Creative way to connect factory soft top to tub w/o drilling holes?

[cbmontgo]

I am in the process of installing my bows and soft top. I have everything done except for the installation of footman loops on the rear corners. I have an all-original '76 and don't want to drill holes.

Looks like there may be several ways to do this, but does anyone have a creative way to hook the top to the tub? I may fab up some brackets that bolt into the threaded holes in the tub or maybe even some sort of industrial strenght Velcro. Not sure yet.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Just install some grommets and use twist locks on the tub lip. If you really wanna go crazy, have a strip sewn in to attach the grommets to so they won't be seen.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Velcro will never be satisfactory, IMO. A fabricated sheet metal bracket that mounts to the hard top mounting holes and has twist-locks riveted or welded to it seems possible, but a lot of work.

 

[cbmontgo]

Just install some grommets and use twist locks on the tub lip. If you really wanna go crazy, have a strip sewn in to attach the grommets to so they won't be seen.

Thanks, Alex. This would still involve drilling though, right? I am hoping to avoid this if at all possible.

 

[cbmontgo]

Velcro will never be satisfactory, IMO. A fabricated sheet metal bracket that mounts to the hard top mounting holes and has twist-locks riveted or welded to it seems possible, but a lot of work.

Agreed. It will be a PITA either way, but I knew it would be. I am hoping to find a good solution.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Thanks, Alex. This would still involve drilling though, right? I am hoping to avoid this if at all possible.

Yes, but I don't think anything besides a mechanical fastener of some type will be enough to hold it through shrinking and stretching.

 

[Stumpalama]

Cannibalize a kayline or STC soft top for the plastic belt and rails. Have it sewn onto the factory soft top... That's what I want to do if/when I go with a factory soft top.

 

[cbmontgo]

Yes, but I don't thing anything besides a mechanical fastener of some type will be enough to hold it through shrinking and stretching.

True. It is some seriously thick canvas!

Cannibalize a kayline or STC soft top for the plastic belt and rails. Have it sewn onto the factory soft top... That's what I want to do if/when I go with a factory soft top.

Good point. Too bad I just sold one...

 

[fattires]

im in the same situation 99% complete with restoration/refurbish and no way I'm drilling holes in that perfect tub, but want to use the oem style soft top. any one got pics of possible options.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

im in the same situation 99% complete with restoration/refurbish and no way I'm drilling holes in that perfect tub, but want to use the oem style soft top. any one got pics of possible options.

You guys do realize that some FJ40's did come from the factory with footman loops on the tub? If it's done correctly and finished in the same color as the tub, I don't feel that it takes anything away from the truck and it actually looks good. On the other hand, if you're doing a concours correct restoration I wouldn't drill holes either. If you're going to drive the truck, I think function should trump everything else and trying to reinvent the wheel is futile.

 

[jfrench]

Check here...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/585213-oem-repro-softtop-question.html

Trollhole has some interesting ideas with magnets. Not sure how far along he is

 

[cbmontgo]

You guys do realize that some FJ40's did come from the factory with footman loops on the tub? If it's done correctly and finished in the same color as the tub, I don't feel that it takes anything away from the truck and it actually looks good. On the other hand, if you're doing a concours correct restoration I wouldn't drill holes either. If you're going to drive the truck, I think function should trump everything else and trying to reinvent the wheel is futile.

Yes, but pulling out that drill bit and shaving through original 1976 paint and steel is gonna be hard for me! Almost wish someone would sneak into my garage and just do it for me. Kinda like pulling off a Band-Aid.

The ones that came from the factory that way were older...like pre-1974, right?

 

[cbmontgo]

Check here...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/585213-oem-repro-softtop-question.html

Trollhole has some interesting ideas with magnets. Not sure how far along he is

Thanks...I read that before and it gave me some hope. I just can't believe that magnets could be that strong?

 

[Living in the Past]

Just cut off the bottom of some hard top sides and attach the twists and your done. No holes drilled.

 

[mydogpea]

Yes, but pulling out that drill bit and shaving through original 1976 paint and steel is gonna be hard for me! Almost wish someone would sneak into my garage and just do it for me. Kinda like pulling off a Band-Aid.

The ones that came from the factory that way were older...like pre-1974, right?

Yup! My '72 is a FST model....minus the ST & bows.

 

[Plowboy]

Just cut off the bottom of some hard top sides and attach the twists and your done. No holes drilled.

There is just enough room at the top lip of the tub for a small nut to hold a twist lock or footman loop on a salvaged hard top bottom. Cut the bottom about 3 inches up and it uses all the orginal bolts to hold in place.

 

[cbmontgo]

Just cut off the bottom of some hard top sides and attach the twists and your done. No holes drilled.

There is just enough room at the top lip of the tub for a small nut to hold a twist lock or footman loop on a salvaged hard top bottom. Cut the bottom about 3 inches up and it uses all the orginal bolts to hold in place.

That makes sense. This is a great idea.

 

[oldmuddog]

Perhaps a u shaped piece of channel steel, use the two inside bolt holes for the jumpseats ,then drill the holes for the twist locks on the outside. With the right width of channel steel and some ingenuity, that might work.

 

[Stumpalama]

Just cut off the bottom of some hard top sides and attach the twists and your done. No holes drilled.

This holds promise. I'd like to see a mock-up of this.

 

[todt]

I have a parts 79 rig not good for much. I may cut lip and give this a try seem like it would work.