convertable?

[clemson55]

So I was cutting the drip rails off of the FJ55 the other day, since they are nothing but rust anyway. After I was done I realized that the roof will practically lift off now. A quick cut above the windshield is all it would take. So I got to thinking FJ55 convertable, so this leads to my question. If I wanted to make it a convertable how could I attach it? Like what kind of mechanisms would be good for holding it on. I actually thought about the hood latches from a 40 say one in front of the windows one between and one behind down the side. Does this sound like a disaster waiting to happen or what? Any other attachment ideas? Thanks

 

[fj40_rico]

Does this sound like a disaster waiting to happen or what?

I would say yes . But if I were to do it, I would try to attach it like the 40 does. weld some place for the top and body to be bolted together.

Good Luck.

- Rico.

I did find this though

 

[Poser]

Some dude in CO set one up like a Westfalia conversion on a bus...or the 109 camper rover deal that is rare....

 

[72cruiser]

rudnicki, you got to go soft top like that silver one...that would be hoss


malphrus


and i'm sure some custom place could make the top for not too much

 

[rgentry]

I bet Ehsan could make you a cool convertible top with bows for $1000 or so.
I know that this sounds like a lot but your body work will probably be more
than that.

 

[72cruiser]

richard,

i would go with something a little more substantial than hood latches, honestly...
i think there is too much potential for flex and expansion of the latch under high wind or somthing like that. another type of latch that locks down and isn't necessarily spring loaded would be best.

i hate to say it, but take a look at the inside of a jeep hardtop the next time you get a chance. there are more latches and less bolts and it's sooooo much easier to take on/off than a 40 hardtop.

also, while you're in there workin on this. think abt making the door frames removable too, like a 40 so you can take the doors off and there won't be metal above when you don't have a top.

man i can't wait to get back to clemstock and start workin on my stuff, and you know i'm goin to be down there wrenchin with you finally, ha ha


malphrus

 

[clemson55]

Malphrus, I think taking out the door frames would be way to hard also there are these little arched braces across the top the door light is on one of them. I dont really want to remove them because they help keep everything in place. So there will always be a little something overhead. I just tacked the roof back in place for now the metal is kinda thin for good welding anyway. Maybe when you come over to the house for some wrenching we can figure something out.

 

[72cruiser]

sounds good bud.

i'm headin back in the morning and stoppin in g-vegas for some lunch with a couple girls and then gettin into town after that.

i can't remember if i have your cell number or not, could you PM it to me?

malphrus