Art, in Steve's photo, you can just see the galvanized piece which is one of the two parts which make a rigid door top frame. This has weather stripping which seals the door tops. Whether you choose to run with the door tops on or not is immaterial, you still need this portion of framework so that the top has a place to fit into. There are channels in these pieces, and the front and top edges of the top fit into them. The hoopset comes with a galvanized piece which bolts to the windshield frame. There are about 7 tabs to which the top hooks. That is how the leading edge of the top attaches to the truck. The top has a strip of canvas webbing sewn into it with openings located corresponding to these tabs. There is alot of detail to the top, which makes Steve's price seem pretty reasonable. You can run with the sides folded uo, held up by buckled straps. Sewing up one of these tops is alot of work for a one-off. I've seen a few home-brew tops, on some home brew top frames, and frankly, unless they are done well, they look pretty hokey. It's good that you have a tailgate, as that's the most expensive part of a soft top conversion, leaving the rear door in the garage for the summer.
My advise is to do it right. You want your truck to look good, summer or winter, so don't embarass us all with a home brew job that isn't in keeping with the Landie look. We'll still talk to you though
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