fjcruzn
Observer
I purchased my M416 a couple of years ago and begin my build. One of the first items I wanted to add was an aluminum top.
This is a picture of the trailer when I bought it on ebay.
After checking with several welding shops I was told by a friend to contact a local welding shop that specialized in aluminum welding and fabrication. I met with the welder and I was immediately impressed with his skill and expertise. He agreed to take on the project of building a top for my M416.
Here is a picture of the top having the internal ribs fabricated.
This is the top being fitted to my M416.
Next step is hinging the top to the trailer. I chose to use half hinges so I could easily remove the top if needed.
Here the hinges are installed.
Next step was to fit the latches. I chose a latch that I could use a padlock with.
We added struts to make opening easier.
Next I mounted my ARB Simpson II tent to the aluminum top.
Shirley showing the tent is mounted and ready to use.
Here we are on our expedition to do nine Colorado mountain passes in 2009
Climbing up the gnarly trail to Taylor Lake.
In camp at Taylor Lake.
Posing at the top of one of the many mountain passes.
Kloeppel Welding did an outstanding job in fabricating my trailer top. His price was very reasonable charging about $500 for the top.
I've changed axles to 3500 pound axles with electric brakes and the Toyota bolt pattern. I'll post that mod soon.
My next project is to add struts to raise the tent to FJ rooftop height. I want to use my annex with the tent on our forthcoming Alaska expedition.
This is a picture of the trailer when I bought it on ebay.
After checking with several welding shops I was told by a friend to contact a local welding shop that specialized in aluminum welding and fabrication. I met with the welder and I was immediately impressed with his skill and expertise. He agreed to take on the project of building a top for my M416.
Here is a picture of the top having the internal ribs fabricated.
This is the top being fitted to my M416.
Next step is hinging the top to the trailer. I chose to use half hinges so I could easily remove the top if needed.
Here the hinges are installed.
Next step was to fit the latches. I chose a latch that I could use a padlock with.
We added struts to make opening easier.
Next I mounted my ARB Simpson II tent to the aluminum top.
Shirley showing the tent is mounted and ready to use.
Here we are on our expedition to do nine Colorado mountain passes in 2009
Climbing up the gnarly trail to Taylor Lake.
In camp at Taylor Lake.
Posing at the top of one of the many mountain passes.
Kloeppel Welding did an outstanding job in fabricating my trailer top. His price was very reasonable charging about $500 for the top.
I've changed axles to 3500 pound axles with electric brakes and the Toyota bolt pattern. I'll post that mod soon.
My next project is to add struts to raise the tent to FJ rooftop height. I want to use my annex with the tent on our forthcoming Alaska expedition.
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