hoopset on a 5 door IIA?

[W2HX]

hi there. can a hoopset and soft top be fitted to a 5 door IIA 109? I've seen them on 3 door 109s but I cant recall seeing one on a 5 door?
thanks

[LaneRover]

Someone had pics recently of a canvas top on a 5 door. It may be in the pics from the Metal Dash week-end.

[SalemRover]

These folks make an off the shelf hoopset and canvas for your needs. It is not listed on their site for some reason but they sell it. There was one at the all metal dash this weekend, but the only closeups posted so far are of little bits of the layshaft.

-Jason

http://www.allwheeltrim.co.uk/series-2&3.html#109

[W2HX]

Thanks guys. I have sent an email to the outifit in UK for more info. LaneRover: Could you direct me to the thread discussing this "metal dash" weekend? Would greatly appreciate it. Also, anyone know how I can set up my profile to email me when there is a reply to one of my posts? at IH8MUD.com this is the default behavior. They both use very similar (same) forums technology, but I could not find the options for that. thanks

[LaneRover]

Its on the 2nd page of threads, just after the "sticky's" (the threads that always 'stick' to the top).

Its title is All Metal Dash Week-end.

Good luck

[SalemRover]

rare interior shots

[W2HX]

Wow! Thanks a ton for those photos! I did find the metal dash truck, I think this was it:

http://www.trainsim.com/metaldash/images/2011/images/img_1687.jpg

Anyone know how I could get in touch with this guy? I'd like to ask some questions about it. I am looking to acquire my first land rover (I have a 78 toyoya landcruiser and want a change). I am considering a 109 5 door because I have two kids, and I think the front facing rear seats would be safer.

First, do you guys know if the backseat doors (not the 5th door), if the top halves of the doors come off? I am hoping they do. But I am wondering what impact that would have on the canvas top. The photos you posted seem to show some aluminum pieces above the doors to hold it. It also seems to show that the front door window halves have been removed, but not the backseat door window halves. So I wasnt sure if they needed to stay in for the top.

I also see a seat belt anchor point on some kind of pillar between the front and rear doors. Does this exist at all times when the hard top is taken off?

so many questions, so little knowledge!
thanks
Eugene W2HX

[SalemRover]

I am that guy. The back halves of the rear doors being removable is a pretty rare option. You can shop around for early middle doors off a defender or fabricate your own. There would be no impact on the hoopset (galvanized steel, not aluminum). The soft top installation process is straightforward and easy. The rear 3 point seat belt harness is something I have been planning for a while. There are no current options for that since a 5 door soft top was not a mass production vehicle. You have to fabricate your own there. I have some ideas and if my transmission wasn't strewn about the garage floor it would be my current project. The front seat belt mount you see on the b pillar does exist at all times. You can email me at jswachtel at verizon dought net.

Regards,

Jason

[W2HX]

ha! Great news. I'll email you direct. thanks