Soft Topper

Looking for some experienced help
I just bought a used softopper and it's definitely seen better days but I got it for a great deal. The canvas is pretty dirty and faded. Want to try to make it look the best I can, what does everyone recommend to really get this black canvas clean and to restore some of the faded black color back to looking good? Also I have a small tear in the side flap, about .5"x .5". Any good ideas for a patch job? Thanks for any insight TW!

 

I got them from REI

 

Give it a good scrub with a brush and a good cleaner and apply your choice of rubber protectant. Might be surprised

 

This is maybe a little late. I am thinking of buying a second hand soft top by soft topper and it has windows on the sides. What are the advantages and disadvantages of one with compared to without those side windows. Thank you in advance.

 

That would be a beststop with the side windows.
You have to remove the windows to take off the topper. With the Softopper, it all stays together.
Many more advantages to Softopper: Less vinyl window to keep clean, a bit better security as no on can see in the sides and in my opinion functionality is better on the Softopper.

 

Thanks. The reason I am asking if because I am looking to buy a second hand one and he claims it to be made by soft topper and he has side windows. Here is the link.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-other-auto-p...er/1229846623?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

 

That's a bestop brand

 

Thanks. Now that you mention it. I will ask the guy if it is made by soft topper or Best top.

 

It's a bestop.

 

After further research I believe you. I stop emailing the guy who is selling it. One of the disadvantages of the Best top is that the windows become brittle in the cold and becomes very delicate. That could be one of the reasons he is selling it and elected not to disclose the brand name. Anyway , I do appreciate your comment a lot. Thanks again.

 

I just got my soft topper in the mail! We've been getting dumped on with rain, and once it drys up im gonna do the install. I got a tube of seam grip because that seems like the move for ultimate dryness. Has anyone just applied it to their topper straight off the back and not waited till they had a leak?

 

I did and haven't had a leak in the 3 years I've had it.

 

Can anyone comment on how vehicle specific the softopper is? I have 2011 Tacoma long bed, and I have an opportunity to buy a softopper from a guy who has a 2002 S10, 6 foot bed.
Also, what is the total height in the bed with the softopper addded?
Thanks a bunch,
Z

 

Only part of your question I can answer is the height... it is supposed to sit level with the roof of the cab of the truck, if you have the correct model for your year/ make.

As far as can you use interchange the softopper between different trucks... I have done some research and I think the main objections are, 1. The height it would sit in relation to the height of the cab/ roof. 2. The width of the bed. If the seller is close maybe you can try it on your vehicle to see if it fits properly? Doesn't take but 10-15 minutes to install

 

So I bought the Softopper from the company... really good customer service. I had one crossbar where the tube was out of round, they sent me a new one and I had it in two days... Good quality, no leaks. But I do have a question for you folks that already have one. No mattter what I do, as I cinch down the clamps on the rail, the frame tends to bow in and not stay upright. Am I doing something wrong?
Thanks for your help.

 

Use thinner weather stripping or even just caulk. Mine did the same thing.

 

My softopper.. love this thing. I'm looking at side awning option for the OEM roof rack, but I like the Smittybilt Trail Shade idea off the back. Unless someone has that buckle idea they're coming up with.

 

anyone able to fit a motorcycle in with the topper installed? do you have to have it folded down and open it over the bike? i have a DCSB if it matters. thanks!

 

anyone have pics how they wired a third brake light...camper on will fail the inspections, and its been in the 20s to remove the side windows on my bestop to fold it down...

 

So what color topper does everyone think would look best on a silver Taco?

I may have means to order a Softopper before a trip I'll be taking at the end of May (I'd like to have the topper since I'll be able to fit more shit in the bed instead of keeping it open, or all under the tonneau cover I currently have.).

I'm thinking the grey top would look better than black, but I think black would still look damn nice.