Let's See Some Softoppers

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...nd-gen-top-3rd-gen-top-on-a-2016-taco.495079/

The curved rear window bar is the most obvious way to tell them apart.

 

The 3rd gen is slanted also in fear and not as boxy and looks nicer imo

 

Nah, I think that curved bar was discontinued. I ordered mine new in May from ST and it’s a straight bar... There was some debate about it earlier in this thread, but it seems they phased out the curve (Not sure why).

 

I wonder why about the curved bar because it seems better in several ways like aesthetics, fit and just aerodynamics of it with can....

 

Honestly, it was probably the cost. The 3 piece straight bar would be a universal fit across their platforms.

Aesthetically, I doubt there’s a difference. The rear panel is cut so that it comes over the tailgate edge, and so the fabric follows the shape of that edge. That bar really just keeps it ‘locked’ down; since the fabric is not tensioned to the bar like it is the upper hoops, the bar doesn’t affect the exterior shape.

It did seem a bit chintzy when I was putting it together (I felt the same way about other parts of the ST construction, too), but it works. And once the whole package is assembled, it’s pretty stout and it looks great too. I couldn’t be happier with the thing - just bummed I didn’t get one sooner!

 

I just bought mine in March straight from Softopper.com, I have the curved bar for the 3rd gen.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lets-see-some-softoppers.277644/page-174#post-17690026

That's from April, and I got mine in May. Timeline checks out, fwiw.



I will add that my fitment is great, and it required no post-installation adjusting. I mounted it as close to the cab as I could, and there was still plenty of fabric to overhang the tailgate with the raked rear window. The overall height seems spot-on; just a bit lower than the cab roof height. So if they did redesign it, they did a damn good job IMO.

 

I have a short bed and it fits great. Got any pics of yours with the straight bar?

 

Don’t mind the dirty truck, but here’s a few pics with the mesh rear window.

 

Here is my setup. Bought it off a friend from work for $300 (that included TRD rubber floormats and a K&N air filter). The only thing I don't like is the loss of visibility on the side when using the rear view mirror. I really have to double check my blind spots. The wife and I dispersed camped for the first time this weekend in the Siuslaw and Mt. Hood National Forests. We brought our bikes and since I didn't want a bike rack rattling on the highway and getting in the way when trying to walk around the truck, we just threw them on top of the sleeping platform. Being able to unsnap the sides and maneuver the bones into place was really helpful. A hard top, even with windows wouldn't have been as easy.

 

Softopper is on and looks great. Only concern is one side’s rail is about 1/4 inch further inward on the bed side top on one side near the front. I don’t mind cosmetically just wondering how everyone else’s tightened down. Also on the inside the safety pin brackets bend down on both sides. Everything feels secure though so I assume it’s just natural due to the tension?

 

That truck looks awesome.

 

Thank you

 

Who did you end up getting to build your rack?

 

Went to a local metal fab shop to get it done.

 

I found this Best Top used for $300. It wasn't used much and came complete with a TW sticker!

 

Softopper is back on

 

Do you soft shell guys have use of the header rail with your Softopper? Gonna pull the trigger on a new one soon, unless one of you 3rd DCSB wanna get rid of yours .

 

Is that a longbed?