1989 HDJ74 FRP to FST conversion

[OGBeno]

Getting the FST on is no simple operation. Taking it off is 5 mins.

I hate putting back on.

 

[cruiserdan]

I hate putting back on.

I know.

 

[joekatana]

Getting the FST on is no simple operation. Taking it off is 5 mins.

I hate putting back on.

That's why long time 70 series drivers stick with a frp for those cold months and a bikini for the rest

Once those tops get older and the temps drop a bit people will hear you cursing for miles trying to stretch it back on

Looks great though

 

[bottombracket]

@joekatana here’s to hoping the Texas sun helps keep it supple without scorching it to a dried out brittle crisp.

Yeah, right.

I am keeping the FRP top and all the other parts to facilitate changes back and forth.

 

[FJ73Texas]

There was a reason why I only removed the top once when I had the FJ73 and never again after that. The windshield frame channel was the hardest part for me.

 

[FJBen]

Great work. That looks fantastic.

I plan to modify my top to do the roll-up sides as well. They definitely hook up different.

 

[thebill]

Sorry to be slightly off-topic, but is this lifted and what are the size of the tires?

 

[bottombracket]

It is not lifted and it is running on Yokohama Geolander M/T 285/75R16 tires.

 

[bottombracket]

Today I was able to mount the footman loops. I picked up 2 inch stainless steel footman loops from Strapworks and mounted them with some M5 rivnuts and stainless hardware.

I took it out for its first drive in the rain. Everything seems to have stayed dry!

 

[bottombracket]

Met @davegonz for a drink.

 

[FJBen]

I find it interesting you see some FRP's with 1/2 doors windshield bumpers. Did this one come with the from the factory with those options?

 

[SNLC]

Five lug axles, more on that.

Cheers

 

[bottombracket]

Weeeelllll…it’s not exactly stock anymore…

This truck has had an interesting life. It started life as an RHD BJ74, was converted to left hand drive, has had a couple of 1HDT‘s along the way, and as Ian noted, has had some other upgrades along the way. It’s running coils and axles from an HZJ76.

I don’t know what it originally came from the factory with. It does not have hood reinforcements, but has hood hooks. It has full frame front doors. The rear half doors are new within the past few years.

It’s a mongrel. And I like it a lot.

 

[FJBen]

Weeeelllll…it’s not exactly stock anymore…

This truck has had an interesting life. It started life as an RHD BJ74, was converted to left hand drive, has had a couple of 1HDT‘s along the way, and as Ian noted, has had some other upgrades along the way. It’s running coils and axles from an HZJ76.

I don’t know what it originally came from the factory with. It does not have hood reinforcements, but has hood hooks. It has full frame front doors. The rear half doors are new within the past few years.

It’s a mongrel. And I like it a lot.

it's awesome for sure. I bet it scoots right along.

 

[bottombracket]

@FJBen now making a soft flapping sound as it scoots on down the road.

 

[bottombracket]

Added a fresh driver’s side grab handle. Because the truck was originally right hand drive, the grab handle was on the passenger side. It’s nice to have one on the windshield frame and on the rail above the door.

 

[coldtaco]

Added a fresh driver’s side grab handle. Because the truck was originally right hand drive, the grab handle was on the passenger side. It’s nice to have one on the windshield frame and on the rail above the door.

View attachment 2906019View attachment 2906020

Did you drill new holes and use rivnuts? My new windshield frame didn’t come with holes/blind nuts on the left side.

 

[FJ73Texas]

Did you drill new holes and use rivnuts? My new windshield frame didn’t come with holes/blind nuts on the left side.

I am wondering the same thing. I never saw the fold down windshield with those handles on either side. I thought it was a fixed roof thing.

 

[bottombracket]

This windshield frame came from the factory with welded nuts. I didn’t have to add a thing. I might add rivnuts on the passenger side because it works so damn well. Makes hopping up into the thing much easier.

 

[coldtaco]

my new frame came with these holes/captive nuts on the right side.