1995 FJ80 roof swap

[stewdog08]

Any ideas on options I may have. Purchased a 1995 FJ80 for my son (16) to drive and us to work on together. A limb fell on the roof and the previous owner patched it (see pics). Would like to know if there are any better options for this. I had thought about replacing the sheet metal with a larger piece and sealing it then adding a rack to cover it up. I have heard there are replacement roof skins, a body shop told me they could cut the roof off and replace it if I could find one...really just looking for the best option. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[mehbohdi]

Hit up @slow95z, I've bought a few things from him been great to deal with. He's in Georgia, parts out FZJ. He might have something. Good luck

 

[Road Apple]

There are other options such as a body swap, or adding a camper or truck bed. People on this forum have done tons of creative modifications. Since you’re getting into a big cutting project, your modification options open up pretty wide. I’ll try to dig some up.

 

[slow95z]

I can you whatever you need to fix it back factory if you want but not sure if Fastenal has opened back up for shipping yet.

 

[Road Apple]

How about a pop top camper? Here’s one thread that show this.

Builds - CAMPTEQ's 80 Series Pop top Prototype

Set to launch at Overland Expo May18-20 Here is a little preview after a couple days testing along the Kokopelli trail last week Removable pop top conversion for 80 Series Land Cruisers (91-97) Accessible through factory sunroof, aftermarket rear sunroof, roof cut away, and from the exterior...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Road Apple]

This one shows the roof cutout in the first post.

80 Series PopTop Conversion by Campteq

Decision! Decision! It's been in my mind for 3 yrs. before I came to conclusion that is no regret. It start in Nov. 2019 when I commented on a post by Fitgarage, regarding their 70 series Troopy Alucab PopTop conversion. I said " If you guy make one for the 80 I would be interest". The reply...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Boneman]

I'd do this, if camping ever has entered your mind.... 80 Series PopTop Conversion by Campteq

 

[retrofive]

Internal cage and make it a convertible

 

[retrofive]

I can you whatever you need to fix it back factory if you want but not sure if Fastenal has opened back up for shipping yet.

Roadtrip!

 

[Road Apple]

Check out Innovation Campers in Germany.

Startseite

Innovation-Campers Expeditionsfahrzeuge für Fernreisen. Seit 1987 bauen wir 4x4-Fahrzeuge für Fernreisen.

innovation-campers.com

 

[Road Apple]

Here’s a discussion on very different ideas.

opinions on chop top

Getting an itch to do something drastic. Which do you prefer and why? any pros or cons you see with any particular setup?

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[stewdog08]

I can you whatever you need to fix it back factory if you want but not sure if Fastenal has opened back up for shipping yet.

Thanks for the reply...how can I contact you?

 

[jpoole]

If there's no rust another option beyond those above could be:

• remove the headliner and factory roof rack/rails
• get after it with a hammer and dolly/etc. to get it mostly back into shape
• weld in a proper block-off of the sunroof as well as all rack holes
• prime then coat the top with white bedliner or a similarly durable and white coating
• install a full-length platform/roof rack if desired

 

[stewdog08]

If there's no rust another option beyond those above could be:

• remove the headliner and factory roof rack/rails
• get after it with a hammer and dolly/etc. to get it mostly back into shape
• weld in a proper block-off of the sunroof as well as all rack holes
• prime then coat the top with white bedliner or a similarly durable and white coating
• install a full-length platform/roof rack if the top if desired

Is there a specific reason for the white coating?

 

[BILT4ME]

Is there a specific reason for the white coating?

Heat absorption.

Keeps the interior much cooler.
Many will coat roof with white Monstaliner to keep it cool and hide imperfections in the bodywork.

 

[jpoole]

what @BILT4ME said plus at there's a good history of Cruisers having white roofs so if done well it may not impact resale value as much as other colors, including poor color match attempts/etc. You can search on mud for examples of folks doing this and where they stopped the white coatings, etc. to get ideas. Many folks have clear coat damage on roof and hood also which leads to looking for ways to just address paint issues in those areas without doing a full respray/etc.

Search in Google:

fzj80 paint roof white site:forum.ih8mud.com​

​

Interesting results:

• White roof pics
• White Top on 80?
• Roof color suggestions for a dark green 80...battleship gray maybe?
• etc.

 

[stewdog08]

what @BILT4ME said plus at there's a good history of Cruisers having white roofs so if done well it may not impact resale value as much as other colors, including poor color match attempts/etc. You can search on mud for examples of folks doing this and where they stopped the white coatings, etc. to get ideas. Many folks have clear coat damage on roof and hood also which leads to looking for ways to just address paint issues in those areas without doing a full respray/etc.

Search in Google:

fzj80 paint roof white site:forum.ih8mud.com​

​

Interesting results:

• White roof pics
• White Top on 80?
• Roof color suggestions for a dark green 80...battleship gray maybe?
• etc.

Gotcha! Thanks for your help!

 

[NYIronPig]

GO TOPLESS!

 

[Kernal]

If the doors mostly close and the roof doesn't leak too much and assuming a 16 year old male is going to drive it, I would not put any big money into fixing the roof until he's at least 20.

First chance any male teenager has to off-road a Land Cruiser (without adult supervision) they will want to test it's abilities. Mix that with a 16 year old's sense of invulnerability and general lack of good judgement and they're likely to flop it on it's side or roll it over on it's roof, and you'll have to start over.

 

[Heckraiser]

As others have said, I would pull the headliner and beat it as straight as you can. Make sure the patch panel is really well secured and sealed (use automotive seam sealer), then just cover it up with bedliner or something. Your kid is probably going to wreck again at some point, if he grows up and decides he wants a straight roof, he can pay for it himself