How to bikini top the 4Runner

[Tallchevy]

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Since it's summer time & I took the top off, all I hear from my kids is "It's hot back here!" So I did some research & I used a CJ5 bikini top. I used galvinized channel 1 3/4"x3/4" that is pre-hole punched to attach conduit to walls as you will see in the pic's. A CJ/YJ bikini top & the windshield mount for a CJ/YJ. This is the final result. I wish I would have taken more pic's during the build instead of after.

[Volcom]

Do you have any pictures of the channel?  I'm looking to do the same sometime 

[Tallchevy]

I'm posting more. Kind of doing a step by step.

[Tallchevy]

I used this channel cause it had holes already for mounting. I cut the one side of the 3/4" & made it an "L" bracket. I made 4 of these for the 4 top mounting bolts. I mounted the brackets & lined up the top with the seal cause the roof line is domed, not flat.

[Tallchevy]

Then I used CJ/YJ windshield mount bracket that I got from 4Wheels Parts for about $23 bucks. Part # is BST 51209-01. This comes as a left & right channel. I marked the center of the top & butted the track together. Then mark the hole in the brackets & drill. I used sheet metal screws to attach the track to the brackets. The track brackets will sit on top of the factory 4Runner top seal. The track will over hang about 5" or more. Slide the top into the track. I then bent the ends down & formed it to the shape of the cab.

[Tallchevy]

Here is the bend.

[Tallchevy]

Remove the factory rollbar pad if you have one, this will let the top stay tight. I used the factory tie downs at the rear of the 4Runner to tie the top down. I'm going to make brackets for the snaps & a bow that goes between the rollbar & cab to keep the top up alittle better. I will post pic's of that too but this is quick & works for now. I have already had it on the freeway. I hope this makes it easy for you to install. Also I am going to add a 3rd row seat cause I have a family of 6 so I will add another bow & use a longer top. Those pic's will come but I don't know how soon.

[Gittinit]

Nice job, that looks like ya bought it already made for the runner.

[Tallchevy]

Thanks  I have went over other threads here & on other sites but there was cutting & sewing. I didn't want to do that. I'll get better pic's when I get the truck back together.

[robrub00]

looks ausome.  cant wait to do the same to mine!!!

[robrub00]

what about adding brackets here?  do you think that would be worth it or no??

[Tallchevy]

what about adding brackets here?  do you think that would be worth it or no??

That hole isn't threaded.

[Tallchevy]

I used a bracket that comes with a C.B. or E.Q. but I'm sure you can get this at Radio Shack. I cut the "L" shape off & mounted the snap button the it. I snapped it to the top & pulled the bracket down to get the top tight. Then I used 2 self tapping screws per bracket to keep the bracket in place.

[Volcom]

Does it fit pretty tight to the cab?  Does it look like any water would get between the cab and the top if it was raining while you were driving?

Great writeup, I'll be rounding up parts for a soft top of mine own!

[Tallchevy]

I have had it on for about 2 weeks now. I'll have to look it over & see if anything has shifted.

[MT4Runner]

BTW, that channel is called "Unistrut" for anyone who is looking for some.  It's common scrap on commercial construction sites.

Nice tech!    

[red]

would u be interested in making another front mount and selling it?

[Tallchevy]

Sure, I sent you a PM 

[BNRSHNTZL]

this is a great idea thanks for the information. 

[yota_krawler]

I just bought a cj7 bikini top, I now need to figure out how you did what you did

[barry4run]

Hello, can you please send me more instructions or pictures on how to put this bikini top on my  4 runner thanks much email [email protected]

[Okiyota]

Alot of people do the FJ40 bikini as well, i think it looks a little better as front corners dont hang down as much, the sides are straight and parallel with the sides of the truck as opposed to slanted like the CJ tops.  Someone sells a kit to use the FJ40 bikini, comes with the channel mount and everything needed, cant remember who though.  Here is a pic of one on a 4runner (not mine)...

[younbuck4]

Would you mind making a extra front mount to sell?

This Thread is Featured in our Tech from our Forum Members section!

Since it's summer time & I took the top off, all I hear from my kids is "It's hot back here!" So I did some research & I used a CJ5 bikini top. I used galvinized channel 1 3/4"x3/4" that is pre-hole punched to attach conduit to walls as you will see in the pic's. A CJ/YJ bikini top & the windshield mount for a CJ/YJ. This is the final result. I wish I would have taken more pic's during the build instead of after.

[Tallchevy]

What part do you need? The aluminum angle, window channel or both?

Are the pics still posted? I can't see any pics.

[CrazyYota]

I can't see the pictures? I made one last year using camo netting I found at a surplus store.

[dropzone]

I can't see the pictures? I made one last year using camo netting I found at a surplus store.

Try clearing your cookies and Web history than re log in..Some times it. Works for me

Pics are still there..

[CrazyYota]

Try clearing your cookies and Web history than re log in..Some times it. Works for me

Pics are still there..

It worked!