FJ40 Top Reassembly question?

[mmw68]

I need to put my FJ40 hardtop back together, and Iam not sure of the best way.

1. Should I put the entire thing back together side/top cap - then place on the truck?
2. put the side panels on the truck - then put the top cap on?

-Mark

 

[yzftaco]

I've never done it before, but...

I'd assume putting it together on the truck would be ideal... sides with bolts loose, put the top lid on.. and then start snugging everything down...

 

[jrcrawly]

I take my hardtop off every spring and reinstall it every fall. I keep it all together and use pullys attached to the garage roof and a come-a-long to do the heavy lifting. Aside from some minor gasket aligning, it's an easy one-person job. All assembled, it's a heavy SOB, all separated it's tedious pain in the...

 

[alkarich]

All in one piece I found was easier.

 

[dgangle]

I have never done your option #2 but have done #1.

I placed some carpet on the garage floor and assembled it from there with only one person. This allowed me to put some silicone on both sides of the gasket to lessen the likelihood of rain leaks. I also put in a headliner at the same time so upside down was my only real option. Downside is 3 people to lift it back onto the truck.

I imagine it could be done either way. If you assemble it on the truck be sure to leave everything loose until you get all the bolts started...common sense working on anything for that matter. Good luck.

 

[Colorado Boy-74-FJ40]

#2 worked best for me. just finger tighten all the bolts so you can wrangle the pieces to get the holes to line up. A rubber mallet and wood block will be helpful then tighten the bolts. I started with the top bolts then the base. make sure your rear door seam alignments are good before you tighten down the last few rear bolts. Good luck.

 

[mmw68]

This is how I was thinking of doing it, Iam sure I could find 3 people if I had some available.

I have never done your option #2 but have done #1.

I placed some carpet on the garage floor and assembled it from there with only one person. This allowed me to put some silicone on both sides of the gasket to lessen the likelihood of rain leaks. I also put in a headliner at the same time so upside down was my only real option. Downside is 3 people to lift it back onto the truck.

I imagine it could be done either way. If you assemble it on the truck be sure to leave everything loose until you get all the bolts started...common sense working on anything for that matter. Good luck.

 

[fueg0]

I'm in Pflugerville, so yell if you're in a bind and need a hand. (pm me & I'll send over my cell)

--jeff

 

[066wally]

If it is pieces now I'd say put it together one piece at a time. I could see putting it together on the ground and having alignment problems when you have it overhead and are trying to muscle it into position.
Bolt pieces in loosely and snug everything down once it is all together.
Old mechanic's advice "don't tighten any bolts until all of the bolts are started"

 

[Texx]

I usually throw on the sides first, then the top. Course, I have the windows out Makes for easy alignment with a long skinny drift. Otherwise, it's a sumbitch. Unless you're a manly man with a great back, it's the only way. (or, get a forkinlift!)

 

[ducktapeguy]

If it's already in pieces, it's easier to assemble it back together piece by piece. One person can put the sides on easily, and even the cap, although another person makes it easier. If it was taken off in one piece then you can probably put it back as one piece, but only if you know it'll fit up right. It's a heavy SOB to get up there and aligned, even with two or three people, it'll only be more of a headache if things are out of alignment.