Door fitment Problem

[Larkin]

I have a 1972 FJ40 and just picked up a top and doors from a 1975 or later style . When I install the front door and set it up as high as it will go it still needs to go up almost 3/4 of an inch. Is this a common problem and what is the easiest solution? Thanks in advance for any help with this.

 

[airon23]

Do you have any pics? Depending on the type of doors, you likely have later model doors/hardtop and putting them onto earlier model FJ40. I think the older doors might be a little taller so that might be your problem. Not sure of a way to fix this other than to find some earlier doors. The top I think should be ok but again pics would make it easier to know for sure.

 

[reddingcruiser]

I had a '76 top and doors on my '72 FJ40 with no issues other than the usual mods like door strikes, lift gate mods, etc.

Is the top valance hitting the wipers?

 

[Larkin]

Thanks for your reply. My doors are 44 7/8'. If someone could measure a set of pre 1975 that would be helpful. I do not believe it is a door height problem. The bottom of the door needs to go up as much as the top does. The issue would have to be in the hinges or the location where the hinge mounts to the tub. I can drill new holes in the hinge part that bolts to the tub or move the mounting plate on the tub up. Either way I would also have to elongate the slot the hinge fits through. Finding a good set of doors is difficult and expensive and I would like to avoid both of those if a little fabrication work is all it takes. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem and what they did to solve it.

 

[Larkin]

I just realized that this is not a 1972 tub. It was replaced with an unknown year but judging by the gas filler it appears to be a 74-78. If by upper valance you mean the piece between the windshield frame and the top, that is missing so I can't answer that.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Pictures? ?

 

[Larkin]

 

[Larkin]

 

[Living in the Past]

I've been running 79 doors on my 68 since 1983. Had to do some mod for the latch and limiter. Size of door is the same from mid 65 when the top changed to one with corner windows.

Need picture of the whole opening with the door open and closed. Plus some detailed pictures of the tub should help date it.

 

[Larkin]

 

[Larkin]

 

[Larkin]

 

[Larkin]

 

[Living in the Past]

Because I do not see a seam in either the A or B pillar believe your problem is with repairs made to your tub in the past. Do not know of a easy fix for that.

 

[lcwizard]

probably spliced on a cowl from another and offset it slightly down. May be the angle but the opening doesn't look square either.
The cowl may have a slight tilt forward

 

[lcwizard]

might be easiest to offset the hinges

 

[bikersmurf]

I believe that there is some adjustment in the hinge on the A pillar side. If you need to elongate holes I’d also do it there.

The doors are interchangeable between the years you are dealing with. The tops are also... I’ve got an 81 hardtop on my 74.


Can someone with an unmolested truck provide a height of the door opening?

 

[Larkin]

Yep. Tub is as I bought it. I made no mods to it. I will get the welder out and relocate the mounting points.

 

[bikersmurf]

The A pillar hinge is one of the few parts I’ve not replaced/removed. I’d adjust as needed (slot if necessary) where they mount.

Cowls have a tendency to lean back over the years... I used a high-lift jack to nudge mine forward.

 

[Larkin]

I have moved them up as high as they can go without modification. I still need another 1/2".

View attachment 1952993

The A pillar hinge is one of the few parts I’ve not replaced/removed. I’d adjust as needed (slot if necessary) where they mount.

Cowls have a tendency to lean back over the years... I used a high-lift jack to nudge mine forward.