FRP top mod

[uzj100]

Has anyone cut an FRP top so the piece over the front 2 seats could be removed without removing the rest of the top? Sort of like a targa top. This would be ideal for me. Thoughts. The whole roof causes issues with a place to store it and the rest of the interior getting wet. Also, removing the whole top is quite the process. Imagine 8 bolts and the targa top was off.

 

[OGBeno]

Has anyone cut an FRP top so the piece over the front 2 seats could be removed without removing the rest of the top? Sort of like a targa top. This would be ideal for me. Thoughts. The whole roof causes issues with a place to store it and the rest of the interior getting wet. Also, removing the whole top is quite the process. Imagine 8 bolts and the targa top was off.

Do it! Be a trail blazer!

 

[FJBen]

#1 it’s fiberglass you can do a lot with it.

#2 I have some thoughts and photos I’ll post later.

 

[Fishbulb]

I’ve been tempted to put a sunroof in mine….

 

[FJBen]

I’ve been tempted to put a sunroof in mine….

Not quite what everyone is asking…





Edit: video Not working

 

[FJBen]

Some from the video. I know they are just soft top covering the openings, but there are ways to integrate the fiberglass top in it’s place.

 

[uzj100]

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Some from the video. I know they are just soft top covering the openings, but there are ways to integrate the fiberglass top in it’s place.


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That is super cool. I wonder if you could just use the cut outs for the top and then do the roll up windows on the sides. I like this better than what I was thinking. Thank you.

 

[FJBen]

That is super cool. I wonder if you could just use the cut outs for the top and then do the roll up windows on the sides. I like this better than what I was thinking. Thank you.

Absolutely. The video think works if you click watch on YouTube, shows him cutting it all out and that.

On my spare top I’m “one day” converting to a pop top, you can see how the back 1/2 is cut off fairly easily.

Are you thinking something like the jeeps have?

 

[uzj100]

After seeing the ideas, I am thinking, sunroof over the driver area. Maybe resuse the sunroof cutout as the panel instead of canvas. Then the one cutout in the back (above the back seat) similar to the green truck above and use the cutout panels again, instead of canvas. I do like the side windows however I already have the slide windows which may be ok. So basically two holes, cut at an angle, so the panels reinstall easily.

 

[Fishbulb]

After seeing the ideas, I am thinking, sunroof over the driver area. Maybe resuse the sunroof cutout as the panel instead of canvas. Then the one cutout in the back (above the back seat) similar to the green truck above and use the cutout panels again, instead of canvas. I do like the side windows however I already have the slide windows which may be ok. So basically two holes, cut at an angle, so the panels reinstall easily.

Some of the aftermarket sunroof kits also make the panels completely removable. Could give you what you are looking for with a much more simple solution.

 

[joekatana]

I’ve been tempted to put a sunroof in mine….

I have a new old stock universal sun roof at the shop here if you want to go that way .

 

[dogfishlake]

Pretty cool idea. I still have a spare top I bought from Joe a few years ago. Was going to make a half cab out of it, but honestly, I want the opposite like you are talking about- like a Targa top.
@FJBen , are you making the pop top to sleep in? Is it big enough? Would be a cool setup. Kind of a "getaway" vehicle for traveling/wheeling/camping on a whim.

 

[FJBen]

Pretty cool idea. I still have a spare top I bought from Joe a few years ago. Was going to make a half cab out of it, but honestly, I want the opposite like you are talking about- like a Targa top.
@FJBen , are you making the pop top to sleep in? Is it big enough? Would be a cool setup. Kind of a "getaway" vehicle for traveling/wheeling/camping on a whim.

That was a thought to sleep in, but I’m too tall at 6’5”. It’s more just a fun project that’s taking forever. If I was able to build a section on the end to give more room, that would be the only way I could fit.

Also have a eurovan and I barely fit as long as I sleep diagonal

 

[dogfishlake]

That was a thought to sleep in, but I’m too tall at 6’5”. It’s more just a fun project that’s taking forever. If I was able to build a section on the end to give more room, that would be the only way I could fit.

Also have a eurovan and I barely fit as long as I sleep diagonal

Same - '78 Westfalia. Tight fit but worth it.

 

[dogfishlake]

@uzj100 , an interior latch setup or an integrated hand screw of some kind would be slick. You wouldn't have loose pieces or bolts to keep track of and keep it tool-less as well. That would likely mean new holes in parts of the structure, which kind of stinks, but if done nice would be an asset to the truck.

 

[FJBen]

@uzj100 , an interior latch setup or an integrated hand screw of some kind would be slick. You wouldn't have loose pieces or bolts to keep track of and keep it tool-less as well. That would likely mean new holes in parts of the structure, which kind of stinks, but if done nice would be an asset to the truck.

When I went down this rabbit hole I found a guy that does awesome fiberglass work on Jeeps. So you have to read a bunch of Jeep forum stuff but the guys stuff is awesome.

His designs have been licensed by other companies and Jeep I believe. Just a hobby for him.

Forum handle is jscherb google terms.

There is like a full build on this one if I remember correctly. Will have good info and how it’s designed even for just the window inserts.

I’m guessing because he’s from Delaware and is very bored is why he’s doing this because

 

[dogfishlake]

If one could find the Heep hardtop for sale cheap, maybe damaged, it could MAYBE be used to fab into a 73 roof. Here in MI, Jeeps are like A**holes, so lots of parts around. There are a few roofs with the "freedom panels" (sounds like a maxi pad) on marketplaze. A ton of itchy work and some investment, but would be sweet.

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

Has anybody considered a replacement FRP top?

I am thinking of something similar to FRP tubs for 40 Series trucks.

A replacement top could have features like a sunroof and provision for gull wing side windows.

Just an idea. FRP tops are long gone, and it would be good to have a replacement.




Juan

 

[uzj100]

Wow. Lots of great ideas. Panels seem to be the way to go. As mentioned earlier, with simple swing style locks that are mounted to the panels that are removed. Install, swing the lock around to latch inside the cab. Like a boat hatch lock.

 

[FJBen]

If one could find the Heep hardtop for sale cheap, maybe damaged, it could MAYBE be used to fab into a 73 roof. Here in MI, Jeeps are like A**holes, so lots of parts around. There are a few roofs with the "freedom panels" (sounds like a maxi pad) on marketplaze. A ton of itchy work and some investment, but would be sweet.

Sooo many jeeps and rubber ducks in Colorado.

Hopefully with the new change in life I might be able to get some progress done on my spare top but we all know How plans go.