Lift gate on a later model hardtop

[splib]

This newbie finally got his FJ40! After owning a 85 FJ60 I finally got to get a 40, a 1970 that is. The rig had been stripped down by the p.o. for repainting and they lost interest. Good for me! I'll be asking a lot of questions to you cruiser heads over the next few months (more like years) as I get this thing back on the road/trail.

The hard top that came with the rig is a later model and has the ambulance doors ( I also have the original tailgate doors). I'd like to put a lift gate on the hard top if it is possible so that the cruiser stays true to its age (even though it has a s.b.c. in it). I looked through the FAQ's and didn't find anything about swapping lift gates for ambi doors and vice-versa.

If it works, I'll have a set of ambi doors for sale that are in excellent condition except for the weather stripping and the rubber around the glass is cracking.

Are the three bolts on either side up top what would be used for the lift gate? B.T.W. the top is sitting on loosely.

 

[corsair23]

Are the three bolts on either side up top what would be used for the lift gate? B.T.W. the top is sitting on loosely.

First off, welcome (official MUD salute)

Second, you will want to learn to use the "Search" function...Toward the top right of any forum (i.e. 40- & 55- Series Tech) is a link to search that particular forum. Type in some key words and see what you get back.

Then, if you can't find what you are looking for let everyone know you searched and still have a question.

As for your question...Yes, those could be the holes for the liftgate and then again they could be for something else the PO or PPO or PPPO did ;p

Do you know if the top is the original top and the PO added ambulance doors to it or is REALLY a later model top? If it were a later model top I don't believe those three holes would be there. One way to check is to look at the windshield frame and windshield channel (assuming those haven't been swapped out as well). On early FJ40s (around 12/74 and earlier IIRC) the windshield wipers and motors (2 of 'em) are at the top of the windshield frame and therefore the windshield channel that is attached to the fiberglass top will be 'notched' to clear the windshield wiper arms. On later model FJ40s the motor (only one) and arms were relocated to the bottom PS of the windshield frame and therefore the channel isn't notched for the arms. Also, on later model tops ('77 and up IIRC) there is a pop-out vent window at the rear of each side instead of the one long solid piece of glass (not the qtr window but the side).

My guess is that is the original top that the PO modded to use ambulance doors on and that if you looked where the top hinge (and maybe lower hinge) holes are for the ambi doors that the OEM nutserts aren't there...PO may have welded nuts to the top for the bolts though...

Oh, and if you do swap to the rear swing doors with the lift gate you'll have to do something on your quarter panels. Looks like the holes for the hinges for the rear swing doors have either been weld up/bondo'd over or the quarter panels have been replaced.

Good luck

 

[splib]

The p/side quarter panel has the holes for the half doors. I think the drivers side may have been inadvertently filled in. The vehicle is parked at my dads house which is about a half hour from where I live, but from what I can remember, the top fit over the windshield just fine. I'd like to be able to use the half doors if I can find a good lift gate. I don't want to get rid of the ambi doors in case they are all I can use with this top.

I've searched other threads and couldn't find anything similar.

 

[splib]

Here's a side shot......

 

[corsair23]

Here's a side shot......

Based on the last pic we can discern that the top you have is definitely a '63 thru 8/76 hard top (see here, middle of page).

That doesn't narrow it down quite enough though.

Probably the most helpful will be finding out where your wiper motor(s) is/are - do you remember seeing the motors? They would have been inside the 40, at the top of the windshield frame if the top is correct for the year.

OR

for someone that has an earlier model top with the lift gate to post up some close up pics of their lift gate hinge locations. I would but the 40 is at home .

You may want to start your search now for a lift gate in good condition. Try to get the lift gate stays (see here) with the gate as new OEM ones are VERY expensive (like $200+). If you can get used ones and they work great. If they don't work there are threads here on MUD with aftermarket gas struts that people have used inside the OEM stays that reportedly work well and is a cheaper alternative.

For a lift gate look here on MUD in the classifieds and at some of the advertising vendors that sell used stuff (cruiserparts.net and others). Other options are local Craigslist and of course eBay. One at Cruiserparts.net for $200 --> here, down the page a ways.

Good luck!

 

[splib]

Thanks a bunch Corsair!
The wiper motor has been taken off, but it mounts inside on top. But it is a single motor with a cable that goes to the other wiper (does that sound correct?)

Anyway, there's a '75 for sale in town that I could probably check out. Thanks again for your help.

 

[crazylandcruiser]

Thanks a bunch Corsair!
The wiper motor has been taken off, but it mounts inside on top. But it is a single motor with a cable that goes to the other wiper (does that sound correct?)

Anyway, there's a '75 for sale in town that I could probably check out. Thanks again for your help.

My 70' 40 has the same motor set up you have. were as my 75 has the motor is placed on the bottom of the window on the lower side of the window. here you can see the motor on the passenger side for the windshield wipers.

also i do believe that is a 72-75 top not sure exactly on the year but i have the lift gate and my 75 has the ambulance doors and the tops dont have the same holes as yours. i would love to take pics of mine but i am not currently at my shop. here is a pic i have of my 75 of the its ambulance doors i do not have a pic of the 70 though.

hope that makes some sense and im not just adding more none sense for you to be like WTF?

 

[Hobbs]

Bezel alert !!!

 

[crazylandcruiser]

Bezel alert !!!

YEA YEA YEA! i know the damn bezel is flipped! holy cow! i never hear the end of it for that. these are pics that are before flipping the bezel! bezel is correct no worries

 

[yotanut]

Here is a pic I saved.

 

[65swb45]

I have installed a 1970 vintage liftgate into a 1980 amby-type hardtop. It was fairly straightforward, and looked pretty darn good when it was done.

1. You need to disassemble the roof panel from the side panels and rear header.

2. You will need to remove the bolts that hold the header to the side panels. Hint: there are bolts on TOP of the header as well as on the bottom.

3. Install a 74 and earlier header with the recessed hinges to the side panels.

4. Hang the hatch panel to determine the location of the strikers with respect to the side panels.

5. You will have to drill your own holes for the striker plates and attach to the striker panels. In doing so, you need to account not only for the inset it will take to draw the hatch closed and flush with the side panels, but how much 'slop' in the striker mechanisms will affect the fit of the hatch.

6. If at all possible, find another pre 75 cruiser to measure the location for the holes to mount the hatch struts. IIRC, the location is different from how you would 'guess' the strut would mount based solely on it's field of motion.

Good luck

Mark A.

 

[splib]

Ok Mark, as soon as I get my wiring harness in I'm driving down to Burbank so you can do this little mod for me! Hm? Deal? No?

Ok, I'll do it myself.

But really, thanks Mark and thanks to all of you for your input. This is by far the best cruiser forum out there!

Y'all go have a beer on me, y'hear?

Paul

 

[65swb45]

Bring me a beer and............ I'll watch you assemble it!

 

[corsair23]

Thanks a bunch Corsair!
The wiper motor has been taken off, but it mounts inside on top. But it is a single motor with a cable that goes to the other wiper (does that sound correct?)

Anyway, there's a '75 for sale in town that I could probably check out. Thanks again for your help.

Sorry for the late response...was taking a break from MUD and actually working for a change

Here is the SOR page showing the wiper motors etc --> click here

I assumed, incorrectly it would appear, that all early 40's with the wipers up top had two motors. Looking at the pics it appears that only '62-'67 40s would have dual motors while 68-74 (and beyond but down below) only have one motor and then a "wiper pivot" mechanism for the other wiper.

Here are a couple pics of my 12/74 FJ40. As you will see, I have the lift gate with swing doors, older style hard doors, etc. etc. but my windshield frame has the single wiper motor down low on the PS. The "newer" style windshield frame posed a little challenge putting on the older style top with the notched windshield frame channel as the bolt holes are different. Not sure if the PPO (I know the PO didn't do it) replaced the windshield frame somewhere along the line with the '75 and up vintage or if Toyota just made my 12/74 40 sort of a hybrid

 

[pbgbottle]

can anybody take some pics of the mounting locations .for the struts and striker plates .i am getting ready to do this mod in a few weeks .also could a later header be modded to accept the hinges for the hatch ??

 

[corsair23]

can anybody take some pics of the mounting locations .for the struts and striker plates .i am getting ready to do this mod in a few weeks .also could a later header be modded to accept the hinges for the hatch ??

Jake,

I'll see what I can do about grabbing pics of the requested areas. As for modding the later year header to the hinge bolts? Don't know but maybe after I take some pics that can be answered as well.

 

[brandon8me]

Here's a couple pics of my lift gate from when I was replacing the stock shocks with the more modern gas charged ones (only one is needed). IMO this was one of the little mods that was cheap but well worth it. No more shocks failing and leaving me with a bump on the head.

-brandon

 

[corsair23]

Brandon,

Can you post up the part number of that gas strut for the benefit of others? Please

My OEM ones are still hanging in there but it is only a matter of time.

 

[corsair23]

can anybody take some pics of the mounting locations .for the struts and striker plates .i am getting ready to do this mod in a few weeks .also could a later header be modded to accept the hinges for the hatch ??

Jake...Here you go. As for modding a later year header...After looking at mine I am thinking the answer would have to be no unless the header is as thick as an older style one AND you are adept at cutting and welding and whatever else it would take to get the hinges up in there

Sorry for being so slow to get the pics...

 

[corsair23]

More pics...