Fiberglass Rain Gutter Questions

[Borrego]

Hey guys,
I'm starting to redo my top, and I need a new rain gutter. I know this topic has been exercised before on which gutter is the best, etc... When I bought my cruiser, it had a soft top on it, and the hard top was in pieces. The rain gutter was missing. So, after doing a lot of research, I think I've decided on the fiberglass one piece rain gutter from Landcruiser Specialties out of Portland. I'm near Seattle, so it's not a far drive to pick it up. Plus, a good friend of mine owns a boat repair shop and is very handy with fiberglass. My plan is to fiberglass bond the rain gutter to my cap, then rivet on top of that (as suggested by Tim at Landcruiser Specialties).
My questions are...
Who has one?
How do you like it?
Have you installed a roof rack or something similar on it? I'd like to be able to put a Yakima rack for skis or a canoe... Will it hold up?
Thanks!

 

[ginmtb]

I got that gutter but have not installed yet. Tim was easy to work with at Landcruiser Specialties and held it for me forever until I could sort out shipping. I have bookmarked this thread for when I do mine:

What Rain gutter should I buy?

Scroll down to post #13. I tried reaching out to the thread starter but he never replied.

I would not recommend a roof rack with the fiberglass rain gutter. You can check with Tim but there is not much material on that gutter and my guess is it would not hold up for very long (and you don't want to find out the hard way when things get airborne...)

 

[Borrego]

I have reached out to AndyM as well (post 13 on your link) but I didn't get a response either. The way he writes it up looks like a pretty solid process to install it.

Are you familiar with the first gen 4Runner gutters? I have an 86 4Runner and the fiberglass shell has a fiberglass gutter. I've had a Yakima rack on it, and have carried canoes, skis, paddle boards, etc... and it's held up fine. Would you say the thickness of the Landcruiser Specialties gutter is similar, or is it thinner? I asked Tim about it, and unfortunately he said he has not received any feedback on racks from his customers.

When do you plan on installing yours? I would love to see some pictures of your process.
Thanks!

 

[Borrego]

Hoping others that have bought from Landcruiser Specialties in Oregon can chime in! C'mon fellas, I know you're out there...

 

[ginmtb]

I don't plan on installing mine for awhile now that I have a 75 in the plans to restore as well. Not sure which one I will use it on... Although since I'm doing a frame off restoration steel might be the way to go for that one. I'll definitely post when I do mine.

I am not familiar with the rain gutter you mention - I'll take a photo and get some measurements for the thickness of the fiberglass gutter I've got.

 

[Borrego]

That would be great! I look forward to your build post.

 

[1chukar]

When I got a 1974 fj40 last year , a hardtop came with - but it was in parts and pieces. The rain gutter was missing so I drove from Seattle to Portland / Landcruiser Specilties for the fiberglass one. It installed ok, using 3/16" rivets from McMaster- Carr and sealed with a tube of 5200 sealer. Fiberglass is obviously thicker than the original sheet metal , and I think it looks good anyway. My rig unfortunately sits outside, and no leaks . But then I didn't expect any either. I'd recommend LS and this piece.
Cheers

 

[Borrego]

Thanks for the post 1chukar! This sounds very familiar to my situation. My 40, that I bought in May, came with a hardtop that's in pieces and doesn't have the rain gutter. Do you have any pictures of your install, or finished top?
Thanks! Eric

 

[ZooKeeper]

I'm in the process of figuring out which direction I am going to go on this...can you attach a carrier/roof rack to this type of gutter? Doesn't seem like you would which would be a big draw back.

 

[Borrego]

When I got a 1974 fj40 last year , a hardtop came with - but it was in parts and pieces. The rain gutter was missing so I drove from Seattle to Portland / Landcruiser Specilties for the fiberglass one. It installed ok, using 3/16" rivets from McMaster- Carr and sealed with a tube of 5200 sealer. Fiberglass is obviously thicker than the original sheet metal , and I think it looks good anyway. My rig unfortunately sits outside, and no leaks . But then I didn't expect any either. I'd recommend LS and this piece.
Cheers

1chukar, I'm about to purchase this fiberglass rain gutter, and was wondering if you have any pictures of yours? Thanks!

 

[tmarx]

I imported a kit from SouthbostonFj40 - fitment and quality was very good - about to mount a roofrack of sorts holding a Hannibal Impi clamshell type tent on it ..

 

[Borrego]

tmarx, when did you purchase it? I contacted SouthbostonFJ40 about a month ago and he said he no longer sells them.

 

[tmarx]

Sorry to hear that - it was in 2009 IIRC.