Disassembling the hard top

[myquestoyota]

So I decided to try and get the top off of the sides for repairs and storage. I wetted the bolts inside the lip with blaster for a few days. Started removing bolts and, after the first three broke I started rethinking my plan. Do most folks trying to split a 40 year old top just drill these out and put nuts on the back? Are there nuts on the inside? My flexibility is compromised and my fingers are old but I am determined to separate them. Suggestions?

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

I have a few bolts on my hardtop that are backed by nuts nowadays, most of them are due to the threads being stripped now. I don't think I have any that are still broke off in the thread.

 

[Living in the Past]

I would thread a nut on the expose threads on top and clean off crusty crap on the thread. After being soaked with something to cut the rust I actually try to tighten the bolt a little first. Some times pushing the rust section where the nut ends away verses trying to pull it into the nut helps. Once broken I use oil and work the bolt in and continue to clean out the expose thread lot time I got a bolt to break loose and to have it bind up the rust on the expose thread.

 

[-MaTTi-]

Just weld a washer and nut on it if they broke. Comes straight away after that.

 

[BustedVW]

Just weld a washer and nut on it if they broke. Comes straight away after that.

Guys,
Can I assume the original hex bolts that anchor the roof to the sides aren't sold by anyone and the only option is re-production from SOR and others? My top is off and all bolts are safe and sound, but several don't appear to be the correct gold colored bolts with the number "4" on top. Are these available anywhere?

 

[thebigredrocker]

@BustedVW There is a member on here who started putting bolt kits together about 12 years ago. He is now a IH8Mud Vendor, his mud handle is @davework . He now has a website we can order from. Multiple bolt options are available, here's a link to his site—> Hardtop Kit Complete | Marine Grade Stainless | FJ40 - https://www.overlandmetric.com/products/hardtop-kit-complete-marine-grade-stainless-fj40

 

[BustedVW]

@BustedVW There is a member on here who started putting bolt kits together about 12 years ago. He is now a IH8Mud Vendor, his mud handle is @davework . He now has a website we can order from. Multiple bolt options are available, here's a link to his site—> Hardtop Kit Complete | Marine Grade Stainless | FJ40 - https://www.overlandmetric.com/products/hardtop-kit-complete-marine-grade-stainless-fj40

View attachment 2669061

Thank you for the info @thebigredrocker
@BMAN we have a couple of choices but none will be the originals.

 

[thebigredrocker]

Sounds like you really want original bolts. I've seen guys sell buckets of old OEM bolts in classifieds or on Ebay. You could place a want ad in classifieds and maybe get lucky. Course you might need to prep and re-plate them.

Mark's Off Road probably has buckets of OEM bolts but think he is only focusing on large orders now. So you'd need to place an order large enough get the OEM bolts.

 

[igotta40]

If you settle on the fasteners SOR sells, be sure that the threads they mate with are very clean and freshly chased. What they sell is very low carbon steel and will gall and strip easily. Don’t tighten too much, or they’ll snap right off. It’s almost like brass.

I’m not knocking SOR, I’ve been a customer almost 40 years, but buyer beware. FYI same applies to stainless steel.

 

[Dizzy]

If you settle on the fasteners SOR sells, be sure that the threads they mate with are very clean and freshly chased. What they sell is very low carbon steel and will gall and strip easily. Don’t tighten too much, or they’ll snap right off. It’s almost like brass.

I’m not knocking SOR, I’ve been a customer almost 40 years, but buyer beware. FYI same applies to stainless steel.

Are you talking about the steel ones without the grade marking on the head? Kinda concave dish with a little ridge on the edge?

Like these, but the hardtop takes M6x1? OEM TOYOTA GENUINE Parts 8mm x 1.25 x 16mm long Silver Zinc SEMS Bolts w/ lock & Fender Washers ( J.I.S. ) Bags X 10pcs - VintageTEqParts.com - https://vintageteqparts.com/collections/body/products/copy-of-6mm-x-1-00-x-20mm-silver-zinc-sems-bolts-w-lock-fender-washers-j-i-s-bags-x-25-count

 

[TEakins]

Don't forget to use anti-seize when you reassemble.

 

[igotta40]

Are you talking about the steel ones without the grade marking on the head? Kinda concave dish with a little ridge on the edge?

Like these, but the hardtop takes M6x1? OEM TOYOTA GENUINE Parts 8mm x 1.25 x 16mm long Silver Zinc SEMS Bolts w/ lock & Fender Washers ( J.I.S. ) Bags X 10pcs - VintageTEqParts.com - https://vintageteqparts.com/collections/body/products/copy-of-6mm-x-1-00-x-20mm-silver-zinc-sems-bolts-w-lock-fender-washers-j-i-s-bags-x-25-count

No, I’m referring to the packaged fasteners at SOR, with the Phillips head stamping. They are definitely not OEM. Photo illustrates the finish as well as the threads wearing down, and I only used this on my soft top frame. They’re good for screwing sheet metal together.

 

[BMAN]

@BustedVW I’ll reach out to a couple of the local guys. We can find a few for sure somewhere. Top is coming along nicely.

 

[BustedVW]

@BustedVW I’ll reach out to a couple of the local guys. We can find a few for sure somewhere. Top is coming along nicely.

OK, keep me posted and thanks. I did locte a pack of 10 on overland metric that seem better than the SOR option.

 

[Goldbug]

I disassembled mine last year, only had an issue with one or two bolts. I did it to make storage easier, but it was kind of a pain to take apart and a bigger pain to put back together. Hoping to take it off in one piece tonight and find a way to store it whole.

 

[BMAN]

@Goldbug i had mine on a hoist system in the garage back in the day. Lifted it off in one piece and could pull right out from under it.

 

[Braden620]

I'm about to embark on the top removal journey to replace with a better top and new seals. I'm anticipate breaking 95% of the hardware, so I wont be too surprised when I snap the majority of them. @ToyotaMatt has some JIS 6mm hardware that should suit your needs.

 

[Goldbug]

Took it off night before last with a little help from some friends. Gonna re-arrange the 3rd bay so I can hoist it up.

 

[Slapshot]

Tis the season I guess! I’m going to remove my top for summer and do some repairs. All the rubber in the top and windows is dry and cracked. They’ve never been replaced and are long overdue. Can of worms will be opened I’m sure!

 

[samatulich]

Tis the season I guess! I’m going to remove my top for summer and do some repairs. All the rubber in the top and windows is dry and cracked. They’ve never been replaced and are long overdue. Can of worms will be opened I’m sure!

This has been on my list for a few years. Hesitant only because of said “can of worms” I may open. Anyways, good luck, I’ll be paying close attention to threads like this and others.