HArdtop and doors Q

masscrusher · 10-24-06, 07:48 AM

Background: I have a 1972 FJ40. The tub was in bad shape and was repaired, but the original half-doors in the rear were toast, so they were replaced with a custom made tailgate. AKAIK, this was an original soft top 40. Now I am running a Tigertop. I have recently acquired a 1976+ Hardtop without the rear doors. I really like the quarter windows; it looks cool.

Purpose: It is my intent to “graft” this newer hardtop to the earlier 40. Snow is coming and I prefer not to have the weight of it on top of the soft top.

Data: 1975+ years, FJ40 hardtops came with ambulance doors. 1954-1974 FJ40 came with liftgate and half doors combo.

Unknowns: The measurements of the newer ambulance doors (w x h).

Assumptions: Previous owner kept all tub measurements the same after sheet metal repairs. The only measurements I can make are the width and height (when the top is installed) of the rear opening for the original half-doors in the rear.

In order to make this work I have a few questions:

1.Is the total width of the 2 ambulance doors the same as the 1954-1974 lift-gate/half doors?
2.Are the hardtop sides the same height for all applications? This is to fit the height of the ambulance doors.
3.Is the top sill (right under the rain gutter and on top of the doors) the same for both periods?
4.Could I fit a liftgate/half doors in this newer top?

Thanks for any info on this.

masscrusher · 10-24-06, 09:15 AM

Ok, found some answers to my questions. Doors are related to the top, so I will be ok with ambulance doors. They will fit the top part of the hardtop.

Still need to find out if the height of the door threshold is the same.

corsair23 · 10-24-06, 01:56 PM

You will find out that you will run into quite a few issues with this "mod". I've read/heard that it can be done but don't count on it being real easy. The fact that you have a complete hard top (assuming you can find doors) helps as grafting a hatch on a later model top or ambi doors on an earlier model top is a lot of work...

Couple issues right off the top will be drilling holes for the lower hinges on the tub for the ambi doors. They won't mate up with the holes for the old swing gate assuming those were used when you had the custom tailgate made. After that you will have to add the rear ambi door striker/catch plate to the tub. The windshield "channel" that is attached to the fiberglass top and bolts to the windshield frame will be different as well. In your case you will have to "notch" the channel to clear the windshield wiper arms/attachments. Unless for some reason you have a newer style frame with the wipers and motor at the bottom...

Other issues may be aligning the hard doors (if you are going to run some) and probably a 100 issues I haven't thought of...I have a '74 with a '75 and newer windshield frame that I put an older model hard top on...My only issue was the windshield channel and having to drill holes for the bolts. Doesn't seal great but it works...

GL and post up some pics!!

masscrusher · 10-24-06, 02:35 PM

Since the tub was repaired, there are no holes for any type of half doors in the back. I can drill the holes where I need them.

For now, all I want is to have a solid surface against the snow, instead of the soft top. I am not planning in running this cruiser during the winter, so it will be parked most of the time and I am too lazy to remove snow from vehicles I am not using.

Anyway, thanks for the input on the windshield. I had an idea that would happen but now it is confirmed.

rusty_tlc · 10-24-06, 02:44 PM

There is also a change in the front window dimensions to consider.

Best bet would to be to find the same style HT as the year of the tub.

Besides the Amby doors aren't as cool as the flip up and you wouldn't need to change out the tail gate when you changed tops.

shelfboy1 · 10-24-06, 04:27 PM

if you use the liftgate top support and liftgate all you have to do is drill some holes inside the top panels for latches and lift cylinders good luck

green40 · 10-25-06, 04:27 AM

Hey Jose!
Kina just finished this project on my 40. My old top had the lift gate on it and the new one has the amby doors.
Pros for the amby's, way easier to get to things in the back. Cons,, you don't have the visability out the back that you have with the lift gate.
You can do the job yourself, not a whole lot of work involed to get things to work.

You going to Northfield on the 5th?

Lane

masscrusher · 10-25-06, 09:27 AM

Hey Lane,

Trying to. So far so good. Work is driving me crazy... as always. Anyway, I just want the top to spare the soft one from the snow. But I wpuld like to have doors and such just to keep the snow out. If putting doors is a pain, duct tape and plastic will work too.

I am waiting for the weatherstipping today, so I'll have pics of the rust pile (the hardtop) later today, for sure tomorrow.

henrikh · 06-06-08, 08:28 PM

i would like to change my 76 fj from a softtop to a hardtop what is involved the top is off a 1970 and the doors and hood as well fenders ect iw had the rig for 2 years just getting started i couldnt resist it its got 37000 miles got some rust im loving it

JimmieT · 06-06-08, 10:44 PM

Seriously ... You won't like the hardtop ... you need to sell it to me ... my 1970 FJ40 is in need! LOL!