I'm gonna make one of these (1 Viewer)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Joined
Jun 11, 2010
Threads
8
Messages
54
Location
Colorado & SoCal
HDJ-100-im-einsatz.jpg


what should be the platform?

80's series, 100 series, 4runner???
 
what should be the platform?

80's series, 100 series, 4runner???

Most people start dreaming of mods AFTER they have the truck.

And once you have the truck, the list of potential mods will be endless (whatever model you end up with)...........

For some ideas, I seen this one in southern France, one of my favourites......

Image054-4.jpg
 
4Runner would be a bit small IMHO.

The 100 is a nice cush ride and could handle the extra weight. If you plan on going to far back of beyond the electronics scare me.

the 80 would be a good choice of the ones you mentioned.


I'd consider an FJ60 or FJ45 with a SBC upgrade though. They get style point in my book.
 
Would love to see. Everyone wants to do it, but no one ever does. Someone needs to start a business here in the states converting rigs this way. I've been wanting to do mine for years.

X2! I thought someone here in MUD was trying to work something out?

We daydream of that set up on our 60.

If you are planning on driving the Americas or outside the US I would go for an 80 series. IMHO the only vehicle I would consider other than my current 60 is an 80 (or a Troopie of course)
 
99% of all travel will be in CO/UT/WY. I am leaning toward a 100 series. I do light towing and am not a "wheeler". However i could find a cheap 80 with a good body and blown motor and try it out. That way if i don't like the end product it won't cost me much :)
 
If I had my choice, I'd go with the 100...just like your picture.

Problem is I don't have my choice, and 80s or 100s are way too hard to find in Canada, and never mind finding parts for (they were re-badged as Lexus) so a 3rd gen 4Runner with a small trailer could suite my needs if done properly :)

Will you make any molds if you build on a 100 or Runner?
 
it will probably be built out of wood and glassed over. Building a mold is costly for one time use and it would take a while to recoup half of the expenses if there were for sale.
 
Spotted him too in France:
DSC_7260.JPG


He wasn't the only one with a pop-up roof:
DSC_7256.JPG


DSC_7362.JPG


DSC_7259.JPG


DSC_7337.JPG


And some more on a German meeting:
DSC_7039.JPG


DSC_6994.JPG


DSC_6951.JPG


Look at the top;):
DSC_6976.JPG


This one is from a company that builds them:
DSC_6968.JPG


I am also thinking about building a front hinged poptop, but i am still trying to find a solution how to mount the fabric. I think I will built two frames, same size as the raingutter and mount one on the car and one on the raingutter with a hinge between them.
 
Spotted him too in France:
DSC_7260.JPG


I am also thinking about building a front hinged poptop, but i am still trying to find a solution how to mount the fabric. I think I will built two frames, same size as the raingutter and mount one on the car and one on the raingutter with a hinge between them.

Small world eh?

I have thought long and hard about the pop top - but I may go rear hinged.

Why? In the UK we have a JDM import called the Mazda Bongo - sort of common - with a built in pop top. The roof dimensions are very similar to the LC80. If I could get hold of a top the project would be easier. Electric operation too.

The problem is getting hold of one - most being parted out have already had the top sold off.

Bongo Fury!

Click on the gallery button for lots of pics - some good ideas on there too

:cheers:
 
i'm trying to make it down to one vehicle and the quigley diesel is the worst DD i can think of.

That is a sweet build
 
it will probably be built out of wood and glassed over. Building a mold is costly for one time use and it would take a while to recoup half of the expenses if there were for sale.
You could sculpt foam, then fiberglass over. Use wood or metal framing only where needed for strength.

Edit: Add some wood ribs in for stronger attachment areas for stuff like roof racks, solar panels, etc.
 
Last edited:
but i am still trying to find a solution how to mount the fabric.

Take a look at what companies have done. Go visit an RV place with popup campers.

I personally like the idea of using zippers. One side is sewn to the fabric part. The other side is held in place on the body with a metal strip with screws through it. A cloth flap is arranged to shed water off the zipper zones. Some sort of additional attachments like velcro is used to keep the flaps down in the wind, but allow them to be tucked under when the top is closed.
 
The medium Autohome XL Columbus fits perfectly on a 60...

Got the 60 and will be getting an XL Columbus on our next shipment - might be a great project for next winter.

Also fits perfect on top of a piggy... fiberglass will not rust... if only Italy made XL Medium Columbus in carbon fiber - even better.

Looking to cut out the base to allow access from inside the cab. Ambulance doors would be nice...hmmm...
 
i'm trying to make it down to one vehicle and the quigley diesel is the worst DD i can think of.

That is a sweet build

Not quite sure how that is but I guess each person has different needs.
 
Hey seeds,

no matter if you use 80, 100, or 4runner I would think over the attachment of the roof.
Doing this in the front is doing it like most others have done it,
:idea:

but not doing it the way to achieve best wind stability and (sense of) space

even more lenght to climb the bed without the need of folding youre way up is possible: stretching the body or using a flip over pop up roof

for inspiration

Galerie-Aufstelldächer

I have slept on many tours for years in a roof with front attachment and I have seen and tried many of Marcus`alternativ builds...and i wouldn´t want a roof as shown in your pic anymore :hillbilly:
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom