Correct sequence for installing hardtop and doors................. (1 Viewer)

[tls3601]

These pieces supposedly mount between the fiberglass top and the front corners where top of windshield frame meets side bows above doors-is that correct? Can someone post up a pic of where these should go?? Putting on top for first time. Thanks!

 

[emac]

Tucker and Roma's 75 FJ40 Restore

Scroll through the pictures in this thread page 13 is hard top install.

Hold your breath and sit down before you go to page 14.

 

[tls3601]

Ok so I have most of hardtop on except fiberglass top. My question is what is the correct routing for the wire running from the dome light? Does it run thru the bows above the door or up above the frame for the fiberglass top??? I have some pics...............

 

[tlc762]

Mine was run along the inside of the drip rail then down through the hole in the rail into the B pillar to the light.
HTH,
Will

 

[tls3601]

Thanks!

 

[tls3601]

Ready for fiberglass top

 

[emac]

Looking good! I would suggest making sure all the top threads are chased, and cleaned out. Maybe even a dab of anti seize for the next guy. I would leave the side and door frame bolts a little loose to give some freedom when lining up the fiberglass roof. Get everything started before you torque them down.

 

[tls3601]

@emac yes already chased threads and am planning on the never seize as well. Toughest part so far was getting top rear bow between sides to line up holes for the bolts that screw down into the tops of both side panels........................New OEM gaskets everywhere. A few wrinkles in my headliner, once they are out from baking in the sun I will install the Cruiser Corps headliner as per @overton

 

[tls3601]

Incidentally my rig rides nicer with the extra top weight on

 

[emac]

Hopefully your headliner will go better than mine. Use tons of fresh razor blades! I botched mine up pretty good. I ended up ordering a new headliner and took it to a friend who does it for a living. He did a good job, a few wrinkles in the corners, but way better than I could do.

You may want to lube the top gasket, to make things slide around easier. That helped me a lot.

 

[tls3601]

Yes fresh razor blades seem like an excellent plan and treating the big gasket

 

[Disasterman]

Ditto on screwing up my headliner a bit on installation, also should have waited as you did to let it warm up enough to take the wrinkles out. Take your time and have extra set of hands.

 

[Strait Cruisin]

• Job requires 3-4 grown men, I've done it with 2 and did not have fun.

I've done it with one. But I was younger then.

I bought a small electric winch and some pulleys, put a beam across several of the roof trusses and I still do it with one. Since I've been doing the paint work on it now, I can pick the tub up and flip it with the cable too.

 

[bwalker16527]

It won't hurt to tack your seal over windshield down to help hold it in place. As you slide the top around it will tend to push the seal out of place. 3 strong people is a must. Doors last and install top door pins from the bottom. Once the top is on it will only take a little wiggle or two for lining the bolts up. Be ready for a while different sound with a hardtop on vs off.

Why do you install the top door pins from the bottom?

 

[brian]

you can't get them in from the top with the windshield in it's up position without some paint damage.

 

[bwalker16527]

Oh, and as @emac suggest, use this:
View attachment 1399258


On these: (as well as any other rubber items on your rig....)
View attachment 1399256

View attachment 1399257

Did you put any adhesive under the gasket on the tub lip/ridge?

 

[GA Architect]

Did you put any adhesive under the gasket on the tub lip/ridge?

No adhesive of any kind on my new Top to side, top to windscreen or sides to tub gaskets.

 

[1911]

Did you put any adhesive under the gasket on the tub lip/ridge?

Not unless you're never going to remove the hard top ever again.

One trick I do (may have learned here on Mud? I can't remember) is to put baby powder on top of that gasket, to help the top slide on it easier and straight, without it bunching up or pulling down the sides on the rear corners.

 

[bwalker16527]

No adhesive of any kind on my new Top to side, top to windscreen or sides to tub gaskets.

Great, thanks. Putting on the sides and hardtop tomorrow after re-painting. Did not want the gaskets to move around while positioning the sides.

 

[bwalker16527]

Not unless you're never going to remove the hard top ever again.

One trick I do (may have learned here on Mud? I can't remember) is to put baby powder on top of that gasket, to help the top slide on it easier and straight, without it bunching up or pulling down the sides on the rear corners.

Someone else also suggested silicone lubricant for the same reason.