Going tops off

[V8 Middy]

I'm starting to look at the logistics behind taking the roof off the Middy.

Firstly, Doors. I have a second set of rear doors to get cut down cos it'll look like $h1t with the doors at full height. Could / would any panel beater be able to chop the glass off these and cap them? Otherwise can someone recommend somewhere in Melb to have it done?

Alternatively, I've heard that some Jap imports had removable windows on the rear doors but these are as rare as hen's teeth. Would it be possible to get a set of doors adapted to have the windows removable. Or even a ute-canopy style lift up glass section? Again, who could I speak to about getting something like this done?

The other point is the number of bl00dy bolts you need to undo to take the roof off. Most of them are easy to get to but there are 4 down each side at the back in behind the trim. Given how often Melb weather changes, I figure I would need something a little easier than this. I was thinking maybe some quick release clamps to hold it down. (It has 4 locating pins so it will always line up right) Maybe something like the clips that hold a road-case closed for audio equip etc. Again, where does one look for something strong enough (External bonnet clamps maybe??)

Lastly, if (read when) I get sick of pulling the roof on and off, what sort of dollars would I be up for to get a custom soft top made, and again, where in Melb would be the best place to get it done?

Any help on any of these questions appreciated.

Thanks.

Dave

[Jeeps]

I don't know what the bundy doors are like but bestop (which make a tonne of jeep softtops and doors) have a soft half door setup for the FJ 40

[RockyF75]

I did this to an extent on my rocky. You can pull teh fibreglass off but then you have a full rear door which looks ridicules (Crazy japs mustave been smokin some funny stuff when they designed these removable tops)

Anyway, i just got a spare door, and you can just cut the 'glass yourself'. Well, actually safer to remove it, which I did, and now have a spare rear windscreen. If thats too fiddly, just smash it . Then get the angle grinder out on the metal fram thats left over. Easy. I had a mate weld up the top cause the bare metal left was pretty sharp.
This:
To this:




If I ever get the time/money I reckon you could bootyfab your own 'window' to hinge onto the fibreglass instead of being part of the rear door, which would mean you only need to take the roof off, and not swap doors. Takes me about 1/2 with 2 people.
Its good fun, but becomes a PITA if you do it often. Definately pays to get a softop made, last trip i went on it rained and tarps make alot of noise when your driving

[suzuki lj80]

that soft door looks sick

[V8 Middy]

that soft door looks sick

Unfortunately, I need them for the back and not the sides!!!!

[badger]

some of the bundys had factory soft tops with half rear doors

[g60boy]

mabie you could mod a mq/mk patrol swb rear canipy window.

[V8 Middy]

mabie you could mod a mq/mk patrol swb rear canipy window.

Now there's thinking... Good call! Does anyone have dimensions? Also, how does that seal and latch to the doors below?

[jessie928]

lexan is your friend.

plate lexan, hinges and lock. end of story

[bru21]

some of the bundys had factory soft tops with half rear doors

the bundera is one of 2 bodies actually made by toyota (the other being a car) and is different to the outsourced Y>>.something brand toyotas are normally so as far as i know they will not match up

[droopypete]

some of the bundys had factory soft tops with half rear doors

the bundera is one of 2 bodies actually made by toyota (the other being a car) and is different to the outsourced Y>>.something brand toyotas are normally so as far as i know they will not match up

Get off the grog and rewrite this so we know what you are trying to say

Peter.

[bru21]

Toyota do not make their own bodies for their cars and 4x4's.

Another company starting with Y..... -I cannot remember the exact name makes toyota's bodies on behalf of toyota.

Toyota have only made 2 bodies themselves - one being the bundera which is very different to a 75 or 73 series etc - its a lot wider in the bonnet up front for one instance. I am pretty sure bundera half doors will not fit a mid wheel base.

A bundera is not a SWB crusier it is a totally different vehicle more like a swb prado of old. (yes i know it has landcrusier on the side)

hope thats clearer now that i have had my dex!

[g60boy]

mabie you could mod a mq/mk patrol swb rear canipy window.

Now there's thinking... Good call! Does anyone have dimensions? Also, how does that seal and latch to the doors below?

hope this helps, i just used the dimensions off my lwb mk (i think there the same, not to sure)

you could also look at using the latch off the tail gate aswell.

[droopypete]

Toyota do not make their own bodies for their cars and 4x4's.

Another company starting with Y..... -I cannot remember the exact name makes toyota's bodies on behalf of toyota.

Toyota have only made 2 bodies themselves - one being the bundera which is very different to a 75 or 73 series etc - its a lot wider in the bonnet up front for one instance. I am pretty sure bundera half doors will not fit a mid wheel base.

A bundera is not a SWB crusier it is a totally different vehicle more like a swb prado of old. (yes i know it has landcrusier on the side)

hope thats clearer now that i have had my dex!

Yes I now see what you are saying about Toyota out-sourcing their body builing.

As far as the bundera being very different to a 75/73/70 leaf sprung landcruiser, in many respects yes, but for the purpose of this topic (going tops off) they are very similar.
most of the body diferences are from the firewall forward,
ie, a soft top bundera front door and windscreen will bolt straight onto a 73 and a 75 ute, (the only difference is the bundy screen has a channel spot welded to the top to accept the sot top)

bundy soft top rear doors will bolt straight onto a 73
Peter.

[Weiner]

I have a MQ Rear window for sale as well if needed

[Ruggers]

ive got bundy rear door and the bottom half bolts and works like it should the top halves dont qork they tapper in to much and you have gaps to big with the hard top on but there only a couple of bolts each side easy to swap. maybe consider getting a soft top made .

[suzuki boy]

You could probably get a soft top made like mine!



MOre water tight then my old hard top!

[V8 Middy]

lexan is your friend.

plate lexan, hinges and lock. end of story

I don't understand... can you elaborate??

[V8 Middy]

I have a MQ Rear window for sale as well if needed

Just measured the back of the truck... The cruiser is about 3cm too wide for the MK window. Is the MQ the same (I'm assuming so)

[droopypete]

ive got bundy rear door and the bottom half bolts and works like it should the top halves dont qork they tapper in to much and you have gaps to big with the hard top on but there only a couple of bolts each side easy to swap. maybe consider getting a soft top made .

I have a soft top bundy with removeable windows all round and I have a Toyota FRP top (shortened) everything fits fine, just like stock.
Peter.