Soft top demand?

npca-jeepguy_23 · Post by **npca-jeepguy_23** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 3:29 am

Hello there I am new to this forum. I am from Pakistan and a medical doctor by profession.. I have never seen the older patrols here in Pakistan. The thing that got me interested in them was that there are no soft tops available for these in the US. Is there any demand for these? Ehsan

npca-fud · Post by **npca-fud** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 11:18 am

P-trollers! This is Ehsan who is the man that makes tops for the FJ40's, these being the closest to stock you can get for an FJ40. He has interest in making soft tops for the Patrol that matches stock and I am sure he can handle the work. I asked him to post here because this site is where most Patrol owners are found.....so post up in response to his interest in making soft tops for the Patrol!

npca-bigwave · Post by **npca-bigwave** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 11:30 am

; I am definately interested in one, but like ; npca-riverpatrol am in need of a soft top frame (stock one). Fud, is the resto ; picture you posted of the ragtop an original frame?; ; David CollinsHood Canal ; Communications

npca-fud · Post by **npca-fud** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 11:35 am

yes the 64 has a 100% orginal soft top frame...also 100% complete. The frame changed slightly in 1966 or 1967. and then again in 1968 but only a guy like me would know the difference. The thing to do here may be to make them a match for stock that can be easily modified by Ehsan so that a hard top owner could use it too.

npca-bigwave · Post by **npca-bigwave** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:03 pm

; This may sound ignorant, but, mine is a hardtop, ; will a softtop frame fit right onto the tub w/o any modifications? Of ; course I would have to find one first!; ; ; David CollinsHood Canal ; Communications

npca-jeepguy_23 · Post by **npca-jeepguy_23** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 1:38 pm

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

npca-riverpatrol · Post by **npca-riverpatrol** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 5:27 pm

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.

npca-bigwave · Post by **npca-bigwave** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 11:15 am

; Thanks npca-riverpatrol!; Now if we can just stir up some softtop frames, ; right!?; ; David CollinsHood Canal ; Communications

npca-ghiasplitwoodpatrol · Thu Nov 04, 2004 3:02 am

hello, my name is dane and i own and am currently do a frame off restoration on a 69 patrol. i am very interested in a soft top for my patrol. please keep me posted off the cost and feasability. thank you.

npca-ghiasplitwoodpatrol · Thu Nov 04, 2004 3:03 am

dane again. i would need a frame as well.