides and retractable center. Couldn't find the exact image i was talking about, but the middle part was like a garage door, rolled up at the front, and had curved tracks all the way down to the tailgate. So I know I'm not the first by any means to have a curved bed cap, or a folding one for that matter, just a new swing on an old idea.

I hadn't thought about that...Because I'm the same way... I may take that into account for the final product, I'll do a drawing and see if it looks aesthetically pleasing.

Thanks everyone!

 

looks good. i like the concept but it wouldnt work for me since i always have my truck loaded up and really need the extra space in back.

 

if its patented lets see the product and or patent number...

OP im really digging the concept, subscribed for future updates.

 

Hopefully you didn't take my comment as a dig, I love the concept however as others have said I would like cab height for the full length of the bed.
I do not like the fit and finish of the Bestop, due to the large gap where it should be meeting the cab. I hope you get your product to market, and don't worry about other peoples alleged patents. The shape difference and mounting system for instance would be enough to secure your own patent when the time comes. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

 

Oh no! I didn't think that at all! Haha! Actually you and MurphMan pointing that out gave me a new idea on that old design that allows for more vertical space at the tailgate AND a sweeeeet look. Here it is, hope people like it, This is my final rendering for the design. NOW the wait for some spare money to make it! Should be a week or two before I start the build. Have to do some R n' D in the mean time!!!

 

woah, that looks awesome.
i would def buy one of those.

edit: i like the first one better, the black one.

 

Sweet man! I'm def think of marketing them once I get everything working good, and I'll put you on the list haha! It'll be a little while though...

 

subbed. i want one when you are done haha

 

x2. especially if it were a few hundred $

 

X3 for sure, this might be a stupid question, but are soft tops fold-able?

 

Yup! Like a convertible top! Gives the best of both worlds, bed cap when you need it, and full access to your bed too in a few minutes of folding.

 

is it done yet??? im too anxious with the concept picture you posted!!

subbed for sure! excited to see the outcome. good luck

 

I kind of liked the looks of the first concept picture better ha i've been eyeballing a softopper for a while now for camping. if you could out price them with similar quality i think you may be sitting on a gold mine from this forum alone. let alone whoever would want to stock your product! nice work man!

 

looks great!!!!