Let's See Some Softoppers

I don't see why it wouldn't work, I don't know why there's even more the one version for both gens. Isn't it practically the same box?

 

Just be aware that there will be a reduction in rear visibility no matter the version you get. This applies to rigid caps as well.

You can and will adapt.

Semi truck drivers have no rear view and they are 10 times bigger. You can make it happen.

 

what would be cool is you ran a fiber optic cable from the cab brake light to the rear of your 'softtopper'. This would transmit you brake light through the softtoper to the rear making the brake light functional again.

http://www.wiedamark.com/12mmsolidcorefiberspool.aspx

 

“Fitment” isn’t the issue. The boxes are the same, yes. But the bed to cab height is different between years. I’m just curious how much lower the third gen topper will sit in relation to the cab. If my idea works, it’ll allow for an over-the-topper bedrack to be built at an overall lower height which will be much more aesthetically pleasing IMO than what’s out there.

 

Ah, I didn't realize the cab heights were different.
I know my soft topper sits a couple inches above my cab, I would've loved for it to sit below the cab a couple inches cause I have an apex bed rack that I'm going to have to modify to fit over my soft topper.

 

Why not just add a 3rd brake light? Just wire in an aftermarket unit. It would be a helluva lot easier.

 

I made my own because I was too poor to go the purchased route and nobody made exactly what I wanted. This was my first fabrication project, so go easy on me.

It begins with a simple bed rack that is used to tie/mount stuff to, contain loads, yet still keep my visibility. Weighs about 45lbs, all just 14ga steel. No flex/vibrations, and it mounts to the inside track.


Then I had a canvas top made for it, so I can sleep in there if I want, or simply keep my stuff dry. It also looks pretty nice. Rear window is removable, front is not, so the sliding window doesn't do much unfortunately.


And on top of that is a big safari style rack that I can put stuff on. I needed a long rack to put my 20ft sea kayaks on, so this is long enough to keep them secure. It's 5x8 feet outside dimensions. With the expanded steel mesh, it's very heavy, probably 120lbs, which is fine once it's on, but difficult to install. Again, very secure, no flex anywhere or vibrations, and I didn't have it come up the cab anymore so I don't hear any wind noise.

 

That looks pretty good for being home made. Only thing I would have done different is extend the rear closer to the tail gate but that's solely my opinion. Props for taking the time to build it. How much did the canvas end up costing?

 

Thank you.

The canvas was a lot of money unfortunately because of the custom job. He charged me $1100 If I did it again I'd make a few changes and have the same guy do it and he'd charge me about 2/3 what he did the first time he said. That being said, it has a few thousand miles on it and it looks great still. He used top shelf supplies and boat cover hardware, so it's all stainless steel (of course the rack isn't).

Usually I leave just the bare rack on with the canvas and safari rack in the garage unless I need them.

 

Currently not on the truck! Looking to find another 1st gen 4runner to throw it on. Chicks dig it.

 

That is some nice work there! Curious how that rack attaches to the frame with the canvas on it. Do you have cutouts or something on the roof?

 

There are cutouts in the canvas that can be closed up when the safari rack is off so it's still mostly water tight. I cut some rubber washers and put them under the bolt heads to seal up there, and between the safari rack and the canvas (prevent chaffing) as well. Although it isn't 100% water tight anyway, just because of the tailgate gaps. I put some weather stripping under the bed rack and it helped button the sides up nice. It's a cool thing, it works well for what I need, and I'm happy with how it came out. My welder buddy makes fun of me every time he sees my truck, but that's ok, nothing has broken yet

 

Funny, I had the exact same question

 

Right still pretty cool and unique though!

 

@JonnyBstrick I want one for my runner. Just hope my brother wants to give it back to me someday.

 

I don't rely on looking out the back window anymore.

 

Thanks for taking the pic. What do you do to compensate?

 

No problem. Back up camera and side mirrors.

 

Man yours looks like it has less gap than mine haha