Idea for Tailgate/PITA rear window

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Boss Hog

Boss Hog

Cutty say he can’t HANG!!
10 Year
Joined
Dec 29, 2011
Threads
15
Messages
802
The retro fitting FJ40 series ambulance doors would be the coolest idea, but if it was that easy, then everyone would've done it.

I saw a Pig for sale on craigslist somewhere, and one of the features was a "hatch" style rear window. I was trying to figure out how he did it, and it occurred to me a rear window from a pickup camper shell may work. Has anyone ever seen/done this? My rear window won't open again for the fifth time since I've owned it (6 months!!!)
 
Fitting 55 series ambulance doors might be cooler and easier.
The electric rear window is one my favorite parts of my Pig, it really adds that luxury car touch to my SUV. I've seen a few home-made hatches, never saw one I liked.
Maybe the sixth time you fix it, you'll get it right...
 
unlike my better half, i say go for it. i love the amby door look on the non us piggies. the heavy tailgate that requires occasional adjustments on the handle rods, the pita safety switch, all of that drives me crazy.
 
Oh yeah....55 series ambulance doors! Why didn't I think of that?? Next time you see a pair laying around, send 'em right over, would you? :rolleyes:

Seriously-I've searched Aussie Craigslist and the usual Land Cruiser sights and have never seen '55 ambulance doors for sale. I would snatch up a pair if I could. I've heard the '40 ambulance doors require some serious custom fabbing, which I would like to avoid if at all possible.

You're right - fixing it "right" would alleviate my frustration. But I think the bigger issue is that it is an inherently crappy design. I can't think of a recent SUV that has a roll down rear window. I just want one less electrical gremlin to deal with...
 
Boss Hog said:
But I think the bigger issue is that it is an inherently crappy design.
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Oh sure. But it was probably Toyota's FIRST electrical window...therefore historically significant and worthy of preservation.
 
Boss Hog said:
Why didn't I think of that??
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You really don't want me to answer that.
The 55 electric window is a royal PIA to work on, but it was probably pretty amazing technology in 1968. Modren SUVs don't have them because they're heavier, probably mess with the aerodynamics and everybody has air conditioning nowadays. Spend some quality time with your tailgate and learn it's innermost secrets. You might come to appreciate it more. I hated tearing into the tailgate the first 7 or 8 times, now it's like visiting an old friend. I even like working on other peoples tailgates...
pig1.webp
 
I'll be right over baby. Can I bring you a beer?
 
I love the electric window on the 55! So badass, I wish my 80 had it and I always loved it in the Tundra. But I agree can be a real pain when it doesn't work. Stock up on parts and you should be good

Ryan
 
Boss Hog said:
. I can't think of a recent SUV that has a roll down rear window. I just want one less electrical gremlin to deal with...
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Umm, the Toyota 4Runner continues to have power rear window. Since the beginning. What generation are they on now?
 
Thanks all for the replies. You guys have a wealth of knowledge regarding all thing Pig. Im going to keep my eyes open for some ambulance doors. I wont hack up the rear unnecessarily. But Im tired of dicking around with the rear window everyone I go over a bump. Next question: I have a buddy with tons of diamond plating laying around. Any pics of tasteful diamond plate on a pig?? Kidding...
 
diamond plate is for bumpers and flatbeds:p!!! I made a plexi flip open rear window using rear seat hardware(hinges and latches) Not too thrilled about the outcome, but must say that I have not missed the lectric window even a tiny bit not even for a half a second. I'll prolly do a V2 and V3 to get it to the point that I'd like for it to be. I saw a guy here who made a flip window that looked an awfull lot like the rear window on a 40 and I thought it looked great. I really would like to be able to fab something more like the 60 series upper hatch. It's nice to have a roof over you when its rainng and you're getting in and out of the cargo area.....
 
Boss Hog said:
Thanks all for the replies. You guys have a wealth of knowledge regarding all thing Pig. Im going to keep my eyes open for some ambulance doors. I wont hack up the rear unnecessarily. But Im tired of dicking around with the rear window everyone I go over a bump. Next question: I have a buddy with tons of diamond plating laying around. Any pics of tasteful diamond plate on a pig?? Kidding...
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How bad do you want those 55 ambulance doors?!!! I have a set that came from Australia. I also have the entire rear cut off the same rig. Both pieces will make for a nice clean installation. I don't foresee myself using these on the vehicle I bought them for, so I will part with them.

PM me if you are interested.

BTW...the set that sold at Cruise Moab a few years ago were mine too. I got those out of Central America and they did not come with the rear cut. It is a much cleaner install with the whole rear cut.
 
Grease Cruiser said:
How bad do you want those 55 ambulance doors?!!! I have a set that came from Australia. I also have the entire rear cut off the same rig. Both pieces will make for a nice clean installation. I don't foresee myself using these on the vehicle I bought them for, so I will part with them.

PM me if you are interested.

BTW...the set that sold at Cruise Moab a few years ago were mine too. I got those out of Central America and they did not come with the rear cut. It is a much cleaner install with the whole rear cut.
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Wow!
I am not interested in going amby-door on my Pig, but if I were, rear cut would be the only way to go b/c you get the door mounts on the sides vs. tailgate mounts at the bottom!
Grease, do you mind posting pics of the door mounts on the side and the bottom sill for the rear cut? They would be a great reference for future readers.
What do you call a Pig rear cut? Rump roast? :-)
 
Grease Cruiser said:
How bad do you want those 55 ambulance doors?!!! I have a set that came from Australia. I also have the entire rear cut off the same rig. Both pieces will make for a nice clean installation. I don't foresee myself using these on the vehicle I bought them for, so I will part with them.

PM me if you are interested.

BTW...the set that sold at Cruise Moab a few years ago were mine too. I got those out of Central America and they did not come with the rear cut. It is a much cleaner install with the whole rear cut.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the post. PM sent!
 
PabloCruise said:
Wow!
I am not interested in going amby-door on my Pig, but if I were, rear cut would be the only way to go b/c you get the door mounts on the sides vs. tailgate mounts at the bottom!
Grease, do you mind posting pics of the door mounts on the side and the bottom sill for the rear cut? They would be a great reference for future readers.
What do you call a Pig rear cut? Rump roast? :-)
Click to expand...
I can get some pictures of it, however it may take a little while. The doors and cut are in my shed in Colorado and I now live in SLC, UT. I go back to my house every once in awhile, and the next time I do, I will get some pictures.
 
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