Thought I would post a few photos of the modified top project now that I finally more or less finished it. (I know, its been years in the making). More photos are available in my gallery "Old Topic... FINISHED (finally)". Anyone interested in taking on this project, I have detailed process photos with notes and dimensions.

This setup is ideal for 1992-1996 owners with children (either still in car seats or not) who would like to run topless but need the security of the rear seat belts for the youngsters. The entire project cost less than $275.00 with the materials I used. You could spend more on better fabric and clear vinyl if you want to. Convertible top fabric and scratch resistant boat window vinyl can get pricey but will last a lot longer.

 

Did you do anything to add reinforcement around the edges, to take up the missing span? Looks good though!

 

The edge of the opening around the hole in the roof is reinforced with 3/8" x 1" aluminum angle. The angle is mitered at the corners and held in place with stainless hardware that also secure the male halves of the snaps that hold the soft top in place. The angle is attached below the edge of the fiberglass with the long (1") leg under the edge of the fiberglass leaving the 3/8" leg to protrude above the roof line enough to create a lip for the soft section to stretch over creating a seal. A bead of silicone seals between the aluminum angle and the edge of the fiberglass. The fibreglass across the middle of the roof is only about 1/8" thick. The cut was made just inside the "seams" at the sides of the top. I have more photos than I care to think about that detail this project. Ensuring the edges appeared and functioned cleanly and effectively kept moisture out, was paramount to this entire project. (What good does it do to modify something unless it gets "better" when it is finished, right?)

I welcome questions and will certainly forward any and all photos, measurements, and notes to anyone interested in taking on this project themselves. While we are on the subject, I still have another OEM top that I need to do something with. I could always make another one.

 

I like the bling handles under the windows, Sharp job!

 

Very nice !!!!

 

The outer edges of the shell are factory double reinforced anyway.

Man, that thing is really, really nice. You've just answered my questions on how to remove top and still use my Yakima rack set-up for white water canoe shuttles.

Does it leak?

 

Nope, highway speeds in the pouring rain and no interior moisture. The high pressure spray at the car wash gets in a bit but I usually hand wash it whenever the weather is nice enough to run this top. I still have an OEM top for winter. While this top does hold heat and A/C fairly well, in the dead of winter, I prefer the insulation of the OEM top.

 

Great job, GS92!!! How much weight do you think you lost by cutting the top and taking out the side glass? Just wonder what your top weighs now compared to a 120# stock one. JSM84

 

Easily reduced the weight by 50-60lbs. The wife can help me put this one on without struggling. (She's only 5'1" and the OEM top is a real struggle to lift to shoulder-level which is about where the bed rail hits her).

I just gotta say for the record that the window seals for the side windows are heavier than one might think. I was surprised enough by it that I weighed one... nearly 5lbs... of rubber!

 

That looks great. The whole truck looks great. Now I really feel like my '93 is a POS.

Then again, 12-13 years in the AZ sun without being in a garage will do that to a truck.

 

You are also looking at only a two-year old paint job so don't feel too bad. I've put some dollars into her.

 

Whew! OK, good, I don't feel as bad as I did this morning.

Those dollars show very well!

 

Hello, I am in the works of doing a very similar style top. How do those side windows not leak? How do you have them sealed? Id love to get some of your photos to help me better understand. Thanks