I have seen detailed pics of the frame too and dont think that would be a problem to remake. But then again, we need to have one original set as a pattern.

Ehsan

Hey bigwave

 

You would have to drill some holes in the top rear edge of the tub, about 1.25" diameter. This is where the frame tubing goes through the top of the tub to mount on the rear seat benches, right behind the lower rear seat mount. You'll need to make a small bracket for the upper inside rim of the windshield frame. Oh yes, and drill a bunch of small holes all around the tub and the rear doors for the snaps and fasteners for the canvas. I have noticed that the fasteners for an FJ40 soft top - available from Specter Off-Road - are almost exactly like the ones needed for the Patrol.

 

I'm sure there is some mounting stuff to be done right behind the front seats, but I'm not at home to look at the truck for a few days.

 

Anyway, it wouldn't take any major mods to the body, and you would easily be able to put the hard top back on for the winter.

 

Hello everyone! today I took my factory softtop frame to a couple of fabricaters to see if a reproduction could be made for the part over the door-the rest of the  metal frame would be easy, and what i found it was not too encouraging: Both places I went to said it would be too labor intensive and difficult with all the curved metal and complex braking, and neither was willing to try. A simplified but functional version could be made, but it would not look original. I'll post a few pictures of the original softtop hardware in my "project X" file

cool to see you do this Daner....and since you found out the deal this is just one more reason to support Ehsan in Pakistan. He is going to need a tub to work from at the least and maybe a frame. Perhaps we could all chip in and get one cheap in India then send it to him. They are next to each other and they got tons' of Jonga's aka 60 series Patrols in India.

 

Just brain storming....

Fud-another option we may have is an idea that I've kicked around for several years: Take the work to Mexico and have it done there-i live about 75 miles from a small border town and the this town has several body(welding and fabrication) and upholstery shops which do quality work for a fraction of what it would cost in the States, in fact their sole business is to cater to Americans. It does cause a conflict in me to take work out of the States, but it would simply be prohibitively expensive to have it done here. Yesterday was somewhat of a letdown to find that no shops in America would even attempt to fabricate the door pieces. If I could get this done in Mexico, the door pieces would have to be simplyfied. How many people would be interested in ia softtop if it looked outwardly original but had some pieces that were not restoration quality? The next step is that we know of only one complete softtop, and while we could make a reasonable facsimile from photos, it would certainly be better if we could take photos and measurements from the original. I'm reluctantly jumping into this as I simply dont have much time or money to invest, but it appears that I am in a position to help out due to geography and language-If i had an idea of how many people would be interested enough-jsut a wild guess but I imagine the entire setup will cost around $800(minimum) There are many other things which would need to be worked out, i.e. the first one or two will have quality and fit issues.

Ehsan, I would be interested in a soft top and frame for my 66 Patrol. I live in NJ USA.

 

Thanks!

 

marc marino

Hi,

I would be interesed in getting an original frame and soft top for my 65. What it has now is not normal....

Please keep me posted.

David in San Diego CA. USA

I have a factory soft top frame, frame, parts, factory set up for 65-67 patrol.. no canvass- material.. factory frame complete.. If wanted willing to part with.. Contact me..

I have a 65 KL but was wanting to go soft top, keep us informed. hard top and glass is available FYI. top needs sheetmetal replaced in visor area, but all glass is there.