Before you install an FJ40 soft top
A full soft top isn't a cover you throw over the roof. It's cut to Toyota's original pattern and has to land exactly on its contact points: windshield frame, bows, tub rails, doors and the rear of the truck. Installed right, it's tight, weather-tight and quiet on the highway. Installed wrong, it wrinkles, pulls on the seams and wears out faster.
Our FJ40 / BJ40 / BJ42 full soft top mounts on the factory fasteners, with no drilling or modification. It ships without bows: it sits on your Land Cruiser's original bows. If your truck has lost its bows or some of its mounting hardware, track those down first. The top comes with stainless hardware; bows, door hinges and handles are not included.
The same process applies to every short wheelbase 40 Series: FJ40, BJ40, BJ41 and BJ42 share the same body. If you're not sure which one you have, FJ40 vs BJ40 vs BJ42 will clear it up.
Step 1: prep the truck
This is the step people rush, and it's the one that makes the difference. Walk around the truck before you even open the box.
- Bows. Make sure none is bent, cracked or rusted through at the feet. A bent bow means a wrinkled top, no matter how good the material. While you're at it, brush them down and repaint if needed.
- Windshield frame. It's the first anchor point for the top. Check that it's solid and that its attachment points are clean.
- Tub fasteners. Twist-lock fasteners, hooks, snaps, strap points: find them all, clean them, and check that none is missing or spinning loose.
- Rear of the truck. Confirm the top you ordered matches your rear closure: drop tailgate or rear barn doors.
- Clean surfaces. Wipe down the tub rails and the top of the windshield frame so you don't trap dust and grit under the new vinyl.
Tools and supplies
You don't need a full shop. For an FJ40 soft top, have on hand:
- screwdrivers and wrenches that fit your truck's hardware;
- the stainless hardware supplied with the top, kept in a box so nothing goes missing;
- a sturdy step stool to reach the roof;
- a few soft clamps (spring clamps with pads, or even clothespins) to hold the vinyl while you adjust;
- a microfiber cloth for the soft windows;
- a helper, especially to center the top and stretch it evenly.
Keep sharp tools away from the vinyl and windows: a box cutter slipping across a brand-new soft window leaves a permanent mark.
Step 2: unpack and let the top relax
The top has been folded for shipping and may hold creases. Lay it flat in the sun or somewhere warm for a few hours. The vinyl relaxes and gets its shape back.
Never fold the soft windows when they're cold: they can crease or even crack. If you need to move the top around, roll it instead of folding it.
Step 3: the mounting order
When you install an FJ40 soft top, the order matters. Always work from front to back.
Set the bows
Install the original bows in their sockets and secure them. Check that they're plumb and lined up: look at the truck from the front and from the side before going any further.
Center the top
With your helper, drape the top over the bows and center it. Seams should fall in the same places on both sides, and the front edge should run parallel to the windshield. Hold it in place with soft clamps.
Attach the front to the windshield frame
Hook the front edge onto the windshield frame first. It's the reference for everything else: if the front is crooked, the rest will be too. Don't tighten all the way yet; leave some play to adjust.
Attach the sides and doors
Work down the sides next: straps, snaps and hooks, front to back, alternating left and right to keep the top symmetrical. Fit the door sections and check that the doors close without forcing.
Finish at the rear
With a drop tailgate, the bottom of the top straps down over the tailgate. With rear barn doors, the rear section is cut for that opening. Either way, do this last, once the front and sides are in place.
Close the zippers gently
Zip slowly, holding both sides of the vinyl lined up. If a zipper fights you, don't pull harder: the top is too tight at that spot. Loosen a nearby fastener, close the zipper, then re-tighten.
Step 4: adjust for a tight fit
A new top is never perfect on day one. The vinyl keeps relaxing for a few days, especially in the sun.
- Tighten gradually. Once everything is on, go all the way around and snug the fasteners evenly.
- Let it settle. Leave the truck in the sun for a few days, then re-tighten the straps and adjust the fasteners.
- Check symmetry. Look at the truck from the front and the back: any wrinkles should disappear after re-tightening.
- Test for leaks. Spray gently with a garden hose (never a pressure washer up close) and look for any water getting in.
- Check the doors. They should open and close without the vinyl rubbing or pulling.
Mistakes to avoid
- Installing in the cold. Stiff vinyl, fighting zippers, poor fit.
- Forcing zippers. A stuck zipper is a tension problem somewhere else; forcing it eventually ruins it.
- Cranking one fastener down before everything is positioned. You lose the slack you need to center the top.
- Drilling or modifying the tub. This top is made for the factory fasteners. If something doesn't line up, look for a bent bow or a damaged mounting point first.
- Ignoring the bows. A new top on bent bows will never sit right.
- Folding cold windows. Roll them, don't fold them.
How long does it take?
There's no standard time: it depends on the condition of your bows and fasteners. For a first install, half a day with two people is a fair estimate, not counting the re-tightening over the following days. Once you've done it, it goes much faster.
After the install
A well-kept vinyl top lasts a long time. Wash it with water and mild soap, protect it from UV and never store it wet.
Haven't picked your top yet? Our FJ40 soft top buying guide covers materials, colors and rear closures, and you can see the FJ40 / BJ40 / BJ42 full soft top directly. Still deciding between fabric and steel? Read FJ40 soft top vs hard top.
For a 70 Series (BJ73, HZJ73, KZJ73...), the install follows the same logic: front, sides, then rear. See our Land Cruiser 70 Series soft top guide. For a medium wheelbase (FJ43, BJ43, BJ44, BJ46) or long wheelbase (FJ45, BJ45, HJ45, HJ47) truck, we don't have a top yet: contact us with a photo of your truck.
FAQ
Can I install an FJ40 soft top by myself?
It's possible, but much easier with two people. The helper mainly assists with centering the top on the bows and stretching it evenly. If you work alone, use soft clamps to hold the vinyl while you adjust.
Do I need to drill the body?
No. Our FJ40 / BJ40 / BJ42 full soft top mounts on the factory fasteners with no drilling or modification. If a fastener doesn't line up, check the bows and mounting points first.
Are bows included with the top?
No, the top ships without bows and mounts on your Land Cruiser's original bows. It comes with stainless hardware; bows, door hinges and handles are not included.
My new top has wrinkles. Is that normal?
Yes, for the first few days. The vinyl keeps relaxing, especially in the sun. Leave the truck outside on a few warm days, then re-tighten the straps and fasteners: the wrinkles usually go away.
Not sure which top fits your truck? Send us a photo of your Land Cruiser and we'll get back to you quickly.
