Hard top vent windows on a 76
- Thread starter UZJ40
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I have a 74 with a factory roll bar Non USA Version and an 81 hardtop and no the vents will not open because the roll bar is against the latches. I modified my roll bar slightly to use the windows and works well. I don't do heavy wheeling anymore so mods did not hurt a thing.
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- #4
I see... I am looking to get new sides and have always liked the vent windows. Would you mind sharing how you modified your roll bar? Did you think it was worth it, or would you rather have kept it stock with the panel windows?
Thanks for the replies!
Thanks for the replies!
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- #5
Earlier FJ40s did not have vent windows...
And later FJ40s that had vent windows ('77 and up) had roll bars...
Hmmm... that makes sense. I'm just trying to figure out if it will work with mine or not :-/
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/372153-rear-vent-windows-worthwhile.html
There is a conflict with the latch and the wider bend in earlier roll bars. Newer bars have a sharper bend avoiding the problem.
I've not seen the problem first hand... My roll bar is no longer stock...
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-seri...ling-81-hardtop-onto-my-74-keeping-hatch.html
I'd go for it and iron out the details after, I love having them. They're good in the summer, and the winter.
Does your roll bar get smaller in diameter at the corner or is it constant through the entire bend?
There is a conflict with the latch and the wider bend in earlier roll bars. Newer bars have a sharper bend avoiding the problem.
I've not seen the problem first hand... My roll bar is no longer stock...
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-seri...ling-81-hardtop-onto-my-74-keeping-hatch.html
I'd go for it and iron out the details after, I love having them. They're good in the summer, and the winter.
Does your roll bar get smaller in diameter at the corner or is it constant through the entire bend?
We all know that the factory roll bar is not that stable but as I said I don't do much wheeling anymore but I like my roll bar since it was in the truck when sent here. What I did was cut the horizondal extensions off just enough to clear the latches plus I have a bench seat in the rear. Yes it was worth it because I like the vents in the back for air flow plus passengers if any can get a little air or dirt lol. Plus the fact that the vents were in the 81 top anyway because when I got my rig it had a soft top and choices here for 40 parts are far and few between. I am not sure that you can see the roll bar in this pic but it sits just in front of the vents. Hope this helps some.~ Rob
Can't see the bar... But do I understand correctly that you shortened the top tube to move the corner further forward?
In my case, years ago I installed a slightly modified main hoop across the rear of the hardtop and made some spreaders to go between the two stock hoops to turn my six point cage into more of a family cage.
In my case, years ago I installed a slightly modified main hoop across the rear of the hardtop and made some spreaders to go between the two stock hoops to turn my six point cage into more of a family cage.
My 1977 FJ40 has no roll bar and has vent windows.
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- #11
My car is 1,000 miles away right now, but I'll check when I get home
THose are the older style. The latch will interfere. Any chance you could find some newer rears or extend them to move them back a little further?
Can't see the bar... But do I understand correctly that you shortened the top tube to move the corner further forward?
In my case, years ago I installed a slightly modified main hoop across the rear of the hardtop and made some spreaders to go between the two stock hoops to turn my six point cage into more of a family cage.
No Smurf I shortened the two smaller bars at the connection point to the large bar. Shortened I think 3" just enough the get to the vent latch. I was thinking about doing the semi cage thing like you did as well when I first saw yours lol.
In my case, years ago I installed a slightly modified main hoop across the rear of the hardtop and made some spreaders to go between the two stock hoops to turn my six point cage into more of a family cage.
No Smurf I shortened the two smaller bars at the connection point to the large bar. Shortened I think 3" just enough the get to the vent latch. I was thinking about doing the semi cage thing like you did as well when I first saw yours lol.
myquestoyota
SILVER Star
I like the stock vent windows in my '77 but I wish they let more air in/out and am considering the sliding window so my dog can get some air. Maybe go that route when mojo gets some going?
I find the vent windows to be very worthwhile. When it's rainy the windows don't fog up and when it's hot, it helps a lot. With the vent windows, I find it is cooler in the summer than any of our other cars. The other cars seem to need AC, the 40 is fine.
I think you could still open and close the windows... Just have an issue with latching them all the way. Has anyone figured this out?
Your other option would be to also swap in rear bars from a newer stock cage. They are often for sale cheap... Or even free. All you need to do is find someone who is installing a metal tech or other custom cage.
If you've got a decent top, the windows mojo is working on would sure be an easier option.
In my case, my top needed a lot of love, and the 81 much less.
