Really want to keep this hardtop, but im wondering if its repairable. Of course it is, but i guess im wondering if i can repair it. Not quite sure how Id go about it... let me know what you think. - Evan
72 FJ40 Hardtop- too far gone?
- Thread starter landcrush
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- Thread starter
- #2
the other side...
- Thread starter
- #3
and the
In my mind it's not a matter of CAN it be done, it's should it be done. Since those parts are relatively easy to find in good condition, I would say junk it and buy some good used parts.
Then again, I should take my own advice and junk my whole rig.
Then again, I should take my own advice and junk my whole rig.
I'd buck up for a decent set of side panels. What kind of shape is the rain gutter/fiberglass top in? If that's decent you have half the battle won. The side panels can be shipped UPS ground. Tell the seller to remove the glass and keep them since you can use yours. I'd tell him/her to send you the weather stripping.
You COULD fix them, but it would take some time and alot of patience. They are pretty rough.
You COULD fix them, but it would take some time and alot of patience. They are pretty rough.
- Thread starter
- #6
I can get good gutters and fiberglass top but I need to find good sides
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- #7
I'm also going to need to find the part in between the back lift door and cap. not sure what its called? I have a picture above
Chamba
Too short. Too long. Just right: the 43
landcrush said:
'Header bar', I believe.
lelandEOD
SILVER Star
You can patch anything. My dad bought a '58 MGA that was so rusty you could see through it in places. He had patches on the patches. The real question is how much is your time worth and what level of skill do you possess? Some guys have absolutely astonishing fabrication skills and could probably repair that rust damage out of boredom over this coming weekend. Other guys will spend a whole heck of a lot of time, aggravation and grief... and still have a botched up repair to deal with.
If it were me, I'd start looking for some rust free replacements.
Good luck,
If it were me, I'd start looking for some rust free replacements.
Good luck,
crushers
post ho
gozzard
fiberglass hardtop side, never rust again.
fiberglass hardtop side, never rust again.
GregRay
Old Member
Hardtop sides are for sale in the MUD classifieds all the time, since a lot of people decide to go soft top only. Just keep looking and be willing to pay about $100 to have them shipped from out west. I bought a pristine pair for about $250 from Arizona about 18 months ago.
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- #12
do you know how much gozzard sides run? I see forums about them but can't find out where to find pricing and whatnot
The header bar across the top has the same dimensions as a header bar from a newer Ambulance door hatch. I compared the one from my 74 to an 81 one that I had Around. One could easily modify a newer one to take the older style hinges.
Overall, your top doesnt look that bad. I repaired one in similar condition using a stick welder and some sheet metal.
That said, if you can find a mintish set for cheap, don't waste your time.
This thread may have some relivant information...
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-seri...ling-81-hardtop-onto-my-74-keeping-hatch.html
Overall, your top doesnt look that bad. I repaired one in similar condition using a stick welder and some sheet metal.
That said, if you can find a mintish set for cheap, don't waste your time.
This thread may have some relivant information...
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-seri...ling-81-hardtop-onto-my-74-keeping-hatch.html
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- Thread starter
- #14
hey bikersmurf,
i am looking into a newer top with vent windows minus the amby doors. Im pretty sure you successfully kept the older lift gate and used newer sides? Was this process easy?
Yes, Installing an 81 hardtop and keeping the hatch, is exactly about that. Yes, it is mostly a bolt in process with only a few minor modifications. If you don't have an older style header bar that goes across the top of the windshield, you'll need to alter the newer one. Modifying the newer one would even be fairly easy... the hardest part would be compensating for the 1/4" difference in the offset in it (drilling holes?/Weatherstripping?).
I've tried explain it clearly in the thread below ("Hardtop Play"), if you have more questions ask there for the benefit of future mudders.
Chamba
Too short. Too long. Just right: the 43
I'm with Smurf. We did that with my cousin's 72 and it was just as he outlined it in his thread. Plus, the vents are a really nice addition.
I think it is all about the $$$$ if you got it and want to spend it, that top is not worth repairing, but if it was me I would be repairing that. You can find the sides, but finding them in real good shape does not seem that easy to me, they come up but not that often or never close enough.
- Thread starter
- #19
well I've got an opportunity to get later sides with vents for 350. they're clean with no rust and a cap. sound like a good deal? i still need to go check them out. I'd also have to modify the late header bar. the one from my top is shot
Chamba
Too short. Too long. Just right: the 43
That's a really good deal. You could likely fix your header bar easier than modifying the newer one but Smurf would know better.
