1984 FJ40 Softtop to Hardtop Conversion with Ambulance Style Doors (1 Viewer)

[OffRoad911]

I would like to convert my factory fitted softop to a hardtop with ambulance doors.

A friend suggested, the tub will need to be modified, cutting and welding etc to fit the ambulance style doors.

I am gutted because I was hoping to keep all the factory frame and rear doors that came with the softop to use later and swap in summer to a cool softop. Seems this is no longer possible, if I have to cut and weld.

Anyone here who has done a similar job? Please help.

Thanks

 

[jim land]

Keep the tail gate or modify the ambi doors, not the tub

 

[JohnnyC]

keep the lower parts of the soft top ambi doors in place and use an earlier lift gate HT

 

[OffRoad911]

Keep the tail gate or modify the ambi doors, not the tub

That is exactly what I asked the body shop guy and they said, it cannot be done without modifying the tub.

 

[JohnnyC]

your body shop doesnt want to do it.... its done like this .... IF this is what your looking for

keep your lowers and add the top and doors this way... see link

Half Ambulance Doors


VVV Deckers tub below VVV (the original ambi door modder)

 

[jim land]

look for another body shop or learn to do it yourself , personally nobody work on my junk

 

[bikersmurf]

FYI, I’m running an 81 hardtop on my ‘74. I converted it to keep the ‘74 hatch. I can’t see why you couldn’t do the same. Even if the hatch needed to be modified slightly it would be better than messing with your tub.

BTW, the thread linked below has details on hardtops pre/post ‘75.

 

[JohnnyC]

I believe he is in the Uk ... the ambi doors are more common there as not a lot of cruisers went to uk early on.... sales were ok at best

He would need to import an earlier top or rear hatch

= Pita

Body guy wants the easy way out to make the most profit

May want to check junk yards anyway ...I can count the number of cruisers on one hand that I have seen by my in the last 20 years ... however there were a dozen or so at a junker for a few years all early

 

[bikersmurf]

I’ve not seen a 40 at the wreckers in 20 years. Back then they’d be picked bare in a week.

Aqualu Industries makes new hatches... or someone local could fab up one in a few hours.

Land Cruiser #4042 Rear Flip-Up Hatch

I’d suspect it could be fabricated for less than the cost after shipping. Price has sure gone up in the last 27 years

 

[tlaporte]

Brush up on your French and look across the Channel. The later model Cruisers only came as soft tops in France if I understand correctly, but I’ve seen quite a few converted to hard tops. You might find resources there, or parts.

 

[OffRoad911]

Thank you all for your brilliant feedback. I have asked my friend to go through the comments above and see if we can get the conversion done without modifying or cutting the tub. I am very lucky to have access to some great used body parts where my vehicle is being restored. I am sure we will find a solution.

 

[OffRoad911]

your body shop doesnt want to do it.... its done like this .... IF this is what your looking for

keep your lowers and add the top and doors this way... see link

Half Ambulance Doors


VVV Deckers tub below VVV (the original ambi door modder)
View attachment 1894342

Would this conversion then include relocating the spare tyre carrier and a new bumper?

 

[JohnnyC]

Would be up to you ... it would work with stock setup as well

 

[JohnnyC]

If you click on the link... you’ll see @fjgoober cruiser with stock tire carrier and bumperettes

There is also a few pics of @woytovich cruiser as well

Would like to see updated pics of their trucks however

Hint hint @fjgoober and @woytovich

 

[cbmontgo]

I installed a FST tailgate on my 1977 and wanted to be able to switch between my hard top and soft top without removing the tailgate. So, I found a set of ambulance doors that had severe rust on the lower half and chopped them.

This setup works beautifully and is even water tight, especially with the rubber seal on the top lip of the tailgate.

 

[woytovich]

I sold my hardtop and half ambulance doors, full time with FST now.

 

[fjgoober]

JohnyC,

I haven't done anything more with the half doors. Too many other irons in the fire.