soft top

[jperakis]

im interested in a full soft top that uses the rail system. i know of the link in the "specials" section that offers a soft top for around 1400, but i figured i would post something here just to see if one of you had one lying around. i dont really want to hastle with shipping one cross country, so if you are in SOcal that would be a plus. thanks for all your help! and chris if you read this, great site!

[scot]

I don't know if you solved your soft top problem yet...but Chris Laws (the guy that makes Badger Tops) made a really cool top for me that uses the belt rail system, and did it for cheap. He used to be Land Rover North America's "refurbish" shop for old Tickford tops. When LRNA decided to go with the Bestop..all the old Tickfords (some of which were in great condition) went to him. He just pulled the snaps and artfully sewed on the plastic flange that fits into the belt rail system. Presto...cool original fabric (with alpine windows) top that fits tightly and looks great. Perhaps the best part...$600 bucks! I am just about to get another one. They aren't as good as the fabulous ones he builds from scratch, but IMHO much better than the Bestop tops...the fabric stretches...works well in the cold (the Bestop turns to cardboard) and lasts.

[jperakis]

man that sounds perfect, thanks!

just one question,
"about to get another one".... how come?

[scot]

Because I foolishly sold my first Defender...and the top went with it. I bought a brand new 4x4 Toyota Tacoma...and hated it. Just three weeks...(and several thousand dollars) later, I bought the Defender ST I have today...and it has the dreaded BesTop.

[jperakis]

well i called badger and it looks like thay are backed up for a while, i also called those guys in maine who have the deal for 1300 but they are out of stock :(
can anyone help me? anyone have one lying around?

[jperakis]

im looking to spend around $600-800 if that does anything for anyone

[jperakis]

come on i know someone has one lying around in the garage that they've been trying to sell for a while!

[evilfij]

Do you have a set of windows?

You can just buy the canvas for ~900 new.

I have a tickford I could sell but you said you needed belt rail type.

Ron

[loykd]

James, can't you just buy Ron's Tickford, take it to a boat canvas shop and have them sew on the belt-rail kit. It looks like it's just a piece of plastic strip. Desperate times deserve desperate measures...

[scot]

James...did you get my email?

[jperakis]

no sorry, which address did you send it to?

[SFD90]

I have a used Bestop in San Francisco that I could part with for $800. Sorry I missed the thread for so long... and I was just in SoCal last weekend!

[Shane@EVS]

I have one in fair condition for $300.

[jperakis]

Sounds great! i definitly want it! could i possibly gets some pics and alittle more info on? what exactly do you mean by fair?

[scot]

I sent the email...to the address on your profile as a member of this board. I'll sell you mine for $600 plus shipping.

[jperakis]

shane did you get my email?

[Shane@EVS]

I didn't get any email......I just sent you one, I'll try and get you some pics today.

[jperakis]

hey that addr. seems to not be working, could you please email me at my other one: le_bch@yahoo.com thanks a lot

[jperakis]

theres an underscore between the le and the bch ( for some reason it doesnt show)

[Shane@EVS]

James,
finally got those pics sent

[scot]

James,
Did you end up getting a good top?

scot

[jperakis]

alright after a lot of thought i have decided to buy a hardtop instead. i can only do so because i found the best deal ever for one on ebay. this guy is moving to australia and had one he had to sell, thanks to all those who helped, but there was no way i could pass up this offer!

[scot]

What did you get it for? If you don't mind my asking....here in the Boston area they seem to fetch about $1800.

[michael couture]

I think I've got a used 'belt rail type ST. It would need a 4" tear repaired and zipper resewn but otherwise still quite usable. Let me know if you are interested. Do you have the windows?

[jperakis]

sorry mike thanks for the offer but since posting this, i've found a hardtop.

BTW scot did you ever get my PM?

[scot]

Yes I did...thanks James