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

[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.

Okay...after thinking long and hard about this, I've come to terms with installing OEM twist locks into the tub lip to secure my soft top.

So, I want to install them per factory spec if I'm gonna do this and I have a few questions:

Does anyone know how many I need and have pics of where on the tub they should go according to Toyota?

Also, where can I source the oval grommets for the OEM twist locks?

Do the twist locks have nuts on the back?

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Also, where can I source the oval grommets for the OEM twist locks?

Do the twist locks have nuts on the back?

You can get them from McMaster-Carr.

If you buy OEM Toyota twistlocks, they will have a nut and split washer.

 

[broth9640]

you could sew into the soft top a 3 inch piece of matching canvas about 2 to 3 inches up from the bottom edge. Then you could sandwich the new fabric between two pieces of steel and drill holes that match the hard top holes. Does this make sense?

 

[cbmontgo]

You can get them from McMaster-Carr.

If you buy OEM Toyota twistlocks, they will have a nut and split washer.

Thanks, Alex. I am going OEM, so good to hear about the nut and washer. I'll check McMaster today. I bought some trailer lid shocks there a long time ago. They always have the random cool stuff.

So about how many twist locks were factory installed on a FST model back in the day?

you could sew into the soft top a 3 inch piece of matching canvas about 2 to 3 inches up from the bottom edge. Then you could sandwich the new fabric between two pieces of steel and drill holes that match the hard top holes. Does this make sense?

I think so. Thanks for the idea.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

I think the McMaster part # is # 95678A678.

 

[brandon61]

This is what we did to our '61. We bolted 3/16 inch plate to the hard top holes on tub, built a cage out of 1 1/2" tube, then used 3/16" flat bar on the top edge of the tub. We then drilled and bolted twist locks to the plate. It's not perfect but it works for us.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

This is what we did to our '61. We bolted 3/16 inch plate to the hard top holes on tub, built a cage out of 1 1/2" tube, then used 3/16" flat bar on the top edge of the tub. We then drilled and bolted twist locks to the plate. It's not perfect but it works for us.

More pics please.

Is this a cage that mimics the shape of OEM bows?

 

[cbmontgo]

This is what we did to our '61. We bolted 3/16 inch plate to the hard top holes on tub, built a cage out of 1 1/2" tube, then used 3/16" flat bar on the top edge of the tub. We then drilled and bolted twist locks to the plate. It's not perfect but it works for us.

Excellent!

 

[cbmontgo]

I think the McMaster part # is # 95678A678.

Thanks, Alex. Here is what their Web site shows:

To install, cut the fabric using the cutting punch (sold separately). Push the eyelet prongs through the fabric and crimp the prongs over the washer on the opposite side. Install the stud base with screws or screw in the screw stud with the required hand driver (sold separately).

Eyelets and Washers (5 pairs) 95678A678 $4.38

Cutting Punch 95678A690 Each $59.62

Do I just need the eyelets and washers or do I need the cutting punch too? I've never installed grommets before, so I probably don't have any specialty tools.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Thanks, Alex. Here is what their Web site shows:

To install, cut the fabric using the cutting punch (sold separately). Push the eyelet prongs through the fabric and crimp the prongs over the washer on the opposite side. Install the stud base with screws or screw in the screw stud with the required hand driver (sold separately).

Eyelets and Washers (5 pairs) 95678A678 $4.38

Cutting Punch 95678A690 Each $59.62

Do I just need the eyelets and washers or do I need the cutting punch too? I've never installed grommets before, so I probably don't have any specialty tools.

Someone on here has the punch and it's being lent out on rotation. See if you can get in on it. Otherwise an exacto knife works fine.

 

[cbmontgo]

Someone on here has the punch and it's being lent out on rotation. See if you can get in on it. Otherwise an exacto knife works fine.

Cool. I bet my exacto can cut that canvas.

 

[brandon61]

SouthBoston, here are some more pictures. Yes the cage was made to mimic the OEM bows. We used the pictures with dimensions that you posted on this site (THANKS). Old hard top door pieces and 15 feet of c-channel that we had made were also used. Our top is a SOR(spectar off road) OEM top.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

SouthBoston, here are some more pictures. Yes the cage was made to mimic the OEM bows. We used the pictures with dimensions that you posted on this site (THANKS). Old hard top door pieces and 15 feet of c-channel that we had made were also used. Our top is a SOR(spectar off road) OEM top.

Wow! That came out great.

 

[Spike Strip]

Wow. Now that's something I'd buy instead of bows....

 

[antFJ]

Wow. Now that's something I'd buy instead of bows....

x2 I'd buy that in a heartbeat. The long jump seats work too!!

 

[Spike Strip]

Yeah, absolutely... I never plan to put a hard top on my rig (have the FJ60 for that) so that kind of cage would solve two needs at once!

But looking at Brandon's rig, I don't think he plans to drive it in the rain

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

I wish Metal-Tech would build one like this.

 

[Spike Strip]

I smell a market waiting to be ...

 

[Centermass]

Thats great looking and you didnt have to cut up a set of factory hard top sides. Those things are pricy if you are trying to replace them.

 

[antFJ]

But looking at Brandon's rig, I don't think he plans to drive it in the rain

why do you say that?