Builds The Iron Yak

[Catching Neutral]

The bows had a few too many scratches and or thin spots so after consulting my brother the painter I decided to use self etching primer on all pieces. The window channel is ready to go on when the rivnut kit arrives next Tuesday . Relik emailed instructions which will save time because the bags of hardware are numbered.
My goal is to have Bows painted and on NLT next weekend assuming the 031 from paintscratch.com is a close enough match to proceed.

 

[Catching Neutral]

Getting these lower window channel felts in was a colossal PIA. Let’s just say soapy water is your friend.
I replaced the two that were missing. It made such a huge difference in window stability with the window down that I have ordered two more and will replace the other two. Upon inspection they looked pretty bad. I don’t want to go back into these doors once I have the door door panels on so now is the time.

 

[Catching Neutral]

Priming and sanding of the bows is finished. Can’t move forward until the paint arrives.
Added new rubber pads for the bow posts.

 

[cbmontgo]

Can't wait to see this soft top.

 

[Catching Neutral]

Working on a test fit today and discovered a few pieces will need massaging in order to fit correctly.
Not a big deal. I wanted to do this before paint. Zero lock washers In the hardware. I have good stock of SS. Then I was reading the WSJ online about Yellow Trucking Company closing down.
Thankfully they delivered my soft top before closing the doors.

 

[Catching Neutral]

Waiting on paint. Will be here tomorrow
In the mean time the window channel is installed. 6mm nutserts. They worked like a charm
A 23/64 (9.1mm) drill bit made the holes just right. I practiced on an old license plate to make sure I knew what I was doing. Added a dab of clear RTV on the nutsert.

 

[Catching Neutral]

Paint now due to arrive Monday.
Did get the other side of the lower window channel felts installed. I am ready to put the first door back together but the window will not quite go up all the way. Upper front corner.

I did adjust the window mechanism seen here. But it didn’t quite get it done. Anything else I can do?

 

[Catching Neutral]

The paint is a good match…let the painting begin.

 

[wngrog]

Keep it up

 

[Catching Neutral]

Keep it up

My son gets his DL September the 8th at which point he will take over the Tacoma. I’m going to DD the 40 for a while so I have to have her ready.

 

[wngrog]

Toyota still sells the twist lock thingies

 

[Catching Neutral]

Toyota still sells the twist lock thingies

65289-60010

 

[Catching Neutral]

In trying to do final test fit before finishing up the painting I assembled the bows. The geometry is all wrong.
The front bow sits several inches lower than the rear bow. (Photo 1).
The rear door frame section is welded to the front bow. I am not sure if this is a temp weld and designed such that it should be able to be raised or lowered. (photo 2) In other words the rear door frame piece slide up or down around the front bow. However I think the height of the front, middle and rear bow should be about the same. @Roastchestnuts and @120mm —- please chime in.

 

[Catching Neutral]

In addition regarding mounting points for the brace which runs front to back and holds the middle bow.
The point on the rear bow sits about 5 inches below top.
The point on the front bow sits about 4.5 inches below the top

 

[120mm]

In trying to do final test fit before finishing up the painting I assembled the bows. The geometry is all wrong.
The front bow sits several inches lower than the rear bow. (Photo 1).
The rear door frame section is welded to the front bow. I am not sure if this is a temp weld and designed such that it should be able to be raised or lowered. (photo 2) In other words the rear door frame piece slide up or down around the front bow. However I think the height of the front, middle and rear bow should be about the same. @Roastchestnuts and @120mm —- please chime in.
View attachment 3397278
View attachment 3397281

My real Steel reproduction front bow came loose, with what appears to be a bolt for tightening once the correct height is achieved. The rear and middle are dead nuts even.

BTW, the mounting bracket for the middle orients parallel to the ground instead of sticking up on my real steel bows

 

[120mm]

In addition regarding mounting points for the brace which runs front to back and holds the middle bow.
The point on the rear bow sits about 5 inches below top.
The point on the front bow sits about 4.5 inches below the topView attachment 3397295View attachment 3397296

It's interesting they are separate heights. Wonder if they have a "rake" built in on purpose. Regardless, all of that can be corrected with an angle grinder and a welder if necessary/desired

 

[Catching Neutral]

@120mm …mounting bracket for this one is oriented up.
I have considered exactly what you said RE angle grinder and welding.
possible for you to give me some measurements?
1. height of the rear bow for starters.

 

[120mm]

40 1/4 for height of rear.

The bow connections are even.

Pics for detail.

 

[Catching Neutral]

Used the angle grinder to remove the spot weld holding door frame to the front bow. Adjusted accordingly.
Used a hose clamp as a temporary means to keep the bow from moving.
Looks much better. I will throw the soft top on tomorrow to see how it hangs. And put the doors on to check fitment Before I move forward.
@120mm …thank you for your input

 

[85roktoy]

My son gets his DL September the 8th at which point he will take over the Tacoma. I’m going to DD the 40 for a while so I have to have her ready.

Just thinking about DD’ing the 40 in this heat even with the top off is making me sweat right now but yeah… will be nice.

Great job thanks for the updates.