makin soft top doors

[aktalon89]

hey guys um goin to talk to a guy today about cnc some parts so i can make a set of half-soft doors.i ws wonderin if this would be something u guys are intrested in so i can make sure he keep the blue prints and what not so if u guys want a set.

[Yukon Jack]

I'd like to see how they turn out - sure could be cool!

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by Yukon Jack

I'd like to see how they turn out - sure could be cool!

Yep!

[bouncytruck]

I think it's a good idea. If your serious about it, you should check over on CK5.com too. There are more heavily modified rigs over there.

[Medicanman71]

Sounds like a cool idea!

[aktalon89]

will be made outta alum. to keep it light.goin to keep the body lines 2 just kinda lookin for a handle. u guys think it needs a lock?

[Medicanman71]

Nope no locks. Security shouldnt be an issue for anyone is this is what they're going for. Plus, I dont have a top anyways

[bouncytruck]

I wouldn't worry about locks.

[Green Monster]

Soft top ideas are really cool idea... Locks on soft tops are a joke. Locks just keep the honest people out.

It's so weird that I just leave the car I car about most (72 Blazer) sitting in a parking lot with the top off, windows down, doors unlocked. Tons of people just stare at it an drool. While it's pretty much there for the taking. Meanwhile, I make sure my '94 Taurus SHO is locked with the windows up. No gives a crap about that car. But I lock it up...

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by aktalon89

so i can make a set of half-soft doors.

I guess I'm confused here...

You say 'soft' door in this post, then you say 'made out of aluminum' in the next.

Are you meaning your making aluminum 1/2 doors to run with a soft top?

Either would be great, just wanna be on the same page with ya.

[aktalon89]

sorry alum. frame.

and i didnt think locks were a problem cause could just but it with a knife lol but some people feel safe with them lol

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by aktalon89

sorry alum. frame.

and i didnt think locks were a problem cause could just but it with a knife lol but some people feel safe with them lol

Sounds like a good idea.

I'm about to fab up some really basic tube doors in a triangle shape utilizing both hinges and the existing latch.

[aktalon89]

ok so fair the plan is to use the existin doorhing and make some sort of pin to make for easy removal and teh existin latch.the goal is to make it easy to remove and install while keepin the stock look of the doors

[Medicanman71]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Sounds like a good idea.

I'm about to fab up some really basic tube doors in a triangle shape utilizing both hinges and the existing latch.

Just go ahead and fab some up for me while you're at it, thanks

[a1gatorz]

Sounds cool ,cant wait to see what either of you come up with!

[Medicanman71]

Is this going anyplace? How are MY doors coming VTblazer??

BTW i see you're from Petaluma... I used to also live in Sonoma and jakeslim lives in Petaluma also!!!! Have you posted pics of you blazer? only 16 posts but you're by no means a new member... maybe we've seen your blazer around before?

[vtblazer]

[QUOTE=Medicanman71]Is this going anyplace? How are MY doors coming VTblazer?? QUOTE]

Wasn't able to find the time prior to going to Rausch this week but when we get back the doors come off and the tubes go on. (tubing already purchased)

[aktalon89]

i have been sick for hte past week.i have to push a 92 chevy outta my shop so i can get some templates made.do u guys have the one
hole in your door post?its right above the body line.

[ecameron87]

Some ideas that I have had for "Soft" doors or removable doors:

1) Seperate the outer skin of the original door (a donor from a truck) from the rest of the door and find a way to mount it. Cut it horizontally down the middle and connect a hinge to it so that it can fold in half. Make a soft window for it. It will be lightweight and would store easier this way.

2) Fab up a half door just like the first gen. broncos had. Maybe even make it the same shape so that a bronco soft door could be used with it?
Something like this: http://www.jamesduff.com/eb/canvas.html

3) Just take the door off and forget the half door. This is fun on the way out to the trail, but the Arizona sun bakes you on the way home.

[bouncytruck]

I've seen a Blazer with some thinks like these on the doors back in the 80's

[Medicanman71]

I have a pic of a yellow blazer with something like those someplace

ok i've found the pics on my old comp and will post them as soon as i can. I have a few (3 examples) 1 tube, 2 half door style like posted above, the type bronco's have. The question is... how to keep the rear view and went window and or if you even want to at all.

[aktalon89]

if u guys like that idea of the door with just a soft cover in the middle it would make it way way easier. so post up wich you would like.a half door will alumi. frame coverd in canvas with the middle missing or a cut down and coverd door in the middle? plans will start next week so input would b egreat

[bouncytruck]

Originally Posted by Medicanman71

I have a pic of a yellow blazer with something like those someplace

ok i've found the pics on my old comp and will post them as soon as i can. I have a few (3 examples) 1 tube, 2 half door style like posted above, the type bronco's have. The question is... how to keep the rear view and went window and or if you even want to at all.

Yeah, the one I saw was yellow too. It was in Albany Oregon. My brother actually looked at buying. We test drove it. I didn't know what it was back then - I was still in College.

[ecameron87]

Here is an example of what I would like to do as soon as I find some extra doors. Cut the door up and make some soft door inserts. The vent window would have to leave.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by ecameron87

Here is an example of what I would like to do as soon as I find some extra doors. Cut the door up and make some soft door inserts. The vent window would have to leave.

I really like the 'look' of cutting an existing door down like you've shown in the pic but in my case having a tube across the top will keep the integrity of the original door structure and that's a huge consideration given the intended usage of the blazer getting the door treatment.

Our blazers/jimmies tubs are so weak without the top/doors it's amazing.
Even with good solid torsion boxes and perfect body mounts thing's can change by taking off the top alone, then once you remove the doors, there goes the rest of the existing tub/firewall support.