Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

This is awesome! I love seeing new updates to this thread. Keep up on the awesome work!
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

So I'm back to working on the top again, now that the kids are back in school and boating season is winding down.. I've been waiting for a time to get 3-4 back to back days to do this windshield bridge from the 68/69 chevelle...
Well I took off some vacation this week to get this thing kick started and spent the last 2 days cutting, fitting and welding this bridge. Lots of time went into recording all the measurements of the windshield frame outline etc...
Then I welded a bunch of tabs on the pillar bracing to give the curvature of the top of the frame to help me line up the new bridge which has been a project saver itself along with the old windshield a buddy gave me so I can use it as a template
I'm about 3/4 complete , just have to fit and weld in one more section tomorrow...
Then before I weld it into the remaining pillars I then have the next huge task of doing the exact same to the convertible top header bow which I purchased 2 new reproductions also from a 68/69 chevelle to mate up nicely with the bridge..
Here's a couple quick shots
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Not sure what happened to the other attachments but here's one showing the tabs welded before I cut out the bridge

Attachment 1153598
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Shot of the tabs without the original blazer bridge in place
Attachment 1153599
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Shot of the windshield in place with the laid back pillars , my goal here is to still use the stock windshield even with it laid back and with the chevelle bridge:metal: ...

Attachment 1153600
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Attachment 1153601
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

nice progress!!

Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Awesome work!

Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Ok I got the bridge welded p and tacked it place :metal:
I'm pretty pumped about this , can't believe how much time I spent on this :lol:
Just happy it turned out good so far and I started the header bow 2 to 1 sectioning as well while it was on the bench.. Couple pics

Attachment 1153961
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Door closed pic, lots of fill metal massaging to do...
Attachment 1153963
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

First 3 middle sections of the header bow, exact same dimensions are key to getting the same curvature as the bridge..

Attachment 1153968
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Wow...this is going to look factory made when done. Amazing.

Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Thanks guys! Trying to take my time to get this looking as clean as possible
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Looking good!
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Thanks! Took the bracing off this morning and welded up the corners and couldn't wait to fit the glass in...
Attachment 1154032
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Attachment 1154033
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Incredible job! Going to look amazing when done.
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Hey thanks!
I need some ideas on how to finish the top of the new windshield bridge... I was thinking of leaving it as is and smoothing all the lines out and painting for the finished look, like the blazer..... OR it looks like the 68-72 convertible chevelles, gtos and olds had some kind of vinyl wrap around the top of the windshield frame???
Not sure if I should look at wrapping it or not as if I am I need to figure out my gap to allow for as I'm working on getting the header bow RH side lined up and levelled with the frame,door, and window...
Any ideas would be appreciated, thanks guys
Kris
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Just my opinion, but I'd smooth it out more like the blazer top than make it look like the car it came off of. I've never had a real convertible though, so I don't know if those aid in sealing the top when closed.

Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Yeah I was more leaning that way, I guess I could always put vinyl on after if it didn't seal but it looks like it should work no prob either way. I was reading up on how they do the chevelles and its just glued on so no real technical hurdles there,
Thanks for your input, kris
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

I agree with tubbedII. If possible I'd go with matching it to the blazer top.

Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Thats A Really Kool Idea,I Like It.

Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Thanks! I'm going to try get the header bow done today and post pics
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Re: Blazer retractable convertible top
 

Next question I was justing thinking over....
Black or white rag top?? I'm thinking white to match original... I think it will look good with any dark paint which I'm leaning towards....
Waddyah think?
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