Doors off, top on?

[Schaefo]

I am a new 1978 FJ40 owner and I have yet to remove the roof. I know it's possible, not incredibly difficult. I also know that finding a place to store it and getting it back on are going to be a bit more challenging. Do people remove the doors and leave the roof on ever? What about the ambulance doors?

 

[Tennessee80]

It's a 40, it's meant to have some dirt in it, LOL

Nothing like driving a 40 with the top off!

 

[Curt]

Take the top of, you can make or buy a gate for the back of the 40.

 

[Landpimp]

this is why you need a 45 pickup......top is super easy to take off (if you never put any bolts back in, its about 5 mins with a buddy, another few for the doors)

my 82 fj40 has never had the top off and I never plan on taking it off......which is another reason to also have a 45LPB

if you take your top off, you can get a panel that replaces the lower part of the ambulance doors kinda like a tailgate but its fixed(wont drop or open)

no doors, I use the OEM safety straps.......not like they are safe.....but they look cool also had some soft 1/2 doors, they were OK, but the best part of being doorless is putting your left foot on the running board when driving.....yeah I am weird but its the simple things that keep me happy (the guys with RHD will never know such joys)

 

[Captn Conch]

To answer your questions; If you want the top off...take it off, you will lose some major poundage. Be very careful taking off the top and I highly recommend getting some lifting help, That b*#tard is heavy.period. have a plan where you will place your bolts. Lift carefully and do not damage or lose any of the gaskets/moldings that may stick or tear during the initial lift off. Loosen the pole bolts right there at the body side door opening. I did it by myself before but only once...Not recommended. Doors off top on just fine, people do it all the time. if you take the ambulance doors off with the doors off top on you may get exhaust fumes sucked up from behind. Don't Leave Your Top Outside in MD the rust devil will promptly dispose of it for you ! Putting it back on is as easy as taking it off, with the proper lifting help.
BTW while the top is off drop your windshield and flex those hinges, lube them, work it in. When they rust they become not a hinge but just a single piece of metal.

 

[cuteo100]

It will receive a lot attentions, be warned!

 

[Captn Conch]

The FJ40 with the top off and the windshield down is just plain heavy duty gnarly! Great for trail or town Cruisering. If you don't want attention don't do it.

 

[Hogan]

I vote top off

Early morning ride

• Hogan
• Mar 1, 2009

 

[Mr Cimarron]

When I left the Jeep world for Land Cruisers (80 series) I really missed driving around with no top and doors. The BJ40 I bought has never had the top off but it will be one of the first things I do when I receive it. I don't care how much work it takes, it's coming off.

 

[JohnnyC]

I used to run that way... I used ol' kayline aftermarket doors... Easy off just throw in back

 

[TLCJC]

I bought a Harken Hoister last fall at West Marine and plan to install it soon in my garage. Once it's in, the block and tackle make it a one person operation.

Www.hoister.com



Ps. Brunette not included.

 

[Tancruiser]

If you take the top off it will rain straight for a month , just saying go buy a good tarp if you don't have a garage .

 

[DesertEmu]

I drive all summer with my top off FJ45 I just leave doors on for safety for my girls dont fall out plus my speakers are in the doors.
I just think it depends on where you live.

 

[rusty_tlc]

IMHO running with the top on and doors off is like kissing your sister.

When you take the top off get your sawzall and chop those door post down a few inches. It greatly simplifies removal and installation.

IIRC Spector, Man It Aint Cheap and a couple of others sell bolt on tail gates for units with ambulance doors, as mentioned above a good idea if you don't want to suck exhaust fumes.

I made a set of weather covers for my seats out of Harbor Freight Poly tarp, tons easier than tarping the whole rig.

 

[skidplate]

I've found that removing the spare tire greatly reduces the difficulty of top removal. As mentioned above, the side posts are long so have two tall guys on either side and I stand in the truck and lift up on the top with my back and walk it back. I haven't had my top off in years because I have no place to store it but it sure is fun to drive topless.

 

[White Stripe]

It's hard to find take just the doors off. Mainly because you need to fold the windshield forward a bit to get the door pins out. To fold the windshield you need the top off. Also FYI, it looks silly with just the doors off.

 

[Vossie]

no doors, I use the OEM safety straps.......not like they are safe.....but they look cool also had some soft 1/2 doors, they were OK, but the best part of being doorless is putting your left foot on the running board when driving.....yeah I am weird but its the simple things that keep me happy (the guys with RHD will never know such joys)

Oh curse you my FJ45 RPK is way better
,
Kidding of course driving no roof no doors is why we have 45's, right? That and my windscreen folded down doubles as a gun rack/rest

But to answer the OP, it can work just roof on no doors, especially when you deal with very hot sun and traffic... and a overhead console

At the end of the day, it's up to you.

 

[Snowdogyyz]

Put a lift in the garage and you can hoist it off by yourself. I do it every year. Still a pain and I keep saying I'm not going to take it off anymore........ but I always do! Too much fun driving topless.

 

[Schaefo]

Thanks to everyone for the great info. I will end up going topless. Driving in DC in the summer with no AC will be impossible otherwise. It's just going to be a matter of adequate overhead space in my garage.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

It's hard to find take just the doors off. Mainly because you need to fold the windshield forward a bit to get the door pins out. To fold the windshield you need the top off. Also FYI, it looks silly with just the doors off.

Someone was selling "quick detach" door hinges for the FJ40 hard doors on this forum for a while - not sure if he's still producing them. I hope he is because that's on my want list for exactly this reason!

Don't Leave Your Top Outside in MD the rust devil will promptly dispose of it for you !

This is exactly what happened to my truck - It was a california vehicle, moved to Annapolis, MD with its previous owner. Owner kept the truck in the garage (mostly rust free tub) but the top and doors outside (completely rotten).

My plan is to run the top and doors until it comes time for body work. Since most of the bodywork will BE in the top and doors, I'll take them off and run topless until I get it all fixed!

@Schaefo - I'm a couple hours up the road from you in Cecil County, if you ever need a hand!