Single Wall or Double?

[twp1]

Just checking to see the preference on tops single or double? I have a double and would like to have a single wall!

[DeadheadNM]

Single wall tops are easier to remove from k5s with rear panels and lack the sag across the top: functional and cosmetic benefits. Harder to find though - seems to be the case that only k5s built in Flint in later part of the 72 MY received these tops (early 72 Flint builds had 2x wall tops).

[Blazerowner]

You can switch over but you have to move the holes in the bed and you have to install the cage nuts for the single wall. I prefer the songle wall myself and looked specifically for a 72 with the single wall.

[3757chevy]

Mine is single wall. Never has been removed .

[cleszkie]

I had both types. Single walls are better for all reasons stated above. In addition, they offer interior courtesy lights. Lastly, all of the double wall tops I've owned seemed to have fairly messy and inconsistent quality control on the construction (varying rivet numbers and locations, overlap of seams in fiberglass, rough fiberglass edges, etc.). The single wall tops have a much higher quality of construction overall.

[twp1]

Well I guess I am looking for a single wall top! once I get one I will sell my double!

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by Blazerowner

You can switch over but you have to move the holes in the bed and you have to install the cage nuts for the single wall. I prefer the songle wall myself and looked specifically for a 72 with the single wall.

Though not stated I believe the OP is working on a 72 Blazer. If so, it should have provisions to accommodate either model top with no mods (caged nuts should be there).

[1rippen6]

If no cage nuts I have another set for sale.

[stangtjk]

I don't have any experience with the single wall top but I prefer the way the double wall top looks from the inside. It just looks more "finished" than the single wall. I can attest that the factory build quality of the double wall was piss poor. I put a lot of time in mine to fix the sags and cracks. Now that it's straight I wouldn't trade it for a single wall.

[3757chevy]

The double walls that I have seen look like they are sagging in the center. Just my opinion.

[Rspaeth]

I agree with stangtjk. Double looks better inside, I never plan on removing mine when the project is done. I’ve purchased both double and single wall tops and agree with how much easier the single wall is to remove due to weight. Also easier to secure. I’m going with my double wall
question for stangtjk
How did you fix the sagging roof?

[stangtjk]

Between the inner and outer walls there is a center support running front to back and three supports on each side running left to right. My top was sagging between each of these supports creating 6 distinct rectangular areas. I cut out each rectangle leaving the parts of the top over the supports and being careful not to cut into the interior wall Then I glued some 1/2" thick rigid foam insulation in the opening and sanded it down with a long sanding block using the top that remained over the supports as a guide. After it was all shaped fiberglassed the entire top surface with a continuous piece of woven fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin.

[Rspaeth]

Great info, turned out really good!!
Thanks

[Rspaeth]

One more question
What 1/2” rigid insulation foam did you use?

[stangtjk]

Not sure what the brand was. It's the 4x8 sheets you can get from home Depot or Lowe's back near the lumber section.

[Rspaeth]

Thank you

[Rspaeth]

What did you glue the foam with?

[stangtjk]

I'd recommend liquid nails or similar silicone other construction adhesive. I tried spray adhesive and it eats the foam.

[Rspaeth]

Copy,
Interesting that the spray adhesive reacted with the foam and the resin doesn’t.
Did you brush the epoxy resin on or pour it?
Thank you

[stangtjk]

Epoxy won't dissolve foam but polyester resin will. Polyester also won't stick worth a damn to the smc composite the top is made out of.

I mixed up small batches of resin at a time. Poured it on and spread it using a body filler spreader. I applied epoxy directly to the top first then I put on the first layer of cloth. That helped hold the cloth in place and made it easier to wet out. I ended up doing 3 layers of cloth.

[Rspaeth]

Thanks for the great info