Hard top rivet holes; how many is too many??? (1 Viewer)

81fj40 · Jul 13, 2020

Originally, I thought the number of rivet holes in my 81 fj40's hard top was correct. But, after perusing Mud, I think the PO may have added about 300 extra holes, just in case of a hurricane or something.
I've read holes should be spaced about every 4 inches, but ive seen others that are closer together.
Since I have a new rain gutter and will need to drill for rivets anyway, I'm thinking about cleaning and filling all the holes and drilling new ones with the gutter.
Which brings me to my question; how many holes is the hard generally supposed to have? And what is the spacing along the sides, back and front?

php74 · Jul 13, 2020

I’m doing this exact same thing right now and I can pretty much tell which holes are factory and which are extra from the spacing and the way the hole in the metal gutter looks. I was planning on drilling out the ones I thought were factory and then filling the others with a seam sealer or epoxy before using the fast and firm leveler. The stock spacing seems to be 3 7/8” on center.

HJ47 · Jul 13, 2020

Mostly stock spacing but remember just behind the B pillar on each side there are 14 rivets close together. Below is a '79 FJ40 roof which I believe has the factory rivet locations. I can grab specific measurements if you need them.

wimberosa · Jul 14, 2020

HJ47 said:
Mostly stock spacing but remember just behind the B pillar on each side there are 14 rivets close together. Below is a '79 FJ40 roof which I believe has the factory rivet locations.

This is absolutely correct.

81fj40 · Jul 14, 2020

good deal, thank you!

AntFarm · Jul 14, 2020

My 79 roof is probably pretty close rivet-wise to your 81. My rivets are as-delivered by Mr T, as my top has never been off or modified. If you can wait until tonight I will take some pics and measurements.