Build Unicorns are real... My dream car FJ73 build

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Step 2, install new 4wd shift fork with cut for twin stick and high low adapter. Simple enough, reassemble case. Start on twin sticks. After some persuasion it was an accepted practice to test bend a piece of brake line tubing. I did get the "you were right" comment from Kelly. Who wanted to slowly make one bend, reinstall, bend second bend. Guys heating and bending to fit.

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After many minor adjustments we were getting there, and I guess I quit taking pictures and helped. It was time for lunch, football and a quick leather sewing project. @2fpower was last seen getting ready to disassemble and powdercoat the parts prior to final assembly. He can take it from here and provide a pic of the final product. This is a one off based on the drivetrain in the truck. Couple little mods and a custom bracket on the side of the transmission were needed. Parts obtained from @orangefj45 . Thanks Georg. I would have rather been in your class instead of attempting to teach one.

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Finally got the nerve to unpack the soft top…. I really didn’t want to be disappointed. Reached out to @FJBen and confirmed missing the piece from the windshield to the B pillar. I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story…

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Wow that's really bad, sorry for your troubles!
 
2fpower said:
Finally got the nerve to unpack the soft top…. I really didn’t want to be disappointed. Reached out to @FJBen and confirmed missing the piece from the windshield to the B pillar. I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story…

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Click to expand...

Yeah that is a bit rougher than mine is. You should have everything you need to work


@bottombracket has a killer thread on the FRP to FST conversion. Here is the part numbers for the above the window pieces.

The difference is it’s tapped for holes for the OEM snap connectors and for the crossbar. Our softtop uses Velcro over that whole piece. You should be able to put Velcro there, although I’m not sure how others have done it.

The other main difference is the soft top version has a rain gutter which I plan on using for a rack or something.



Part numbers:

Right:

Inner rail 61231–90K02
Outer rail 61211–90K01
Drip rail 61267–90K01
Inner roof rail #2 61233–90K00
Outer roof rail retainer 61239–90K00
Rear rail gusset 61241–90K00

Right seals:

Rear seal 61883–90K00
Front seal 61881–90K00

Left:

Inner rail 61232–90K02
Outer rail 61212–90K01
Drip rail 61268–90K01
Inner rail #2 61234–90K00
Outer roof rail retainer 61249–90K00
Rear rail gusset 61242–90K00

Left seals:

Rear seal 61884–90K00
Front seal 61882–90K00

Hardware:

Bolts 90119–06405 ×2
Bolt 90119–06588 ×6
Bolt 90119–06605 ×2



Here’s my side pieces. I think a few people got them in the beginning but they weren’t able to source them anymore, and technically you don’t “need” them. That said I don’t know how it was conveyed or sold to you.

The one side is a little rough as you can see, but I understood it was a used part and was OK with that.
Your powder coat is much much worse than mine. @bottombracket sent me a few of the snap pins, I plan on converting my top to using those on the sides although the Velcro does work fine.

OEM top is north of $6k, and quite a project so this worked for me, wanting a soft top I could afford that was mostly OEM looking.

Sorry it’s been a hassle.


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2fpower said:
I am too nervous to open it up... might just put it under the tree...

9 months ago funds were sent.
Click to expand...
Uff. I recalled the respective postings. That's harsh. 9 month waiting, so much communication forth and back. And now this... . I'm really sorry for you.
Obviously another vendor to scratch off the list. Sad.
Hopefully the parts at least fit and some media blasting and proper coating can turn this disaster into good.
 
Not surprised. He isn't a vendor I would buy from again based off my own personal experience.
 
Other than the missing part, when you are dealing with the kind of costs to purchase OEM, then this is definitely salvagable. I realize I do not know what you paid, or anything, but I am assuming you went this route to save $$$.

First thing I would do is get the part that is missing on its way, either from the same vendor if that is possible, or get it new. While that is in the works, get the stuff you do have recoated by a powdercoater you can rely on and trust. Make it the way YOU want, and go from there.

Sorry for the disappointment... I have definitely been there and experienced that over the years, and it can be frustrating.
 
FJBen said:
Yeah that is a bit rougher than mine is. You should have everything you need to work


@bottombracket has a killer thread on the FRP to FST conversion. Here is the part numbers for the above the window pieces.

The difference is it’s tapped for holes for the OEM snap connectors and for the crossbar. Our softtop uses Velcro over that whole piece. You should be able to put Velcro there, although I’m not sure how others have done it.

The other main difference is the soft top version has a rain gutter which I plan on using for a rack or something.



Part numbers:

Right:

Inner rail c
Outer rail 61211–90K01
Drip rail 61267–90K01
Inner roof rail #2 61233–90K00
Outer roof rail retainer 61239–90K00
Rear rail gusset 61241–90K00

Right seals:

Rear seal 61883–90K00
Front seal 61881–90K00

Left:

Inner rail 61232–90K02
Outer rail 61212–90K01
Drip rail 61268–90K01
Inner rail #2 61234–90K00
Outer roof rail retainer 61249–90K00
Rear rail gusset 61242–90K00

Left seals:

Rear seal 61884–90K00
Front seal 61882–90K00

Hardware:

Bolts 90119–06405 ×2
Bolt 90119–06588 ×6
Bolt 90119–06605 ×2



Here’s my side pieces. I think a few people got them in the beginning but they weren’t able to source them anymore, and technically you don’t “need” them. That said I don’t know how it was conveyed or sold to you.

The one side is a little rough as you can see, but I understood it was a used part and was OK with that.
Your powder coat is much much worse than mine. @bottombracket sent me a few of the snap pins, I plan on converting my top to using those on the sides although the Velcro does work fine.

OEM top is north of $6k, and quite a project so this worked for me, wanting a soft top I could afford that was mostly OEM looking.

Sorry it’s been a hassle.


View attachment 3228309
Click to expand...

Rigster said:
Other than the missing part, when you are dealing with the kind of costs to purchase OEM, then this is definitely salvagable. I realize I do not know what you paid, or anything, but I am assuming you went this route to save $$$.

First thing I would do is get the part that is missing on its way, either from the same vendor if that is possible, or get it new. While that is in the works, get the stuff you do have recoated by a powdercoater you can rely on and trust. Make it the way YOU want, and go from there.

Sorry for the disappointment... I have definitely been there and experienced that over the years, and it can be frustrating.
Click to expand...
My disappointment was that it was not clear that those front parts were not part of the kit. He pointed me to FJBen's build to see the kit and quality, and I specifically asked if I need anything else, and was not informed of this change.


At this point, my plan is to have the parts blasted and powdercoated as that is not the quality I want.. as you stated, I can make this work still.

Only question is if I go ahead and get that front piece from Toyota. From what FJBen said above, sounds like I don't need them really... not sure what way to go.
 
Got all the parts powder coated, Took a couple pictures in case people wanted to see what I’m mounting it to, and where I mounted the pivot point. Very happy with this! Thanks @orangefj45

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2fpower said:
Been driving this all over town lately. Lots of fun...

Time to start thinking about rear storage.

anyone seen these bulldog rear storage sets?


like the ironman; however, does not appear to have lockouts.

ironman4x4america.com

Storage Systems

Ironman 4x4 overland storage boxes can help you make the most of your space and keep it tidy during an overland trip. Browse our selection online today.
ironman4x4america.com ironman4x4america.com
Click to expand...

Wait til summer and you have that top off.
 
2fpower said:
Been driving this all over town lately. Lots of fun...

Time to start thinking about rear storage.

anyone seen these bulldog rear storage sets?


like the ironman; however, does not appear to have lockouts.

ironman4x4america.com

Storage Systems

Ironman 4x4 overland storage boxes can help you make the most of your space and keep it tidy during an overland trip. Browse our selection online today.
ironman4x4america.com ironman4x4america.com
Click to expand...
From what I see and in the description the Ironman does have the lockout and I personally like the way they look better. the only thing they seem to be missing is the cargo hold downs on top.
The ones on the bulldog look to bulky anyways, of course JMO
 
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Broski said:
From what I see and in the description the Ironman does have the lockout and I personally like the way they look better. the only thing the seem to missing is the cargo hold downs on top.
The ones on the bulldog look to bulky anyways, of course JMO
Click to expand...
I finally got a response from Ironman, they do not lockout.



another point, on the bulldog the tops slide for fridge access, while the Ironman do not appear to move.

better action shots here....

Bulldog Winch Vehicle Drawer System M 41.3x39.9x10.3" 82001 | Zoro

Order Bulldog Winch Vehicle Drawer System M 41.3x39.9x10.3", 82001 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.
www.zoro.com www.zoro.com
 
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To be clear, I sold the rear seats long ago, with the thought the entire rear is for storage, camp gear, tools, supplies, etc. I have drawers in my 80 and use every bit of them, so loved the idea of having more storage..... with that said....

Just went out and measured and the 52' will fill up almost the entire rear area. Which I love, but trying to decide if I want some storage reachable from the front behind the seats. The next smaller unit is about 40" long.... so that would give me about 14" for storage behind the seats. It is not all the easy to get to that area; however, I think it would be nice to have it for larger items, and kind of locked in that gap area.

The other thing to think about is that the 52" will project out the rear that much more. That is important, as I would want to use this for cooking area as well.

HMMMMMM>.. thoughts?
 
The already made units are nice, but with your skills it seems like a one off custom piece with multi-layered drawers for a nice kitchen set up and would allow you to utilized the space more efficiently 🤨
 
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