HZJ71 Soft top vs. HZJ 73 FRP

[JuanJ]

Juan,

I figured it was a market specific thing but I wasn't sure. What I wrote in this thread is of my own observation and is not fact. There is a lot of good and bad info on this forum so I don't want to pass off bad info as factual information.

You are going to need a lot more than just the proper channel fitted windshield frame to fit a OEM soft top to a 73/74 that currently has a FRP top but I won't get into the specifics of that. Simply put, it is just not a simple "Remove the soft top and slap on the FRP"...but that has been discussed here before several times already.

Hello,

What I wrote is also based on what I have observed over the years. The FSM and my tinkering with FRP tops were another source for my comments.

In order to fit a soft top properly, a soft top windshield is needed. If you want an exact fit, you also need the roll bar, which is different between soft top and FRP top Cruisers.

The above is especially true for Colombia-spec Land Cruisers.

I mentioned the basic elements for a soft top, namely the windshield. I did not go into details because that topic has been discussed at length in other posts.

Fitting a soft top in an FRP truck is a little more complicated than "remove the FRP and install the soft top." It was my intention for the OP to do some search and find out how to do it.





Juan

 

[olivertwist]

I have a FRP BJ74. In the summer I remove the top and go convertible.

So the metal hoop is removable as well?? Of all the 70s I’ve seen, this is the only picture I’ve ever come across with the hoop “removed”, aside from the crawlers with roll bars, where I presumed the hoops were cut out. I wonder why we don’t see the full convertible style more often. Looks great. Reminds me of the old chevy blazers

 

[cruiserpilot]

Most think it’s not worth the effort. Convertible doors have removable window frame that unbolts
and slide out. It’s really quite easy to remove the FRP top separately from the hoop, and it can be done
by a single person who is fit and strong enough to balance it all. There are six bolts on each hoop side
to remove. The rear doors if you can find an old set you could just angle cut the window frames off.
It won’t effect the hinges or latches.
I really enjoy driving in summer with no roof, it’s amazing.