Hardtop Trivia: Will a '75 top work with a '74 body?

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W

W8kbrder

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May 23, 2011
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Location
Wilmington, NC
Howdy everyone...I'm new here. Finally got myself a '74 FJ40. I've always had a '71 Series IIa Land Rover so I'm new to the Toyota Scene (well new to the vintage scene as we picked up a new 4runner).

Have a hardtop for my '74 FJ....but the top is a '75 with the big ambulance swing doors. I currently have the small lower doors from the '74 installed on the FJ....and I am trying to figure out if the lift hatch from the '74 will work on the empty square space left when you install the '75 hardtop? I removed the ambulance style doors as they were in bad shape. Trying to go for the '74 small doors with lift hatch look.

I need to figure out if the '74 hatch will work or do I need to have someone fabricate a lift hatch for me?

IMAG0855.jpg


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So I checked the FAQs and there doesn't seem to be anything in those threads to help me with my issue. I have the '74 half doors but the hardtop is a '75...so theres a big empty space above the half doors that I need to fill.

Would a hatch fit or do I have one fabricated?
 
I have the same issue - '77 top (and windshield) on a '72 tub, and it works just fine. You need to locate a rear lift door with the header/hinges, struts and strike plates to do it. You will need to drill mounting holes in the top to mount the struts and strikes. Once the ambi door hinge holes are filled you can't tell the difference.
 
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Those vent windows in the hard top make it at least a 77

I have a 04 4Runner 4X4 V8 and it tows a car hauler fine.
 
I would think that the width difference in the door opening would still affect the mounting of a lift gate to an ambi door hardtop.
 
What Reddingcruiser said. I have a 79 top on my 70 with the hatch and lower doors. It's a little work but do-able. No issue fitting the lift gate header. Used the same holes as the Barn door header. Strike plates for the lift hatch is where you will have to drill holes. Jeff
 
This is a slight variant on your question but this place did a drop tailgate with half ambulance doors on a 76 FJ40. It doesn't show how they did it though but they have a nice picture of the end result.

76 FJ40 Build Up
 
This is my truck, 74 tub and an 81 top. Had to convert to the hatch also which I like better anyway. You have to use the top header bar from a top with a hatch. Bikersmurf helped me a lot with mine as he also converted his. He does have a thread on here. Just check his post.
102_6492.jpg
102_6493.jpg
 
weagle99 said:
Looks like your rig once had factory jerry can mounts on the sides...
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A lot of cruisers have had jerry can holder added to the body some where but never seen anything close to a factory installed jerry can holder in this country. This are almost alway just surplus GI holders.
 
Splangy said:
How'd you like towing the 40 home with the 4Runner? I just towed one home with my 2010 4Runner, too. Not too bad, but not fun either!
Click to expand...

I actually thought it did really good considering I was pulling it out of the mountains of Asheville, NC. Very happy with my SR5. Suspension is a bit on the soft side but fantastic off road.

reddingcruiser said:
I have the same issue - '77 top (and windshield) on a '72 tub, and it works just fine. You need to locate a rear lift door with the header/hinges, struts and strike plates to do it. You will need to drill mounting holes in the top to mount the struts and strikes. Once the ambi door hinge holes are filled you can't tell the difference.
Click to expand...

Any chance of sending me a pic of what you are referring to?

Living in the Past said:
Those vent windows in the hard top make it at least a 77
Click to expand...

I was told by the previous owner that it was a '75 top but I am so new to FJs that I wouldn't know. So I take your word on it. I was just happy that all the glass was fine..just have a few rust spots to take care of around the hardtop.

Shark56 said:
What Reddingcruiser said. I have a 79 top on my 70 with the hatch and lower doors. It's a little work but do-able. No issue fitting the lift gate header. Used the same holes as the Barn door header. Strike plates for the lift hatch is where you will have to drill holes. Jeff
Click to expand...

This is good to know. Any possibility of posting or sending me a picture of your setup (attachment points)?

tawright said:
This is a slight variant on your question but this place did a drop tailgate with half ambulance doors on a 76 FJ40. It doesn't show how they did it though but they have a nice picture of the end result.

76 FJ40 Build Up
Click to expand...

Thanks for this link!

Roboosfj40s said:
This is my truck, 74 tub and an 81 top. Had to convert to the hatch also which I like better anyway. You have to use the top header bar from a top with a hatch. Bikersmurf helped me a lot with mine as he also converted his. He does have a thread on here. Just check his post.
Click to expand...

This looks fantastic.
 
I believe the windshield is thicker on the 40s with the wipers on the bottom. I put a 78 top on my 73 and had to move the metal bracket that seals the windshield to the top back about 3/4 -1 inch. I used the original header in the back and cut holes for a threaded plate to hold my hatchback to it. I also used gas struts to hold it open (very nice feature). I also used threaded plates for the latches. Just cut slots for them to slide into. It looks good and functions great. I will try to post some photos when I get home today.:cheers:
 
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