ARCHIVE Technical Details: Topnault's FJ40 Mid-70s Tubs and More

[Living in the Past]

Here is the update on half doors. The next step in the process is e-coating. If everything is on schedule, we should have them by the end of August.

I will put the order link onto TPautoparts.com today or tomorrow, so you can reserve yours!



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Curious have you installed all the handles, rods and latch mechanism? Stock doors have more openings for access to install all the latch components. Hopefully I'm missing something and there is access to install everything just the way they are.

 

[tpclassic]

EWheeler,

My impression from reading a number of your posts is you appreciate quality, and attention to detail. When I look at the photos of these half doors I see issues that shouldn't be there.

I say that because I have wanted nice half doors for quite a long time. Last winter I bought a set of pretty good (but not great) half doors on ebay. I have been working to improve them, and I see some of the same issues I'm addressing with these doors.

Please advise what you see that we can improve. Thanks!

 

[tpclassic]

Thanks for the kind words Jay. I appreciate craftsmanship and quality, for sure. But im also a cheap bastard and half a hack when fabricating things for myself, and i know the effort, time and skill it takes to get things near perfect. I just dont have the paitence or desire to ever get things anywhere close to perfect, nor do i want to pay for perfect. I do have a set of late model shells that i could build my own half doors with, but its likely better use of my time to spend the scratch to get some prefabbed ones, even if they need some tweaks.

Topnault has publicly here on the forum been super receptive to constructive criticism, its obvious they care about their product and customer satisfaction, so maybe bring up the issues you see and they can be addressed if they deem the effort worth the result.

Thanks! But that's okay. Any input is a good input. We may not do everything I hear from you but to the extent we feel we can take care relative easily I want to push

 

[tpclassic]

Now how it looks after the e-coating:

 

[alberta mac]

I will find out but I don't see a slight chance the factory will use 18 gauge sheet metal for the under-floor channels and for the body mount brackets.

factory underbid channels are 1/8th material or 14ga.

 

[tpclassic]

factory underbid channels are 1/8th material or 14ga.

For the 75-79 tub -- it is confirmed that we are using 2mm sheet metal for the channels (which is 14 gauge). The body count bracket is still being worked on but should be thicker.

 

[-MaTTi-]

I will put the order link onto TPautoparts.com today or tomorrow, so you can reserve yours!

Link ready yet?

 

[White Stripe]

Many of you want to know the status of our mid-70s FJ40 tubs, and the status of our other FJ40 products. Meanwhile, we also need guidance from you all regarding some details and ideas. Therefore, I am starting this thread to report the progress of the program and initiate some questions for your valuable input.

Timing: We have once again postponed the first shipment as we require more time to ensure a better job. The initial shipment of 72-78 tubs is now scheduled for late August, with an expected arrival at our Temecula warehouse in the middle of September. This shipment will include one floor demo and some of the pre-orders.

Initially, we announced that the floor thickness would be 2mm (14 gauge). However, after creating a sample, we have recognized that it is overly thick and heavy (please refer to the photos and videos). Therefore, we intend to use the same tooling to produce the floor at a reduced thickness of 1.5mm (16 gauge), which, in my opinion, will be sufficient and even superior. Your feedback on this matter is highly valued, and we eagerly await your input.

Furthermore, it's important to highlight that the implementation of modern e-coating technology should alleviate any major concerns about rust. Your feedback is crucial to us, and we sincerely appreciate it.

Tim

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I think 14 gauge would be more desirable. The majority of cruiser body parts in the aftermarket world are made with overly thin metal. 14 gauge would set your panels apart and into a far higher echelon of quality. Durability and quality of fitment tolerance similar to oem will help with quicker restoration fitment, and a lasting product. I'm not sure how much I would focus on chrome, people can get that done locally. Very few people want a chrome bezel. Those half doors look awesome!

 

[tpclassic]

Link ready yet?

Please go to tpautoparts.com to reserve. Please note that the price already includes the shipping cost within continental USA.

 

[tpclassic]

I think 14 gauge would be more desirable. The majority of cruiser body parts in the aftermarket world are made with overly thin metal. 14 gauge would set your panels apart and into a far higher echelon of quality. Durability and quality of fitment tolerance similar to oem will help with quicker restoration fitment, and a lasting product. I'm not sure how much I would focus on chrome, people can get that done locally. Very few people want a chrome bezel. Those half doors look awesome!

After posted this question in IH8mud and on Facebook as well, we got 2/3 of the inputs supporting using 16 gauge for the floor, and the rests prefer 14 gauge one. In such case, we decided: The standard 75-78 tub floor thickness will be with 16 gauge sheet metal; while customer still can custom order a tub with 14 gauge floor. This way, we will meet the needs on both ends.

Thank you for your support!

 

[ginmtb]

Love the half doors! Any plans to do pre-75 half doors?

 

[tpclassic]

Love the half doors! Any plans to do pre-75 half doors?

Sorry, no plan yet.

 

[DKM]

After posted this question in IH8mud and on Facebook as well, we got 2/3 of the inputs supporting using 16 gauge for the floor, and the rests prefer 14 gauge one. In such case, we decided: The standard 75-78 tub floor thickness will be with 16 gauge sheet metal; while customer still can custom order a tub with 14 gauge floor. This way, we will meet the needs on both ends.

Thank you for your support!

Thank you for listening to customer input.

 

[dajojo1]

Hi, I have a 77 FJ40 and I am looking for a dash. It shows as sold out on your web site, any timelime to when you will be restocking the dash?

 

[tpclassic]

Hi, I have a 77 FJ40 and I am looking for a dash. It shows as sold out on your web site, any timelime to when you will be restocking the dash?

You can call 1-800-815-8275 to place a pre-order.

 

[Dianna]

I am surprised I didn't see it mentioned here. If you made half doors and offered them at a decent price, you'd likely sell as many of them as anything else for FJ40.

Wasn't that long ago I asked for half doors I placed my order as soon as I saw it on the website and I am looking forward to seeing them in person

 

[Living in the Past]

Wasn't that long ago I asked for half doors I placed my order as soon as I saw it on the website and I am looking forward to seeing them in person

Will be curious on how everything is mounted for handles and latch. Also the weight. Do not think the FST hinges are robust enough for complete hard doors. Would be a nice to easily switch between FST doors and half doors.

 

[Dianna]

Hi John have you seen the quickhinges? Lots of people recommend them for swapping doors. https://mcdesignsoffroad.com/quik-hinges/. I think however, you probably keep your rigs completely stock

 

[Living in the Past]

@Dianna half doors wouldn't be stock. It's more matter of having OEM FST hinges on hand. I hadn't seen the hinges in the link. I remember some other aftermarket hinges that seemed really beefy but believe they are NLA.

 

[tpclassic]

These stainless steel hinges we offer should be strong enough for both regular front doors and half-doors. Front door hinges. Upper and Lower hinges for one door. Stainless Stee - https://tpautoparts.com/products/front-door-hinges-for-one-door?_pos=1&_psq=stainless+s&_ss=e&_v=1.0. For a whole set (upper and lower), the price is $185.77.