Softtops??????????? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

blackcloud75 · 12-26-2004, 02:10 AM

Anybody have any suggestions/websites/leads on the best softtops for my '71??????

BobbyK · 12-26-2004, 07:01 AM

Bestop Tiger top,Part # 51315
http://www.bestop.com/index.php?s=6

STC Part # 551-010(snap type)
or #551-310 for fastrac model (no snaps)
http://specialtytopco.com/

At present those are your only two option.Of course you could go custom but then we're talking BIG bucks.

michigank5 · 12-26-2004, 04:51 PM

I recommend the STC Fastrac model. Easy to put up and I think it looks a bit cleaner without all the snaps along the side. Here's a pic of mine without the windows.

vtblazer · 12-26-2004, 06:32 PM

I've got a Best Top, soft top for sale if your interested.
Used it only one year (season) $250.00 plus the ride.

bouncytruck · 12-26-2004, 08:57 PM

I've heard more good about the specialty top co tops than the best tops. My '69 has an old kayline on it and it is a quality top. I've got a brand new Specialty Top Co Fastrac in the box waiting to go on my '72 this spring.

Vlad · 12-28-2004, 02:27 AM

Yeah man, STC all the wayyyy. I love my fastrac. The windows go on and off in a Jiff (not a paid endorsement)

Cap'n Hook · 12-28-2004, 07:51 PM

Loved my Fastrac, when it was on!

easy_13 · 12-29-2004, 05:45 PM

michigank5,
How long does it take to remove/install the STC Fastrac? Can you run with the top installed, but in a "down" position?
I'd like to get a soft top but the only time I'd want to use it is when it rains or when I'd have to park it outside overnight.

michigank5 · 01-02-2005, 01:19 AM

The initial install takes about an hour or two, it uses the hardtop holes to put the tracks on the side, then you have to screw 6 snaps up on the windshield frame and screw on the back track to the tailgate (instructions are on their website for more details). Once it's on there it takes about 5 minutes to put it up or take it down with all the windows on. When it's not up I just fold it down and hold the three poles and fabric together with a small bungee cord and put the windows underneath it. I don't know if you can install the hard top back on over the tracks on the side rails or if you have to take them off. I sold my hard top once I got the soft top.

easy_13 · 01-03-2005, 12:19 PM

michigank5,
Thanks so much for the info. I'd never seen a pic like yours, with the soft top installed but down.
Guess the ol' Fastrac just moved up my list of priorities.

michigank5 · 01-03-2005, 09:07 PM

No problem. Here's some pictures for LKJR who pm'd me asking about the front snaps and track. Also Les, the height of the front bow from the floor is 38" at the sides and 40" in the center. The second bow is 39" on the sides and 41" in the center.

You guys like my center console? 4 cupholders and great storage!!

red71cheyenne · 01-04-2005, 09:58 PM

michiganK5, with the snaps in the windshield frame, does it interfere with putting the hard top back on? Or does the rubber gasket have that much give to it? Don't have gaskets presently, so don't know. Thanks, Jeff.

bouncytruck · 01-04-2005, 11:02 PM

With the old Kayline top on my '69, I have to unscrew the snaps to put the hard top on.

I got fabric samples from Steve who runs CK5.com. He also sells the Specialty Top Co tops and he was very helpful in my selection and purchase. His prices are the same as buying direct from Specialty Top Co, but he isn't the cheapest. I'll see if I can remember who had the best prices. YukonJack told me but I can't remember.

michigank5 · 01-05-2005, 12:37 AM

Not sure, I don't remember my top being that tight in that area, but I never put it on since I installed the soft top and I sold my hard top a while ago. Sorry, no help here.

**Yukon Jack** · 01-06-2005, 12:51 PM

The cheapest place I have found is at www.offroaddesign.com Will be buying a soft top for my Blazer at some point.

12-26-2004, 02:10 AM	#1
blackcloud75 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: corona,ca. Posts: 12	Softtops??????????? Anybody have any suggestions/websites/leads on the best softtops for my '71??????

12-26-2004, 07:01 AM	#2
BobbyK Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi. Posts: 1,769	Bestop Tiger top,Part # 51315 http://www.bestop.com/index.php?s=6 STC Part # 551-010(snap type) or #551-310 for fastrac model (no snaps) http://specialtytopco.com/ At present those are your only two option.Of course you could go custom but then we're talking BIG bucks. __________________ 71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE

12-26-2004, 04:51 PM	#3
michigank5 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Pontiac, MI Posts: 54	I recommend the STC Fastrac model. Easy to put up and I think it looks a bit cleaner without all the snaps along the side. Here's a pic of mine without the windows. Attached Images

12-26-2004, 06:32 PM	#4
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Soft Top I've got a Best Top, soft top for sale if your interested. Used it only one year (season) $250.00 plus the ride.

12-28-2004, 07:51 PM	#7
Cap'n Hook Workin to live... Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 261	Loved my Fastrac, when it was on! __________________ Jason

12-26-2004, 08:57 PM	#5
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	I've heard more good about the specialty top co tops than the best tops. My '69 has an old kayline on it and it is a quality top. I've got a brand new Specialty Top Co Fastrac in the box waiting to go on my '72 this spring. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

12-28-2004, 02:27 AM	#6
Vlad Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: L.A. Ca Posts: 43	Yeah man, STC all the wayyyy. I love my fastrac. The windows go on and off in a Jiff (not a paid endorsement)

12-29-2004, 05:45 PM	#8
easy_13 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: London, Ky. Posts: 38	michigank5, How long does it take to remove/install the STC Fastrac? Can you run with the top installed, but in a "down" position? I'd like to get a soft top but the only time I'd want to use it is when it rains or when I'd have to park it outside overnight.

01-02-2005, 01:19 AM	#9
michigank5 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Pontiac, MI Posts: 54	The initial install takes about an hour or two, it uses the hardtop holes to put the tracks on the side, then you have to screw 6 snaps up on the windshield frame and screw on the back track to the tailgate (instructions are on their website for more details). Once it's on there it takes about 5 minutes to put it up or take it down with all the windows on. When it's not up I just fold it down and hold the three poles and fabric together with a small bungee cord and put the windows underneath it. I don't know if you can install the hard top back on over the tracks on the side rails or if you have to take them off. I sold my hard top once I got the soft top. Attached Images

01-03-2005, 12:19 PM	#10
easy_13 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: London, Ky. Posts: 38	michigank5, Thanks so much for the info. I'd never seen a pic like yours, with the soft top installed but down. Guess the ol' Fastrac just moved up my list of priorities.

01-03-2005, 09:07 PM	#11
michigank5 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Pontiac, MI Posts: 54	No problem. Here's some pictures for LKJR who pm'd me asking about the front snaps and track. Also Les, the height of the front bow from the floor is 38" at the sides and 40" in the center. The second bow is 39" on the sides and 41" in the center. You guys like my center console? 4 cupholders and great storage!! Attached Images

01-04-2005, 09:58 PM	#12
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	michiganK5, with the snaps in the windshield frame, does it interfere with putting the hard top back on? Or does the rubber gasket have that much give to it? Don't have gaskets presently, so don't know. Thanks, Jeff. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

01-04-2005, 11:02 PM	#13
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	With the old Kayline top on my '69, I have to unscrew the snaps to put the hard top on. I got fabric samples from Steve who runs CK5.com. He also sells the Specialty Top Co tops and he was very helpful in my selection and purchase. His prices are the same as buying direct from Specialty Top Co, but he isn't the cheapest. I'll see if I can remember who had the best prices. YukonJack told me but I can't remember. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L Last edited by bouncytruck; 01-04-2005 at 11:04 PM.

01-05-2005, 12:37 AM	#14
michigank5 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Pontiac, MI Posts: 54	Not sure, I don't remember my top being that tight in that area, but I never put it on since I installed the soft top and I sold my hard top a while ago. Sorry, no help here.

01-06-2005, 12:51 PM	#15
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	The cheapest place I have found is at www.offroaddesign.com Will be buying a soft top for my Blazer at some point. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14



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