The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1969 - 1972 Blazers and Jimmys Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-07-2010, 11:02 PM   #51
zammer
Addicted user
 
zammer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 369
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

This is the exact cylinder.... It has support stays on the sides that can be un-bolted pretty easily but its the part on cutting the cylinder that makes me wonder how the hell i could make a clean cut to get the cylinder to seat proper and not leak after I chop it up..

Name:  aircylinder.jpg
Views: 1578
Size:  15.7 KB
zammer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2010, 10:13 AM   #52
orangek5
Registered User
 
orangek5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Rose Hill Ks
Posts: 290
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

I think its time for an update.
__________________
1970 Jimmy 4x4 IL6
1971 Jimmy 4x4 350ci v8
1971 SWB 327ci v8
1972 Short Stepside 305ci v8
1972 Blazer 2WD CST LS9 350ci 4sp
1999 4 Door LB 1 Ton Old Body Style 5.7 v8
orangek5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2010, 10:50 AM   #53
Effeckt
Registered User
 
Effeckt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 341
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

Quote:
Originally Posted by orangek5 View Post
I think its time for an update.
I agree! I want to see more of this project.
__________________
My 1972 K5 Blazer
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399719
Effeckt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2010, 08:51 PM   #54
zammer
Addicted user
 
zammer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 369
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

It is time for an update!
I can't believe its been 2 1/2 months already since the last post..
O.K .... I'll get some pics and I actually have the top fully extending and retracting on its own now with the air cylinders.... works pretty sweet.
I want to get a video on Youtube so you guys can see what it looks like in motion,, give me a day or 2 and I'll see what I can do

Kris
zammer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2010, 10:26 PM   #55
VA72C10
VA72C10
 
VA72C10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Midlothian, VA
Posts: 25,269
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

cool...can't wait for the video!!!
__________________
Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.
VA72C10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2010, 10:43 PM   #56
kvn1011
Kvn1011
 
kvn1011's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: kankakee il
Posts: 560
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

Did u have to cut the cylinder at all?
Posted via Mobile Device
kvn1011 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2010, 10:12 AM   #57
zammer
Addicted user
 
zammer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 369
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

I decided to not cut the cylinder and just modify the top rack ram pivot out further so the stroke would be longer & at the same time it would give more leverage to get the top out of its retracted position from behind the rear seat.
To give you an idea of the force needed, these cylinders are pushing about 700 lbs EACH around 100 psi supply pressure. I changed the cylinders out once to larger ones as the first set i tried didn't have quite enough force . The first cylinder i put in was a 63 x 150 mm ( 2.5" diameter, which was good for 490 lbs @ 100 psi ) and the second one which worked good was a 82x150 mm (3.2" diameter)

I also put in a tension spring on the opposite side of each cylinder to assist them to open, and to resist the frame when its going down towards the windshield.. The spring is set up so it will be completely hidden and it just adds a nicer flow to when the top is going up and down..
zammer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2010, 11:04 PM   #58
zammer
Addicted user
 
zammer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 369
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

O.K... after 4-5 hours of video recording, charging batteries, downloading and learning how to use YouTube and registering .... I think i have something for the showing... but first here are a couple pics of the Cylinders and mounting locations I ended up with including the window set-up for the rear sides which is another huge project on its own to get them to fit and work properly.. I'm working at a leisure pace which makes this fun as its supposed to be..

Name:  GetInline-1.jpg
Views: 1354
Size:  65.4 KB

Name:  GetInline-2.jpg
Views: 1348
Size:  77.6 KB

Name:  GetInline-3.jpg
Views: 1341
Size:  47.5 KB

Name:  GetInline-4.jpg
Views: 1352
Size:  61.5 KB

Name:  GetInline-5.jpg
Views: 1337
Size:  52.4 KB
zammer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2010, 11:09 PM   #59
zammer
Addicted user
 
zammer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 369
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

The YouTube video is done processing..... here we go

I had my just 3 year old daughter do some background singing for us .


The title is "retractable blazer top" if the link dosen't work for anyone..

Kris
zammer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2010, 11:20 PM   #60
PHAT TONY
Registered User
 
PHAT TONY's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Red Deer ab canada
Posts: 1,250
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

UUUMmmmm, that might be the koolest thing ever. When can you do mine?
__________________
1972 factory 2 Wheel Drive Blazer-Sold
1972 K10 4X4-Sold
1971 Chevrolet Cheyenne/10-Sold
1970 Chevrolet C/10-Sold
1968 GMC 4X4-Project
1968 Chevrolet C/10 Pro Street
1970 GMC 3/4 Ton-Parts
1997 2WD 2DR Yukon-Sweet
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335664
PHAT TONY is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2010, 11:25 PM   #61
zammer
Addicted user
 
zammer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 369
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

Thanks man! It was pretty rewarding seeing the thing stoke for the 1st time without needed to fire up the grinder and welder..
I'll tell you what Tony, if you can spray my blazer in the next year or so I can do another one no prob now that I don't have to do 1200 measurements and use up 40-50 zip disks to make adjustments...
Start looking for a top rack laying around..
Now that the top is done the big hurdle will be trying to tuck the side windows into the bed sides
zammer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2010, 11:43 PM   #62
Cartoonface
Account Suspended
 
Cartoonface's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 55
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

Quote:
Originally Posted by zammer View Post
Thanks man! It was pretty rewarding seeing the thing stoke for the 1st time without needed to fire up the grinder and welder..
I'll tell you what Tony, if you can spray my blazer in the next year or so I can do another one no prob now that I don't have to do 1200 measurements and use up 40-50 zip disks to make adjustments...
Start looking for a top rack laying around..
Now that the top is done the big hurdle will be trying to tuck the side windows into the bed sides
I'll trade you a spray job for a top!....seriously!
Cartoonface is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2010, 11:57 PM   #63
herb101
Used Register
 
herb101's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Live Oak, TX
Posts: 379
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

"Yay! A Truck!!"

That is absolutely awesome! I am getting the shivers getting ready to re-skin my Mustang's convertible top and I don't have to mess with the mechanisms at all. Incredible out-of-the-box thinking man.

A suggestion for what it's worth...You might consider building up the bed top rails to match the body lines of the doors. This would allow a smother, unbroken line for the bottom the the finished drop-top and it would give you another inch or two of room to tuck the new rear windows away in.

Very cool work for sure.

Herb
herb101 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2010, 12:01 AM   #64
red71cheyenne
Back in the sticks
 
red71cheyenne's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Fordland, MO
Posts: 3,188
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

That is awesome!! Amazing you could get it to work the way you wanted. Wish I had that kind of patience and brain power.
__________________
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
red71cheyenne is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2010, 10:08 AM   #65
Effeckt
Registered User
 
Effeckt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 341
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

That looks fantastic! You did a great job with it.
__________________
My 1972 K5 Blazer
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399719
Effeckt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2010, 05:24 PM   #66
kvn1011
Kvn1011
 
kvn1011's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: kankakee il
Posts: 560
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

cool!! it will be interesting to see what you do with the rear side windows!
kvn1011 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2010, 06:23 PM   #67
brian26
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: springer, oklahoma
Posts: 110
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

I can dig it. I got mine only as a halftop, and it's very nice to see someone tackle the rear seat version. Stay with it. I'll be checking in.

One thing you might add to the 'to do' list- "IF" you still have the rain gutter on the windshield header, you'll want to trim it. The vaccuum pulls pretty heavy as it comes over the top, creating a blowfrog effect. The top will have to be tight, and maybe the vaccuum ceiling being lower, you'll be happy.

Since yours is a custom, you have much more lee-way than I gave myself.

Build it.
brian26 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2010, 06:26 PM   #68
brian26
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: springer, oklahoma
Posts: 110
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

brian26 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2010, 06:29 PM   #69
brian26
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: springer, oklahoma
Posts: 110
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

And by the way, I've been at it since '94 (now and then), and there are very few of us out there. Less than five I know, maybe less than that, in the world. For old Blazers of course.

Need any thing, let me know. I truly want to help.
brian26 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2010, 07:25 PM   #70
brian26
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: springer, oklahoma
Posts: 110
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

Watching your video again has me really liking your actuators. The movement of the top is nice and balanced, without any rock and jive. Excellant craftsmanship too!
brian26 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2010, 07:56 PM   #71
QKENUF4U
Senior Member
 
QKENUF4U's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SUNNY WARM BIKE RIDING COTTONWOOD ARIZONA
Posts: 2,097
Thumbs up Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

Quote:
Originally Posted by PHAT TONY View Post
UUUMmmmm, that might be the koolest thing ever.
my exact thoughts too....
QKENUF4U is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2010, 05:28 AM   #72
orangek5
Registered User
 
orangek5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Rose Hill Ks
Posts: 290
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

Quote:
Originally Posted by brian26 View Post
I can dig it. I got mine only as a halftop, and it's very nice to see someone tackle the rear seat version. Stay with it. I'll be checking in.

One thing you might add to the 'to do' list- "IF" you still have the rain gutter on the windshield header, you'll want to trim it. The vaccuum pulls pretty heavy as it comes over the top, creating a blowfrog effect. The top will have to be tight, and maybe the vaccuum ceiling being lower, you'll be happy.

Since yours is a custom, you have much more lee-way than I gave myself.

Build it.
Not to create a hijack of this thread, but your truck does the same thing, it would be nice to see video of how yours works also
__________________
1970 Jimmy 4x4 IL6
1971 Jimmy 4x4 350ci v8
1971 SWB 327ci v8
1972 Short Stepside 305ci v8
1972 Blazer 2WD CST LS9 350ci 4sp
1999 4 Door LB 1 Ton Old Body Style 5.7 v8
orangek5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2010, 07:15 AM   #73
brian26
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: springer, oklahoma
Posts: 110
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

Yes, I'll be getting mine up soon. Finally learned about yoo-toobe and such. Just need to film it now............. I'm seeing some things this guy is doing here that interest me.



But, the room in mine is limited, and a "behind the rear seat" drop top is worthy to pursue(women like practical Blazers, for the kiddos of course). I did look into this avenue back in '98, but the mechanism I had ( fold out couch!LOL) had something that didn't jive......can't remember what it was. I did use the fold-out couch geometry for the half-top though. When I started, stock was "in". I see this new generation much more willing to cut and modify Blazer skin.

We really need to pursue this school of thought for old Blazers. And maybe, juuussst maybe, the rest of the world will quit calling us Bronco enthusiasts!LOL

This could set us apart.
brian26 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2010, 07:23 AM   #74
brian26
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: springer, oklahoma
Posts: 110
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

I'm thinking 59-60 power sideglass rear window mechanisms from a Cadillac, 2 door hardtop. Maybe even use the glass too. Steel frames, chromed, and close to the shape here.

brian26 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2010, 10:05 AM   #75
zammer
Addicted user
 
zammer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 369
Re: Blazer retractable convertible top

To give you guys an idea of what I am doing with the windows on the sides....
I picked some old doors that were rusted out on the bottom and I cut off the top 2.5" where the window comes through and I will be welding that on top of the bedsides to increase that height.... Where I have cut the top section already that will be were the top section will go .
I can then use the inner door for attaching the window regulators which will be powered on the inside of the bedside near the air cylinders... I mocked this up already but didn't take any pics, it looks pretty sweet as it follows the body lines nice and will be very functional for the side windows..
zammer is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:50 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com