TROA soft tops and parts, Q&A thread

[40Pete]

I'm researching OEM style FST for 1978 40 with drop tailgate and TROA looks OEM quality. That said, is there another option to fasten sides to the tub other than turn buckles? I rather not drill holes if can be avoided, I don't mind adding a couple of footman loops in the rear corners etc. Also, their was once a soft top vendor - Dirt Road Tops, SC and I believe they utilized magnets on the sides (not ideal imo). What about a metal strip attached to OEM tub holes similar to windshield groove concept? Perhaps I'm overly concerned / overthinking it lol.

Anyone with feedback about their TROA installation, experience and overall performance since original post would be great!

-Pete

 

[RevISK]

Since I am the thread starter I'll go first. I'm sure you could figure something out for securing the sides but the FST used the twist locks and they really aren't that invasive if you do them on the lip as intended. I put mine in a different spot partially because I am an idiot (or was at the time... long story) but they hold really well. The overall quality is surprisingly good, while the installation has its challenges, only one person I know had insurmountable issues and that was a one off manufacturing error that the company ended up doing right by the buyer.

I use magnets as a supplemental way to tidy up the slack but as a sole method to hold the sides down I doubt it would work at all.

I still rock my Soft top and am not making any quick moves to finish repairing my hard top, I will eventually, but can see going back and forth as they each have strong advantages...

 

[40Pete]

Since I am the thread starter I'll go first. I'm sure you could figure something out for securing the sides but the FST used the twist locks and they really aren't that invasive if you do them on the lip as intended. I put mine in a different spot partially because I am an idiot (or was at the time... long story) but they hold really well. The overall quality is surprisingly good, while the installation has its challenges, only one person I know had insurmountable issues and that was a one off manufacturing error that the company ended up doing right by the buyer.

I use magnets as a supplemental way to tidy up the slack but as a sole method to hold the sides down I doubt it would work at all.

I still rock my Soft top and am not making any quick moves to finish repairing my hard top, I will eventually, but can see going back and forth as they each have strong advantages...

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Thanks for reply. Understood, there's pros / cons. I have bikini top now and garage kept; I only joy ride when it's nice out, that's about half the year in Northeast FL, otherwise too hot and rainy. Did they resolve the oversize width issue?

 

[Kmehr]

Thanks for reply. Understood, there's pros / cons. I have bikini top now and garage kept; I only joy ride when it's nice out, that's about half the year in Northeast FL, otherwise too hot and rainy. Did they resolve the oversize width issue?

Mine appears to be the perfect width in front though I don’t have a great photo of it

 

[40Pete]

Does anyone know of a vendor that reproduces rear anchor point brackets?

 

[EWheeler]

Does anyone know of a vendor that reproduces rear anchor point brackets?

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Yep. @cwags12 Heritage Cruisers:

Shop

Heritage Cruisers Parts for 40 series soft top brackets and 40th anniversary land cruiser fj40

heritagecruisers.com

 

[40Pete]

Yep. @cwags12 Heritage Cruisers:

Shop

Heritage Cruisers Parts for 40 series soft top brackets and 40th anniversary land cruiser fj40

heritagecruisers.com

Awesome thank you

 

[RevISK]

Just putting this out there for those who don't know but here is a list of items that TROA makes and I can help source. I have used a couple body pieces and they are nicely stamped and properly gauged but will probably need some level of massaging like any aftermarket piece. Holler with questions... Thanks.
Ian

 

[nabbasi]

That’s alot of parts!

What is the complement for floor (15 & 16)?

Are there just the front half/ partial floor pans (before the tank well)?

Is there a “bed floor” or is that what they are saying is the rear floor?

And are there images? At some point in the near future I’m going to need the braces that go from the frame to the rear crossmember/ bumper for the ‘78, and wondering if that’s what they are calling the lateral braces.

 

[RevISK]

That’s alot of parts!

What is the complement for floor (15 & 16)?

Are there just the front half/ partial floor pans (before the tank well)?

Is there a “bed floor” or is that what they are saying is the rear floor?

And are there images? At some point in the near future I’m going to need the braces that go from the frame to the rear crossmember/ bumper for the ‘78, and wondering if that’s what they are calling the lateral braces.

Hey Nadeem,

Their nomenclature can be a little confusing to be sure.

Here are some images of the floor pans and the bed floor.
As for lateral braces (Line 67?) I believe those are the horizontal sections on a soft top frame. If you can send me an image of which braces you are looking for that would help.

I can reach out to them for more detailed info or actual photographs (maybe?).

Thanks for your interest...

Ian

 

[akgerman]

Another satisfied TROA bow and top owner here. I went through @RevISK and he's the man.

I haven't installed all of my rivets/twist locks yet, but the rest is in. The frame definitely need some massaging, but to be expected as I'm sure my 40 is anything but square in any dimension.

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how are you running the car seats in the back there? you using Best Top bench and one of those amazon metal brackets that fit between the crack of the seat with the anchors and the anchor over the back?

 

[Kmehr]

how are you running the car seats in the back there? you using Best Top bench and one of those amazon metal brackets that fit between the crack of the seat with the anchors and the anchor over the back?

I have the lap belt through the back and then I drilled some heavy duty anchor eyelets through the floor to attach the tether to. They’re in there very solidly.