Bestop Tigertop Quick start guide

51440, 51443 1
Rev. C 0301
Model: Toyota Land Cruiser, FJ40, 1964 - 1984 Part Number 51443
Top Kit, Soft Doors Included
Note: Use of this product on some vehicles may not allow the use of factory side mirrors.
Note: Use of this product on some vehicles may require the removal of the entry light bulbs.
Note: On vehicles built after 1975 that have never had a soft top, a metal tailgate panel will need to be ordered. Order Part
Number 51042-01. (Removing the hard top also removes the tailgate).
Model: Toyota Land Cruiser, FJ40, 1964 - 1984 Part Number 51440
Top Kit Only, Soft Doors Not Included
Note: On vehicles built after 1975 that have never had a soft top, a metal tailgate panel will need to be ordered. Order Part
Number 51042-01. (Removing the hard top also removes the tailgate).
Installation Instructions and Owner's Manual
Congratulationsonyourpurchasingdecision.BestopdesignedthisConvertibleToptogiveyouyearsofdependabilityandperformancewith
propercare. IfyouencounteranyproblemsduringtheinstallationofyourConvertibleTop,oratanylaterdate,pleasecontactyourauthorized
Bestop dealer or call our Consumer Response Department, Monday - Friday 8AM-4:30PM (MST) at 1-800-346-3910 or [phone]
in Colorado.
Note: Please read this manual thoroughly before beginning the installation. After completing installation, keep this manual
for future reference.
by
WARNING
Thisproductisdesigned toenhancetheappearance ofthevehicleand toshieldtheoccupants fromordinaryweatherconditions.
Do not rely, in any way, on the components of this product to contain occupants within the vehicle, or to protect against injury
or death in the event of an accident. This top will not protect the occupants from falling objects. Never operate vehicle in excess
of manufacturer’s specifications.
WEAR SEAT BELTS AT ALL TIMES.
Read and follow, precisely, all installation instructions provided when installing top. Failure to do so may result in a poor fitting
top and could place occupants of the vehicle in a potentially dangerous situation.

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Rev. C 0301
Before You Install
You may notice some wrinkling in the fabric of your Convertible Top when you first remove it from its shipping container.
Also, there may be indentations in the windows. Don’t Panic. It is normal for the tops to do this when stored in the ship-
ping container. The wrinkles and indentations will disappear after 48-72 hours of exposure to sunlight.
Note: You should install your Convertible Top in temperatures of 70 ° F (21 ° C) or warmer. The fabric will contract in cooler
temperatures, making proper installation difficult.
You are now ready to begin the installation process.
Installation: Getting Started
To make installation easier, we recommend that two people install the top.
Make sure that the temperature where you are going to install your Convertible Top is at least 70°F (21°C). If it is cooler
than this outside, we suggest that you install your top in a heated garage. Do no try to install your Convertible Top in
temperatures less than 70°F (21°C) because proper installation will not be possible.
Tools You Will Need
[] A phillips head screwdriver [] An adjustable wrench
[] A tape measure [] A hammer
[] 1 ea. 1/8", 5/32" and 3/16" [] Scissors
drill bits and a power drill [] A center punch
[] A piece of chalk [] A pencil
Unpacking: What You Have
Important - Please Read
Even though Bestop has taken every possible precaution to include all the parts necessary to install your Convertible Top,
sometimes pieces are unintentionally left out. DO NOT RETURN YOUR CONVERTIBLE TOP. Immediately contact
Bestop at 1(800)346-3910 or, in Colorado, at [phone]. We will then be able to forward the necessary part to you or
have you contact a local distributor to ensure the most expedient service.
Carefully remove the parts from the shipping container to avoid scratching the windows. Check each part against the
following Parts List.
USE ONLY PARTS THAT COME WITH THIS TOP, SINCE OLD PARTS MAY NOT MATCH.
Note: On vehicles built after 1975 that have never had a soft top, a metal tailgate panel will need to be ordered. Order Part
Number 51042-01. (Removing the hard top also removes the tailgate).
Note: The Horizontal Assemblies mount to the existing brackets in the upper corners of the vehicle windshield. If the brack-
ets are missing, order Part Number 13.85.
Note: 51443 Only - A small
amount of light weight oil
for Door Pins.

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Rev. C 0301
Installing your Convertible Top
Regardless of what type of hardware you currently have on your vehicle, it is extremely important that you only use the hardware found
in this Convertible Top kit. This Convertible Top cannot be used with your existing hardware.
Figure 1
Step Two
Adjust your windshield by loosening the Windshield Clamps and adjusting the brackets. You may then lean the
windshield forward or back as necessary. Use a shim to fix the windshield in place if it remains loose after you
tighten the screws.
Important Note: Before continuing, please check the following items.
Model: Toyota Land Cruiser, FJ40, 1964 - 1984 Part Number 51443
Top Kit, Soft Doors Included
Note: Use of this product on some vehicles may not allow the use of factory side mirrors.
Note: Use of this product on some vehicles may require the removal of the entry light bulbs.
Note: On vehicles built after 1975 that have never had a soft top, a metal tailgate panel will need to be
ordered. Order Part Number 51042-01. (Removing the hard top also removes the tailgate).
Model: Toyota Land Cruiser, FJ40, 1964 - 1984 Part Number 51440
Top Kit Only, Soft Doors Not Included
Note: On vehicles built after 1975 that have never had a soft top, a metal tailgate panel will need to be
ordered. Order Part Number 51042-01. (Removing the hard top also removes the tailgate).
Note: The Horizontal Assemblies mount to the existing brackets in the upper corners of the vehicle wind-
shield. If the brackets are missing, order Part Number 13.85.
Windshield Adjustment
This is the first step you must take in the installation process and it is also the most
important one. Improper windshield adjustment results in poor fitting of both the top and
the doors, as well as misalignment of snaps.
Step One
Measure and record the distance from the top inside edge of the windshield to the top
outer edge of the vehicle body (see Figure 1). Take the measurement from approximately
six inches inside the vehicle’s doors. Check to make sure that both sides measure equally.
To install this top properly, this measurement must be 81".
Rear point of
measurement
on body
6"
6"
81"
Rear point of
measurement
on body
Inside edge of
windshield
81"
Windshield adjustment should be
made at the windshield brackets
Measurement
Detail Front
Tape Measure

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Rev. C 0301
Windshield Retainer - Left,
Qty - 1, PN 225.43
Because of Generic Packaging, extra parts may be included.
Parts List and Hardware Identification
Check off each item
Windshield Retainer - Right,
Qty - 1, PN 225.42
Top Fabric Qty - 1
Door - Right Qty - 1 51443 Only
Door - Left Qty - 1 51443 Only
Adhesive PSA
Hook Strip Qty - 8"
Buckle Strap Qty - 2
Bow Assembly - Right,
Qty - 1, PN 244.52
Bow Assembly - Left,
Qty - 1, PN 244.53
#10-32 Hex Nut,
Qty - 24, PN 151.82
Threaded Body Stud,
Qty - 24, PN 151.81
#10-24 Locknut,
51443 Only
Qty - 8, PN 195.93
Wing Nut, Qty - 2,
PN 151.83
5/16 x 3/4" Hex Bolt,
Qty - 2, PN 116.03
#10 x 1/2" Oval Head
Phillips Screw, Qty - 4,
PN 155.49
#8 x 1/2" Pan Head
Washer Screw - Black,
Qty - 9, PN 200.48
#14 Sheet Metal Screw,
Qty - 4, PN 243.51
#10-24 x 3/8" Truss Head
Machine Screw - Black,
51443 Only,
Qty - 8, PN 195.92
Paddle Handle - Door
51443 Only
Qty - 2, PN 245.46
Footman Loop, Qty - 2,
PN 272.29
Bow Coupler, Qty - 2,
PN 244.73
Door Striker
51443 Only
Qty - 2, PN 256.30
Horizontal Rod Bracket,
Qty - 2, PN 13.85 #10 x 1/2" S/M Screw,
Qty - 4, PN 1.92

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Rev. C 0301
The Mounting Assembly
This section will lead you through the installation of the various pieces that make up your
Convertible Top hardware system.
Bow Assembly
CAUTION: Installation of the Bow Assemblies involves drilling in the top edge of the
vehicle body. Check under the body edge at the marked locations. There may be wiring
for the rear lights. If so, pull the wiring out of the way before drilling.
Note: It may be necessary to remove any Roll Bar Padding.
Step One
Measure 15 1/2 inches along the top edge of the vehicle from the door jam (see Figure 2).
Mark the locations with a pencil on each side of the vehicle. This will be the location of the
front hole of the Bow Assembly Mounting Brackets.
Figure 2
Area detailed at right
Step Two
This step will require two people. Locate the left and right Bow Assemblies in the parts kit.
Select one of the assemblies and lay the assembly on the body. Center the front hole of
the Bow Assembly Mount Bracket on the 15 1/2 inch mark. Using the Bow Mounting
Bracket as a template, center punch and drill a 3/16" hole. Secure the front hole of the
Bow Assembly Mount Bracket with a #14 Sheet Metal Screw. Lift up the Bow Assembly
and, again, using the Bow Assembly Mounting Bracket as a template, mark, center punch
and drill a 3/16 inch hole for the rear of the bracket. Secure the rear hole with a #14 Sheet
Metal Screw. Repeat this procedure on the opposite side of the vehicle. Lay the Bow
Assemblies down onto the body and connect the Bow Halves together with the Bow
Couplers. Slide the foam sleeves on the front bow to the center of the Bow Coupler on the
front Bow Assembly.
Note: The flat side at the front of the Horizontal Assemblies will mount to the outside of
the existing windshield brackets.
Left Bow
Assembly
Bow Couplers
Right Bow Assembly
Mounting Bracket
Left Bow Assembly
Mounting Bracket
Left Vertical
Assembly
Right Vertical
Assembly
Left Horizontal
Assembly
Top view - right side of body
15 1/2"
15 1/2"
Mark Location of front
hole of Bow Assembly
Mounting Bracket.
Front Edge of
Door Jam
Figure 3
Right Horizontal
Assembly
Right Bow
Assembly

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Rev. C 0301
Step Two - A
Note: If the vehicle is already equipped with brackets in the upper corners of the wind-
shield, skip to Step Three.
Position the Horizontal Rod Bracket in the upper corner of the windshield, flush with the
frame (see Figure 3a). Using the bracket as a template, mark the location of the (2) holes.
Center punch and drill the 5/32" holes. Secure the bracket to the windshield using (2) #10
Sheet Metal Screws. Repeat this procedure for the other bracket.
Figure 3a
Horizontal Rod Bracket
#10 S/M Screw
Windshield Frame
Area detailed at right

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Rev. C 0301
Step Three
Rotate the Front Bow Assemblies forward and insert the Vertical Assemblies into the
existing hole on the top of the body at the rear of the door openings. Secure the front of
the Horizontal Assemblies to the outside of the existing brackets in the upper corners of
the windshield frame using a 5/16 x 3/4" Hex Bolt and Wing Nut.
Windshield Retainer
Note: If your vehicle currently has a windshield retainer, it must be removed and replaced
with the enclosed windshield retainer.
Step One
Center the Windshield Retainers on top of the windshield frame and butt the retainers up
against the top lip of the windshield frame. Use the retainers as a template to mark, center
punch and drill nine 1/8 inch holes (Note: drill one 1/8 inch hole between the two halves of
the retainer.) Use nine #8 x 1/2 Pan Head Washer Screws (see Figure 4).
Note: There may be existing holes on some vehicles that may interfere with the holes in
the new windshield retainers. If so, it may be necessary to drill the retainer holes off to one
side.
CAUTION: A loose windshield retainer may allow the top to
disengage from the windshield, causing damage to the top
and possible injury to the occupants of the vehicle. Make
certain that the windshield retainer is securely fastened to
the windshield at the time of first installation. Check the
tightness of the mounting screws every three months.
(Do not over-tighten.)
Figure 4
Nine Holes required to
mount Windshield
Retainer.
Note: The curved
ends of the retainers
will hang over the
windshield frame.
Windshield Channel
Opening toward
front of vehicle
Front
Footman Loops
CAUTION: Installation of the Footman Loops involves drilling in the top edge of the
vehicle body. Check under the body edge at the marked locations. There may be wiring
for the rear lights. If so, pull the wiring out of the way before drilling.
Step One
Install the Footman Loops on the top rear corners of the vehicle. Use the loops as
templates to mark, center punch and drill 5/32 inch holes. Use two #10 x 1/2 Oval Head
Phillips Screws to secure the loops in place (see Figure 5).

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Rev. C 0301
Area detailed at right
Figure 5
Footman Loop
Top Fabric Installation
This section will require two people.
Note: On vehicles built after 1975 that have never had a soft top, a metal tailgate
will need to be ordered. Order Part Number 51042-01. (Removing the hard top also
removes the tailgate.)
Step One
Unfold the top and drape it over the front bow. Slip the black plastic strip sewn along the
front of the top into the Windshield Retainers. Make sure that the fabric is centered on the
windshield. Failure to center the fabric could result in torn fabric.
Step Two
Lift the Rear Bow and drape the top over it. Snap the flaps on the inside of the top to the
studs on the Rear Bow. Locate the Buckle Straps in the parts kit. Wrap each strap around
the corners of the Rear Bow and snap the straps to themselves. This strap will hold down
the Rear Bow when the Rear Curtain and Side Panels are rolled up.
Installing the Body Studs
The following steps are crucial to the proper installation of the top. This step will require
two people. Make sure that the top fabric is as warm as possible before beginning.
Step One
Close the zippers on the Rear Curtain. Locate the three holes grouped together on each
Front Bow. These holes adjust the tightness of the top. Slide the Rear Bow Assembly and
the bow release (both sides) up on the Front Bow Assembly and slip the small, bent tab of
the bow release into the center hole on the Front Bow (see Figure 6).
Figure 6
Area detailed at right
Insert tab into
center hole.

51440, 51443 9
Rev. C 0301
Step Two
Rub chalk on the snaps on the inside of the top to mark the stud locations.
Step Three
Move to the front of one of the side panels. Pull the top fabric down and press the snaps
against the body. The chalk will leave marks for the Body Stud locations. The Threaded
Body Studs should be 1/4 inch below the top lip of the body. Center punch the
mark and drill a 3/16 inch hole at the marked location. Install a Body
Stud and a Hex Nut and snap the top to the Body Stud.
Repeat this procedure on the other side of
the vehicle.
Threaded Body
Stud
Hex Nut
Locate the studs on the front
of the Side Panels first then
locate the two Rear Corner
Body Studs.
Hex Nut
Outside Inside
Side Wall
Threaded
Body Stud
Figure 7
Step Four
To ensure a good fit, have one person pull down on the rear bow while the other person
pulls the fabric down and to the rear to locate the rear corner studs. When you are
satisfied with the tightness of the top, press the snaps against the body. The chalk will
leave marks for the Body Stud locations. The Threaded Body Studs should be 1/4 inch
below the top lip of the body. Center punch the marks and drill 3/16 inch holes at the
marked locations on each rear corner. Install a Body Stud and Hex Nut in the rear corners.
Snap the top to the corner body studs.
Step Five
Install the remaining Threaded Body Studs on the Side Panels and the Tailgate. Alternate
from side to side as you install the studs and snap the top to each new stud. This will
keep the tension of the top evenly spread.
Step Six
Thread the buckle strap assembly through each Footman Loop and then back through the
buckle. Do not over tighten. Wrap the fabric flaps, sewn to the top above and behind the
doors, around the Horizontal and Vertical Assemblies and fasten the hook and loop
fasteners. Cut the PSA Hook in half and assemble the PSA Hook on the bevel of the
vehicle, where the two side curtains zip together.
Note: The weather strip in the vertical flap should lay to the outside of the Vertical Assembly.
Locate the front Body
Stud first.

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Rev. C 0301
Door Installation - 51443 ONLY
Step One
Fold the fabric back and insert the Paddle Handle into the Paddle
Handle Mount on the rear lower part of each door frame. Make
sure that the latch is toward the rear of the door.
Use four #10-24 x 3/8 Truss Head Machine
Screws and four #10-24 Locknuts to secure
each Paddle Handle in place. Do not fully
tighten the screws at this point because they
may have to be moved during the door
adjustment.
Step Two
Check that the hinge pins, welded to the door frames, are aligned
along the same axis. Sight along the hinge pin axis or lay a straight
edge against them. If they have been bent in handling, they must be
straightened before the doors are hung on the vehicle. If necessary, use
a 9/16 inch box wrench to gently bend the pin into the proper position.
Oil the pins with a light weight oil. Install the doors by holding
them straight out from the vehicle with the door pins over the
body hinge. Lower the pins into the hinge. Swing the door
back and forth until the pins are fully inserted into the
body hinge. When the pins are properly adjusted,
the doors should slip easily into the body
hinges without forcing them.
Step Three
Close the door and check all sides to make
sure that the door fits properly against the body.
If necessary, the door may be bent slightly to fit the
contour of the vehicle body.
Figure 9
Paddle Handle
Paddle Handle Mount
Latch Inside of Door
Left Door shown.
Figure 10
Hinge Pin
Inside of Door
Existing
Body Hinge
Screws