Please forgive the stupidity of this question. I have a '74 fj40 and want to take off the top. I removed the four bolts above the windshield; removed the two brackets on the inside windshield near the roofline and where doors close; removed the two bolts that screw into the pillars by the door handles; last, I removed seven bolts from each side where the top bolts to the tub (hence, 14 total bolts). It seems as if the front part of the top (from the windshield to the doors) is loose and ready to come out. The back (by the gate) does not want to move--even when I tried using a hydraulic jack with a 2x4. What am I doing wrong??? More importantly, IS IT WORTH THE EFFORT or should I just continue to drive with the top on? Thanks!!!
Removing fj40 top
- Thread starter alexhip
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
I've never tried to take my top off with it all in one piece. I could imagine it being very hard especially if it hasn't been taken off for a while. I know just pulling the two side panels out by themselves can be tricky. Are you trying to remove the whole top in one piece (cap, two side panels and hatch)or are you just trying to remove the fiberglass cap? The only way I have ever heard of someone removing an entire top by themselves is using a pulley system from something above like a roof or tree. I remove mine piece by piece. But if you are worried about breaking the seals you may need to have a few buddies over to help.
double check that all the bolts are off. then pry away,
could be rusted together or something like that.
and hell yeah you want it off, nothing beats cruzin with the top off
could be rusted together or something like that.
and hell yeah you want it off, nothing beats cruzin with the top off
Yeah that's a pretty handy method. Now I just need a big tree and more space.
I guess if you have a good roof rack installed it gets even easier.
I like this quote "Take care not to run straps UNDER roll bar. They should pass between top and bar..."
My first time involved a couple of pry bars and some 2x4's. I think I was the first to remove it since it was build. Now it comes on and off pretty easy.
Here's another link I found to be sure you've covered your bases.
Go to JT Outfitters site at http://www.jtoutfitters.com/
Click on Information and scroll down to FJ40 Land Cruiser Hardtop Removal. You might find this useful.
Go to JT Outfitters site at http://www.jtoutfitters.com/
Click on Information and scroll down to FJ40 Land Cruiser Hardtop Removal. You might find this useful.
JohnnyC
Long ago TLCA# 2231
i remember i had an issue with the door strikers ...bolts were too long and holding the door post bar from moving...sometimes i remember things that happended 17 years ago 
what he said
i remember i had an issue with the door strikers ...bolts were too long and holding the door post bar from moving...sometimes i remember things that happended 17 years ago
and I have some recollection of something like this too, check the pillar and see if there is something going in too far.
When it comes to your door posts. They go through an addtional set of holes lower than the tensioning bolt. It is important that you lift straight up on the top for this reason.
Note: He said he already removed the trensioner post bolts.
Note: He said he already removed the trensioner post bolts.
Colorado Boy-74-FJ40
I may grow older but I refuse to grow up!
Here's what I did
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=93780
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=93780
