removing top for first time

[rustbucket]

Ive had my truck for 4 years and I've never gone topless, mainly due to a non useable tailgate. I now have a rust free ,working tailgate

Anything I need to check for before I attempt to remove it? I want to be able to get it back on.

The previous owners never removed it either, if it has been off before, it hasnt been since the 90's

Would anyone be interested in a write-up or how to? I can take pics during, but I figure everyone has had the top off already(except me)

 

[OTTERYOTA]

Toyota 4Runner and Pickup: Cheap Tricks

this has a great how to on removing the top let me know how it goes!! im gonna take mine off soon

 

[RiFF RaFF]

Having read other people's experiences removing the top my recommendation would be to make sure and note where each bolt came from. It's my understanding they are not all the same.

The old egg carton trick should work fine.

also -- be the first to document the removal process!

:worthless

 

[rustbucket]

Will do guys, the link posted above is a great link all kinds of information,once I get a spare day wiyh some extra hands ill attempt it. First order of business is getting it to move forward under its own power(see other thread) 4runners are heavy to push by your self.....

 

[T?@\7]

I wanna take mine off for the first time too, soon

 

[thatoneguy]

When I bought my 1st gen the top had never been off before. So I took it off. I've taken it off a few times now. There's nothing to it, just don't scratch your paint by dragging ass. And put every bolt in when you put it back on, there's a bolt that's required for the power window to operate.

 

[Hyde802]

All my bolts were the same...? The second bolt from the back on the drivers side needs to be installed for the gate to work.

After taking it off the first time, I never put the trim pieces back on. I can get it on and off by myself in about 15 min now, but it helps to have someone else help.

National go topless day was last weekend...

 

[BucknutBob]

Question from a 2nd Gen guy--do they make a garage "lift" for these like they do for the Jeep hardtops? That would seem like a worthwhile investment (or project for the DIY'r)--a little rope and some pulleys, and voila! Top is off, hanging in the garage, ready for reinstallation whenever.

 

[85toy4runner]

All my bolts were the same...? The second bolt from the back on the drivers side needs to be installed for the gate to work.

After taking it off the first time, I never put the trim pieces back on. I can get it on and off by myself in about 15 min now, but it helps to have someone else help.

National go topless day was last weekend...

im interested to if all the bolts are the same length and size , I have never taken my 85 4runners top off

 

[rustbucket]

Supposedly one is shorter than the others, ill find out soon enough....

 

[helo-mech]

None of mine where different. As mentioned above there is the one that has to be for the rear window to roll down.

I don't know about a "commercial" lift but with a couple of eye bolts, some straps and a 2x4 I can get mine off in about 10 minutes by myself. Once off I just lift it up high enough to drive in the 4Runner or the Accord.

 

[rustbucket]

National go topless day was last weekend...

I had the top down on the Celica does that count?

 

[RiFF RaFF]

Hell yes! Now that is Semper Paratus (or Semper Gumby!).

:hatsoff:

How's this for top-down?

(Me in my 08 Solstice GXP)

:surfer:

 

[rustbucket]

Always liked that color on the solstice

Heres the Celica

ok back on topic, thats a great idea for the shell,my runner sleeps outside....and so does the the vert since the garage has been over run by toys

 

[Sockeyewillie]

I took my top off my 85 for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I don't want to ever put it back on. I am ordering the softopper for it and selling what I don't need.

 

[MT Tatman]

Question from a 2nd Gen guy--do they make a garage "lift" for these like they do for the Jeep hardtops? That would seem like a worthwhile investment (or project for the DIY'r)--a little rope and some pulleys, and voila! Top is off, hanging in the garage, ready for reinstallation whenever.

I know a few who have done their own with pulleys and it is super simple.
As for Re-installation.....HA!!!!!
Girls aren't the only thing that is better Topless! HAHA!
I enjoy going topless so much, I went to a softopper Full-time, so I can have open air in minutes anytime.

 

[Coctailer]

I took my top off my 85 for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I don't want to ever put it back on. I am ordering the softopper for it and selling what I don't need.

This is what I would do if I had a first Gen.:gun6:

 

[85toy4runner]

yeah those soft toppers look good on there

 

[illzoni]

Here you go:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/100278-hoist-1st-gen-topper.html

I'm moving into a new house in a few weeks. I'll reinstall the hoist system and will upgrade the points of attachment to the topper.

HTH,
Jon

 

[MT Tatman]

When I got my softopper I traded my hard top for 5 cases of beer. I just wanted it gone, and a buddy had a couple broken windows on his, so the deal worked for both of us!
I love my softopper! As soon as it hits 50 degrees outside, I rollup the sides and the back, leaving the roof extended. Very pleasant open air without a big breeze blowing stuff around.
It has survived Montana winters, but they say not to roll up sides (window plastic) in cold weather because the plastic can possibly get damaged due to it being more brittle at low temps.