Thread: Bop Top ordered...any advice?

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I used a Topster II on my deuce and made a stainless steel flush mounting kit similar to the Rod Tops one. I think the Topster is comparable in looks to the bop Top and seals better. I personally think that the Time Machines Unlimited Rod Top is the top of the line but for 1/2 the price I'm very happy with mine.

The Rod Tops one was just as expensive, but was my least favorite of all of them actually... when comparing the side profiles, the Bop Top has a nice "speedster" type profile, whereas the Rod Top has a notchy/blocky look to me, with too upright of a rear window. The Topster II doesn't come with any fabric or anything, so i guess you could have it made to look as good as a Bop Top if you know a good uphulstery guy... I considered that one too, but never got a reply back on some questions I had. Sid Chaver's replied within 5 minutes of my inquiry, and the kit comes complete with all fabric sewn, window installed, etc. The design of the framework is also nice and simple, and it comes with a handy installation video. I'd love to see some pics of your TopsterII and the mounting kit you made... some installation pics would also be great if you have any. -JB

Here's a Rod Top:



Here's a Bop Top:



To the casual viewer, they look similar, but I just think the Bop Top has a better side window opening profile with a nice sweeping curve, and is less angular than the Rod Top. Its hard to see in these pics, but the rear window has more of a forward lean on the Bop Top too, giving it a more streamlined look. This is a personal preference of course.

Another comparison is the framework... here's the Rod Top... seems like a pretty complex assembly of various pieces and parts, although it appears to be well constructed:



Compared to the Bop Top framework, which seems like a much cleaner and simpler assembly, using powder coated round tubing throughout:



I priced them both, and they were very comparable in price, basically a matter of personal preference. I'm sure if you could do your own upholstery work, the topster would be a bit cheaper than either one of these, but then if you have the capability to do that, you could probably build the entire framework yourself too...which I have also seen done with success. I'll be happy if I can get the fully assembled top on my car, let alone starting from scratch!