Topnault Reproduction Bodies

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I have always been very impressed with Aqualu. I did my first one in '96 and two more since. But I don't know enough about the Topnault to have an opinion on these. I do love the idea though, and I hope they are good.
 
Their parts are 50/50 in terms of fitment. Either fine or completely unusable.. I’ve used most of their 40 series parts besides a full body now

I will continue to purchase them but with eyes wide open
 
Chilkoot said:
Figured I would post this here to get an honest review on MUD of what’s involved utilizing these. Aqualu will be getting my business based off of this.

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Watch this video earlier today and felt bad for you having to do all that extra work just to make it usable.
 
OGBeno said:
This is most likely the factory behind Topnault…. Most likely at least…
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Yes they all come from Jiangsu Juncheng :)
 
Just started the review and lost me when they said they had to special order 78 and older dash. Posted a few times that their LHD 79 plus tubs came with an insert dash. Truth is the insert.dash started 10/82 on LHD 40 series. 10/82 the tunnel changed to make room for extra clearance needed for the H55F. That was on all models including the LWB that never had a H55F option. So the 79 plus LHD FJ40 they are making was never made for any market by Toyota. Also the 78 model dash had the hand brake and brake warning light up in the dash. 75-77 those were mounted under the dash left of the steering wheel. Lack of corrections for years now has been a disappointment. Looked a few times for smaller replacement panels but they. Always seem to be out of stock.

Living in the Southwest the lack of detail on aluminium bodies prevents me from going that route. Still low rust FJ40 out there.
 
Chilkoot said:
Just unfortunate that big companies such as Hagerty and well known car influencer Larry Chen are promoting “better than OEM” when in reality it’s far from the truth. They’re obviously getting a kickback/social media views and the end consumer or restoration shop is getting screwed.
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We keep thinking these modern 'influencers' are today's William F. Buckley. But the truth is 99% of these folks say what gets them the most clicks and most sponsorship. I trust nothing I see in videos like this; espousing the 'next best' or 'better than new'. Guys like @cruisermatt and you @Chilkoot are who I trust for real world opinions.
 
I’m not the guy that created the video I’m just reposting it here because myself and others have expressed interest in this company without much real world feedback. I’m just a regular guy that works a 9-5 and tries to work on my rusty 40 in the backyard with my spare time. I hope that by sharing the video it will help someone from making a costly mistake for the average diy person due to the false plug and play advertising.
 
I've been kicking around the idea of a Topnault back half, 3/4 tub, or full tub. Then I thought, if I'm going that far perhaps it's better to just buy an entire pre-painted replacement body.

I have a 1980 FJ40 sitting in the garage that I've done a full mechanical rebuild on, but the body is completely FUBAR'd thanks to the PO botching a "restoration" with a rear quarter panel welded in wrong, badly rusted floors, bondo'd and painted an incorrect color. How much time and money is it going to take to strip it all down, weld in new body panels and floors, prep, paint, and reassembly. I'm having a hard time seeing how a Topnault body, even if imperfect, would be worse than what I already have.
 
HoundDog said:
I've been kicking around the idea of a Topnault back half, 3/4 tub, or full tub. Then I thought, if I'm going that far perhaps it's better to just buy an entire pre-painted replacement body.

I have a 1980 FJ40 sitting in the garage that I've done a full mechanical rebuild on, but the body is completely FUBAR'd thanks to the PO botching a "restoration" with a rear quarter panel welded in wrong, badly rusted floors, bondo'd and painted an incorrect color. How much time and money is it going to take to strip it all down, weld in new body panels and floors, prep, paint, and reassembly. I'm having a hard time seeing how a Topnault body, even if imperfect, would be worse than what I already have.
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Spend a little more and go CCOT. did you watch the entire video posted?
 
I'll check out the CCOT tubs. I'm just starting the "what to do with the body" phase. Thanks
 
I was disappointed to see this.
A lot of my 76 FJ40's tub was done and I couldn't get replacement parts for it as those parts weren't made by CCOT or the other ususal suspects.
-Hard top rail/lip was too rusty, any time I'd arc up on it with the TIG it would just blow a hole in the steel.
-B Pillar was munched and full of bondo. Similar story, when I cut the bad parts out and would arc up, it would just blow a hole.

I was hoping these tubs quality would improve because the price point was good.
But I have decided that I will go with an Aqualu tub instead.
 
With a purchase like this, one thing I would definitely do (with either Topnault or CCOT) is visit the facility first with a tape measure and a sheet metal gauge and do a pre-purchase inspection. It'd be a pretty big gamble to just order one and hope for the best.
 
As disappointing as the video was, and it was VERY disappointing, isn't it better to know they're basically crap BEFORE buying one, getting it shipped to you and THEN learning the fit and finish is atrocious?

The quote attributed to Ben Franklin hits home: "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the satisfaction of low price".
 
I saw this vid. Very disappointing. I'm like @Chilkoot said. doing everything DYI and trying to save a few bucks where I can. I'd bookmarked Topnault for future reference. Hopefully they can step up their game. But like nearly everything else you get what you pay for. Buy once cry once.
 
Does CCoT make cowls? Only found 1/2 and 3/4 tubs. Paul Pilgrim believe ended up in Costa Rica. Wonder if these are the OEM dies he had to make the body parts? Paul use to be an honest man who changed to quite the crook.

Also looks like if you get a 79-84 from China you get the transmission hub from a 1/79- 10/82 models. Then dash from 10/82 plus. No dash for a 8/76-10/82 available. Believe the Colombian tubs had these same issues year ago. Haven't checked that lately.
Sa
Shame because 78-82 has to be popular years to restore.
 
In the video, they specified the older dash with the 79-84 body so it can apparently be ordered that way. That would be key for a 79-82 rebody.
 
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