Sunroof on a BJ70?

Cayman Dennis · 06-14-09, 09:53 AM

I just bought an 1985 BJ70. It's in really great, unmolested condition except for one thing: someone put in an aftermarket sunroof once upon a time.

I don't know if it ever worked, but now it's been sealed closed with 3-4 tubes worth of roofing tar. What an eyesore. So, how can I correct this mess?

I'd like to go back to stock, but that's a big job (too big for me). I know I'd need at least some, if not all, of a different roof panel. And the interior head liner, of course, would have to be replaced.

Plan B is to find a new sunroof the same size or slightly larger.

I'm wondering if anyone knows of an OEM or aftermarket sunroof designed for the 70? I can't imagine that a "generic" sunroof could be leakfree because of those ribs pressed in the roof steel.

Thanks!

lowenbrau · 06-14-09, 10:05 AM

I know it isn't exactly the same but my German spec LJ73 (FRP top) came with an aftermarket sunroof made by Webasto that was OEM quality. Very good fit and function. I know Webasto makes sunroofs for some of the euro manufacturers. I'd be looking in that direction if I was wanting to do what you are. For the price, though, the roof repair might not be that bad an option. Just keep your eyes open for a good headliner when someone is parting a 70 out.

tlcruiserman · 06-14-09, 10:17 AM

Yes, Toyota offered a factory sunroof in the 70 series Land Cruiser, It was in Japan, and I saw one once from Germany.

it is a completly different roof and just to find the parts woudl be pretty hard, you should either get rid of it or replace it with another aftermarket sunroof. JMO

Cheers,

Michael

Clint79 · 06-15-09, 01:57 AM

i find cruisers pic from all over the net google,carsales,ebay,mud so someone might know of these rides
The sunroof 71 the runs/lines in the roof finish early were as the no sunroofs have line to the windscreen so must be a completely different skin roof from factory with the sunroof
the black one reminded me of a daihatsu rocky at first look

roscoFJ73 · 06-17-09, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint79

i find cruisers pic from all over the net google,carsales,ebay,mud so someone might know of these rides
The sunroof 71 the runs/lines in the roof finish early were as the no sunroofs have line to the windscreen so must be a completely different skin roof from factory with the sunroof
the black one reminded me of a daihatsu rocky at first look

The yellow one is JDM because of those ridiculous mirrors going in all directions.
The green/black thing is probably a dutch vehicle. They raise the roof so it can qualify for cheaper rego as a van or something.
RonH has one.

Good point about the creases in the roof. I dont know if the sunroof option is still available.

hoser · 06-18-09, 01:31 AM

I would think any good body shop could cut out the entire inner perimeter of the roof (ribs and all) but keep the supports and replace with sheet metal. You'd lose the ribs but at least it would be clean looking. Any headliner/upholstery shop could do the interior, doesn't need to be OEM.

Clint79 · 06-18-09, 01:37 AM

usually the sunroof mob do the roof interior aswell anyways, but it wouldnt matter if you loose ribs ay? or do they have a reason other than looks?

hoser · 06-18-09, 01:48 AM

The ribs definitely add strength but whether he needs it is up to him.

crushers · 06-18-09, 04:56 AM

there is a factory original sunroof components sitting in Ontario (from a CDM spec 70) that someone might want to score...

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlcruiserman

Yes, Toyota offered a factory sunroof in the 70 series Land Cruiser, It was in Japan, and I saw one once from Germany.

it is a completly different roof and just to find the parts woudl be pretty hard, you should either get rid of it or replace it with another aftermarket sunroof. JMO

Cheers,

Michael

Cayman Dennis · 06-18-09, 04:54 PM

Well, I don't have much hope that a leak-proof sunroof can be installed. Since I'm a purist at heart, I think I'll look into replacing the roof. For the same reasons, I'd like to keep the ribs up there.

Anybody got a 70 roof to sell? Headliner?

Cheers,
Dennis

coldtaco · 06-18-09, 08:32 PM

If you wanted to take a road trip I would probably be able to sell you my roof and head liner, you come and cut off what you want

Otherwise, I don't know how to package the head liner so as not to have it get damaged in transit, also, don't know what it would cost to ship from Alaska. If still interested pm me.

coldtaco · 06-18-09, 08:33 PM

Or, you could take some vacation and drive your 70 here and I would be willing to try and weld on the roof onto yours, or just part of it?

Cayman Dennis · 06-19-09, 04:01 PM

Well, that sounds like an epic journey but I can't get the time off work anytime soon for that.

I was looking out my office window today and noticed that a ribbed roof is not too uncommon on trucks and vans. If I can find a body man with some imagination I might borrow hoser's idea and have a grand cherokee roof panel spliced onto mine.

Thanks,
Dennis

Clint79 · 06-22-09, 04:32 AM

Any luck in roof hunting, came across another pic
This one looks like the sun roof is painted did the early one's have a metal top not glass?

crushers · 06-22-09, 07:19 AM

yes, metal top. at least the one i saw was...