Which Land Cruisers does an FJ40 soft top fit?
Toyota built the 40 Series Land Cruiser in Japan from 1960 to 1984, on three wheelbase lengths. For a soft top, the wheelbase is what matters, because it sets the length of the tub.
| Chassis | Wheelbase | Models |
|---|---|---|
| Short | 2,285 mm (90 in) | FJ40, BJ40, BJ41, BJ42 |
| Medium | 2,430 mm (95.7 in) | FJ43, BJ43, BJ44, BJ46 |
| Long | 2,950 mm (116 in) | FJ45, BJ45, HJ45, HJ47 |
In the US, almost everyone knows the FJ40, with its gas inline-six. The diesel BJ versions were not part of Toyota's official US lineup, but many have since been imported. Good news if you own one: the BJ40, BJ41 and BJ42 share the FJ40's short chassis and body. An FJ40 top is a BJ40 top, and vice versa.
Medium and long wheelbase trucks have a longer rear tub, so a short-wheelbase top will not fit them. We don't offer a top for those yet, but you can send us a message about your truck. If the model codes still look like alphabet soup, read FJ40 vs BJ40 vs BJ42: what's the difference?.
Full soft top or bikini top?
"Soft top" covers a few different products on a 40 Series:
- Full soft top: roof, sides, doors and rear window. The truck is fully enclosed, like a factory soft top. This is what you want to drive year-round.
- Bikini top: a simple panel stretched over the front seats (sometimes the rear too). Great for shade and a passing shower, but the sides stay open.
- Separate pieces: soft doors, rear window, side curtains. Handy to replace one worn part on a top that is otherwise sound.
If your FJ40 lives outside or gets driven often, a full soft top is the logical choice. An FJ40 bikini top is a fun summer add-on, not a replacement.
Material: vinyl or canvas?
Original Toyota tops were cotton canvas. Canvas looks great and breathes, but it shrinks, mildews if it stays damp and needs regular waterproofing.
Vinyl has taken over on most replacement tops. It is waterproof, holds up better to UV and tearing, and cleans up with mild soap and water. The trade-off: the cabin can feel a bit warmer on a hot summer day.
Our full soft top is made of UV-treated vinyl with welded seams, so you get a weather-tight top that keeps its color in the sun.
Color and windows
You can choose between two colors:
- Beige: the closest match to Toyota's original canvas. The go-to for faithful restorations and light paint colors such as white, pale green or sky blue.
- Black: a more modern look that works with almost any paint and hides dirt well.
Soft windows come clear or lightly tinted. Clear gives the best visibility when parking or at night; light tint adds comfort if you drive a lot under strong sun.
Drop tailgate or rear barn doors?
This is the most common ordering mistake. Depending on year and market, the rear of an FJ40 or BJ40 tub closes in one of two ways:
- Drop tailgate: a tailgate that folds down. The bottom of the top comes down over it and straps in place.
- Rear barn doors: two side-hinged doors that swing open. The top ends above the doors.
The rear of the top is cut differently for each, so pick the version that matches your truck. Just walk around to the back and look. If your tub has been modified or rebuilt with parts from another truck, send us a photo before ordering.
What's included (and what isn't)
A replacement top replaces the fabric, not the frame. Ours comes with:
- the full soft top (roof, sides, doors, rear window);
- YKK marine-grade zippers, already sewn in;
- fasteners already fitted (twist-lock fasteners, straps, snaps and hooks) that attach to the factory points on the tub;
- the stainless hardware you need.
It ships without bows: it fits over your truck's original bows. Door hinges and handles are not included either. If your bows are missing or bent, sort them out before you order.
How to confirm your truck is a match
Three checks cover nearly every case.
1. The model code
Look for the ID plate in the engine bay. It shows the model code, such as FJ40 or BJ42. A code starting with FJ4 or BJ4 and ending in 0, 1 or 2 means short wheelbase.
2. The wheelbase
Measure from the center of the front wheel to the center of the rear wheel. A short wheelbase is about 90 inches. If you measure noticeably more, you likely have a medium or long chassis.
3. The mounting points
Our top is cut to Toyota's original pattern and mounts on the factory fasteners, with no drilling or modification. Make sure the rails, hooks and anchor points are present and not badly rusted.
Original-style top or Bestop Supertop?
Two approaches coexist for the FJ40. The Bestop Supertop is a modern kit: it comes with its own frame and a rail system. It is a complete, well-designed solution with a more contemporary look.
Our full soft top takes the other road. It follows the original Toyota design and mounts on the bows already on your truck. For a restored FJ40, that is often exactly what owners want: the silhouette stays period-correct and nothing new is bolted to the tub.
The right choice depends on your project. If your original bows are present and in good shape, an original-pattern top is the simplest path. If your bows are gone or badly damaged, a kit with a new frame may make more sense.
How to compare prices fairly
Prices for an FJ40 soft top vary a lot with material, finish and what's in the box. To compare offers honestly, ask:
- Is it a full top, with doors and rear window, or are those sold separately?
- Is shipping included, or quoted on top?
- Are bows included, or do you reuse yours?
- What grade of zippers, windows and hardware?
A cheaper listing can end up costing more once shipping, soft doors or a rear window are added. Always compare like for like, delivered to your door. Our current price is on the FJ40 / BJ40 / BJ42 soft top page.
Made by hand, shipped free
Each top is handmade in Colombia by Land Cruiser upholstery specialists. The package weighs about 24 lb (10.9 kg).
We offer free shipping to the US and Europe, with tracking, in 1 to 4 weeks. You have 14 days to change your mind as long as the top is unused.
When it arrives, unpack the top and let it rest flat somewhere warm before installing: shipping creases relax faster that way.
Installation and care in a nutshell
Installing a soft top on an FJ40 takes method more than skill: check the bows, pick a warm, dry day, center the top, attach the front first, then the sides, then the rear, and never force a zipper in the cold. Two people make it much easier. Every step is in How to install an FJ40 soft top.
Wondering whether to keep a soft top at all, or switch to steel? Read FJ40 soft top vs hard top.
Checklist before you order
- Is your truck a short wheelbase: FJ40, BJ40, BJ41 or BJ42?
- Does the tub have a drop tailgate or rear barn doors?
- Are your original bows present and in good shape?
- Original-style beige, or black?
- Clear or lightly tinted windows?
Answer those five questions and you're ready to choose your FJ40 soft top with confidence.
FAQ
Will an FJ40 soft top fit a BJ40 or BJ42?
Yes. The FJ40, BJ40, BJ41 and BJ42 share the same body and the same short wheelbase of 2,285 mm (90 in). Only the engine differs, so the top is identical. You just need to pick the right rear closure: drop tailgate or rear barn doors.
Does the top come with bows?
No. The top ships without bows and mounts on your Land Cruiser's original bows. It comes with stainless hardware and fasteners already fitted. Door hinges and handles are not included.
Do I need to drill the body to install it?
No. The top is cut to Toyota's original pattern and attaches to the factory mounting points, with no drilling or modification. Just make sure those mounting points are present and in good condition.
Do you make a top for the FJ43 or FJ45?
Not yet. These are medium and long wheelbase trucks with a longer rear tub. Contact us with a photo of your truck and we'll talk it through.
How long does shipping take to the US?
Allow 1 to 4 weeks. Shipping to the US and Europe is free and tracked. Each top is handmade in Colombia by Land Cruiser upholstery specialists.
Not sure which top fits your truck? Send us a photo of your Land Cruiser and we'll get back to you quickly.
