1980 BJ41 questions

[mginn68]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I checked the BJ out today. I really don’t see the need for PS.

I do have two questions -

How hard is it to repair these posts on the hard top?

Thoughts on changing out the factory instrument cluster ? I’ve seen some online that are digital.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Good digital gauges would be a nice upgrade IMHO, too expensive for my tractor.

 

[anothernz45]

Regarding the hardtop everything is doable but it looks like you already have one extra skin of metal over the Toyota bits. Have a look at my Rusty 45 thread, post #9 covers a very similar bit on a 45. I would cut the pillar up about 2 inches where the tubing is sound then cut the outside bits up another 1/2 inch to give better access to the tube. Fabricate new tube piece and plug weld a hollow reinforcing spud inside it then fit it to old tube - 1 good plug then mig it together.
Then fold up a new internal frame and base piece, finally as much new outer skin as needed.
Test fit as you go - a really handy tool for this sort of work is a little press brake that fits in a 5inch vise.
Bs are great motors, I run a 13 in my 45.

 

[mginn68]

Regarding the hardtop everything is doable but it looks like you already have one extra skin of metal over the Toyota bits. Have a look at my Rusty 45 thread, post #9 covers a very similar bit on a 45. I would cut the pillar up about 2 inches where the tubing is sound then cut the outside bits up another 1/2 inch to give better access to the tube. Fabricate new tube piece and plug weld a hollow reinforcing spud inside it then fit it to old tube - 1 good plug then mig it together.
Then fold up a new internal frame and base piece, finally as much new outer skin as needed.
Test fit as you go - a really handy tool for this sort of work is a little press brake that fits in a 5inch vise.
Bs are great motors, I run a 13 in my 45.

Thanks for the reply. I reviewed your Rusty 45 thread. I can see you are a talented metal worker. I’m a C- at best. I’ll see about repairing it. I was almost to the point with the 100 bolts holding it on, does it really need these posts.

 

[pb4ugo]

You don't have to be a good welder, just a good grinder. Stay on the welds and try to stay off the sheetmetal. The tube helps reinforce the B pillar opening. A door gets slammed on it often.