wired
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
So I love my soft top but I needed a locking rear trunk. I went with the backbone as it was only $400 when I bought it vs $700 for the Diabolical slipstream and the Tuffy not available. I like the easy removal of one or both top sections without tools in just a minute, the clean look, and the aluminum construction. (I modded it like someone posted here to make it tool-free except I use 2 quick c-clamps for the top section.) It stays on all the time unless I remove it to carry something large. No rattles and keeps most of the rain out.
But a few problems with all of these for those of us who keep their soft tops on in the summer. The JL soft top is designed to drop into the tub a few inches and these tops prevent this. Instead the top sits on top of the tub security cover. That causes a few issues:
1. The top won't lock down. Not a big issue for me as I use velcro straps or a boot.
2. The top sits about 3 inches higher (above the 3rd brake light) obstructing some (more) rear vision.
3. The rear of the top sits directly on the metal security cover and will cause wear on the fabric top. I saw a video here where one diabolical slipstream owner put some foam pads on the corners to help prevent wear.
I can do the foam, but I am looking for a better solution. I am thinking of having a friend who does metal work modify the rear piece of the Backbone to let the top drop down into the tub as it is designed to do and at the same time fix the issue with the contact that causes the wear.
Or I may make my own boot that covers the entire top. The only boot available (by @JTopsUSA ) does not cover the bottom fold of the soft top. That looks fine when the top is fully down with no security enclosure, but on the enclosure, it doesn't cover it all and doesn't prevent the wear issue. I'm not sure why JTops decided not to cover the whole top with the boot. It is an otherwise high quality product and easy to put on.
Anyone have any suggestions?
But a few problems with all of these for those of us who keep their soft tops on in the summer. The JL soft top is designed to drop into the tub a few inches and these tops prevent this. Instead the top sits on top of the tub security cover. That causes a few issues:
1. The top won't lock down. Not a big issue for me as I use velcro straps or a boot.
2. The top sits about 3 inches higher (above the 3rd brake light) obstructing some (more) rear vision.
3. The rear of the top sits directly on the metal security cover and will cause wear on the fabric top. I saw a video here where one diabolical slipstream owner put some foam pads on the corners to help prevent wear.
I can do the foam, but I am looking for a better solution. I am thinking of having a friend who does metal work modify the rear piece of the Backbone to let the top drop down into the tub as it is designed to do and at the same time fix the issue with the contact that causes the wear.
Or I may make my own boot that covers the entire top. The only boot available (by @JTopsUSA ) does not cover the bottom fold of the soft top. That looks fine when the top is fully down with no security enclosure, but on the enclosure, it doesn't cover it all and doesn't prevent the wear issue. I'm not sure why JTops decided not to cover the whole top with the boot. It is an otherwise high quality product and easy to put on.
Anyone have any suggestions?
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