Interior / Exterior Visual TechThis section contains discussion related to visual modifications of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Some items might include dash kits, roof rack modifications and other visual modifications.
Looking good. The question will be in my mind. How much will it rattle and some trim pieces in the rear would look nice. Can you take some more photos like the mounts and from the front? Alot of space is left up top. What about emergency egress? just suggestions ...
There should be no rattling as the mounts are quite solid. I'm not sure what you are suggesting for the trim pieces, we will try to keep the coat hangers and may attempt to match the powder coat to the ceiling (at least grey?)
An emergency exit has weighed heavy on my mind...we actually have made the barrier unescapable from the front...I may have to include a spring-loaded punch to blow out the back window if you are unfortunate enough to get stuck back there. I wish that toyota would have put a handle on the inside of the rear door.
I will post better mount pics with the next prototype...the current ones are all chopped up.
There should be no rattling as the mounts are quite solid. I'm not sure what you are suggesting for the trim pieces, we will try to keep the coat hangers and may attempt to match the powder coat to the ceiling (at least grey?)
An emergency exit has weighed heavy on my mind...we actually have made the barrier unescapable from the front...I may have to include a spring-loaded punch to blow out the back window if you are unfortunate enough to get stuck back there. I wish that toyota would have put a handle on the inside of the rear door.
I will post better mount pics with the next prototype...the current ones are all chopped up.
Doc
If I might suggest may be a hinged barrier it folds up and locks where you could undo from the rear seats alone with rather than using solid piece of metal just a cable smilar to tailgate holder attach to the coat hook from one end and using some quick disconnecting latch like seat belt latch that way you will still have the support for the top from moving cargo. Just an idea.
The problem with a folding barrier is primarily that there is no room to get out of the way when it folds...we originally thought that having a knurled knob on the upper mounts may work, then you could just manhandle the rack forwards or backwards (unfortunately destroying the mounting points). But the headrests prevent forward movement and there is very little room to pull it backwards...virtually none if you have cargo mounted on the side racks.
Another option would be to redesign the lower mounts so that they were not integral with the base and could be disassembled by hand...then the whole thing could be popped out in a pinch.
what are we looking at time frame wise here for a final product? installing a cabinet in the rear for my engel and some starage possibly above it and use a slide on it. As far as cargo the engel severly limits what I can carry so a few things stacked up upon another and bang in the head if I gotta stop fast. Thinking of find some hardigg or pelican that would fit in there well. May not be able to see out the back but will have an easy pack.
We are just getting back from showing the concept at FJ Summit, everyone was very positive and offered some excellent input on the idea. The interest was so high that I am bumping all of our current projects and putting this at the top of the priority list.
We have to make some significant changes so an entirely new prototype will have to be made and then reevaluated. If all goes well this is what you will see.
1) easy mounting without any tools...in and out in 5 minutes
2) mountable on both sides
3) the center bars will have coordinating holes to mount an FJ rear MPAC Rack if so desired
If interest is high enough, I would look to seeing a delivery date of 90-120 days.
BTW: It was great meeting everyone at the Summit and finally putting some faces to the forum names!
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