Convertible--I'm thinking about chopping it

Vito · 05-29-2007, 07:43 PM

Hi all,
I am in the market for a convertible 4x4, something that turns heads. I however already own my 07 Voodoo Blue. I used to own a 72 Chevy Blazer with a full removable top. Once removed, you would install snap rails down the sides of the vehicle where the sides would snap on to. I had snaps also installed on the top of the windshield and then on the top of the tailgate. So here I am thinking about chopping the top off the FJ in hopes of having the same set up.

Here's what I am thinking. I am wondering if I can get the top cut off from the windshield all the way back. I was thinking about removing the 4 doors plus the the rear door and then search for replacements that I could out the posts and cut below the glass (finish it off of course) and at the rear, I'd probably get cut above the spare tire mount. Then, I would thing that I could get a top made with sides and a rear flap/window or just get a bikini top (the truck is supposed to be water resistant)

Obviously, I would get a roll cage similar to that of the Wrangler with the padding, mainly for looks but probably for support as well.

Do any of you truck experts think this might work? Could I do it for less than 10 grand? Please tell me what you think. Obviously, I am not going to do something without a plan, I just thought I would start here to get honest opinions first

I await your responses

Brian - VABeach · 05-29-2007, 07:57 PM

There are a lot of folks here hoping to see this done as a real offroad vehicle, vs the bling ragtops that have shown up on Ebay. I'd been hoping someone would convert one that had a damaged roof, but if you are willing to chop yours that's great. Personally I think a heavy duty roll cage and the right wheels and tires would make a huge difference. Please keep us posted if you go for it.

thedude · 05-29-2007, 08:46 PM

definetly keep us posted if you pursue this any further!

FJ-JJ · 05-30-2007, 05:41 AM

Going for continued function of the doors might still be possible, but a different look.
I think the biggest issue would be the integrity/rigidity of the roof-line at the point where the suicide doors engage the top latch. Remember that the front doors are closing onto a structure- the rear door frame- that can open. When that door closes, it has to be really solid in order for the whole passenger compartment sides to get closed up. Whoever does the chop better know if there are side curtain airbags, or they could get a major surprise

.

A rollback style canvass top might be cool, and shouldn't be too hard to do, you'd still end up with some ribs running across to keep it stiff, but it would let the outside world in...

**puulboy** · 05-30-2007, 06:12 AM

Quote:

FJ-JJ previously said:

Going for continued function of the doors might still be possible, but a different look.
I think the biggest issue would be the integrity/rigidity of the roof-line at the point where the suicide doors engage the top latch. Remember that the front doors are closing onto a structure- the rear door frame- that can open. When that door closes, it has to be really solid in order for the whole passenger compartment sides to get closed up. Whoever does the chop better know if there are side curtain airbags, or they could get a major surprise

.

A rollback style canvass top might be cool, and shouldn't be too hard to do, you'd still end up with some ribs running across to keep it stiff, but it would let the outside world in...

Check out this article on a blinged out version of an fj convertilbe. this will at lleast give you an idea of what it will look like

California Chop - AutoWeek

FJ-JJ · 05-30-2007, 06:30 AM

Cool! that's exactly what I envisioned.

Vito · 05-30-2007, 06:40 AM

I took a look at the "blinged out" from Autoweek, what I would prefer to do is to get rid of the pillars between the front and back door as well as the back door windows. I hadn't thought about the top latch of the suicide doors but I wonder if I could have the suicide doors welded to the front door and move the side latching mechanism to the rear. That would make for one long door, not sure that would look to good. The only other thought would be to install some form of latching mechanism to the roll cage, I just really want to get rid of as much "body" as possible to make it a true convertible.

I was also checking out the tailgate. It look like I could have that cut right below the glass and allow it to swing normally. If I am not mistaken, the old fj's had the tire go above the tailgate on some models.

Please keep your comments coming. I appreciate the insight.

Vito

Vito · 05-30-2007, 06:41 AM

I could also just weld shut the suicide's and let the kids or passengers figure out how to get to the back.

FJ-JJ · 05-30-2007, 08:08 AM

Weld them shut, and re-install the front seats with a flip forward mount, allowing them to pivot up/forward out of the way.

Ranger92 · 06-01-2007, 11:06 AM

i feel like the roof shape is a big part of the FJs good looks and any convertible pics i've seen look kinda weird. However i think if you were to put in a roll cage that kinda follows that FJ shape (especially in the back) this could turn out to be something worth going for... if i was any good with photoshop i'd try and come up with something...