Recycling a Soft Top - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

vtblazer · 05-26-2008, 01:00 AM

Took an old soft top I had and made it work with what I have.

Turned out decent IMO but the real test will be pulling down the interstate @ 70mph tomorrow.

vtblazer · 05-26-2008, 01:01 AM

Last ones...

jaros44sr · 05-26-2008, 02:54 AM

Looks better than the alum. panel you made for your dash(2 toogle switches and a sticker)

hacked up dash options

Ever time I see that truck it has another dented fender

I think you finally came up with an answer to keep the sun off of you

Big J · 05-26-2008, 05:27 AM

Looks great. The only thing I'd do is sew some velcro straps on the bottom side so you can wrap them around the cage to hold down the middle of the top. I just helped a buddy put a new top on his Amigo and it had those to keep it from lifting/flapping. It'd be a quick and easy thing if it gives you problems.

AJs72K5 · 05-26-2008, 05:52 AM

I can't believe you don't wanna take the time to fabricate something more original looking. First the "cheap" looking dash panel and now this top? What's wrong with you?

In all seriousness, it looks great. Smooth job, as always. I do agree with Big J that a couple of attachment point inside the top will keep it from flapping in the breeze too much.

vtblazer · 05-26-2008, 09:46 AM

So now were makin' funnies...

Good point on the inner straps, we'll see how it goes.

Being it has no sides to create that 'billowing' effect, I'm leaning towards thinking it'll be okay but like I said, pulling it over to NY today will tell all.

Even though it is along the same lines as my hacked up dash repair, I'll keep it on there for awhile I guess.

Jtrux · 05-26-2008, 10:08 AM

You go 70 in that thing???

vtblazer · 05-26-2008, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jtrux

You go 70 in that thing???

...read 'pulling' in the above post.

Only time this thing will ever see 70mph is on a trailer.

Chevyman63 · 05-26-2008, 02:35 PM

Nice job as usual...well except that one thing.

j/k

Looks great.

vtblazer · 05-27-2008, 02:58 PM

Well it survived the interstate travel with no ill effects.

Even survived all the tree limbs and sticks wheeling over in NY, was really nice to have the shade I gotta say.

Love it when stuff works as hoped.

Chevyman63 · 05-27-2008, 03:07 PM

Glad it worked out as planned, how did wheeling go?

vtblazer · 05-27-2008, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevyman63

Glad it worked out as planned, how did wheeling go?

We cruised around a 750 acre wood lot looking for and making trails as we found the challenges.

Some rocks but mostly hill climbs through the trees.

More dents, more scraps & scratches.

Body panels are becoming a liability with the kind of wheeling we do, gotta rethink the future of my blazer...or whats left of it anyway.

**Yukon Jack** · 05-28-2008, 12:17 AM

Top looks great!

Big J · 05-28-2008, 03:54 AM

Pics of the carnage please.....

72BlckButy · 05-28-2008, 04:54 AM

The top looks great, nice work!

fun in dirt · 05-28-2008, 05:16 PM

I did the same sort of thing with my old soft top last summer. It has worked out great...keeps alot of the wind off you on those cool mornings & helps when cruising already sunburned too.

70rs/ss · 05-28-2008, 05:56 PM

VT could you build an Exo-skeleton to protect the sheetmetal, and the only reason for that is so that everyone knows it was an "OLD" K5 that just blazed past them! As opposed to doing and all tube body, get some decent sheetmetal then built the exo around it to keep it nice and straight?? Could work, i think the damage adds character, as well as "proof" that this thing is legit and not some trailer/pavement poser! Love it!!

vtblazer · 05-28-2008, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70rs/ss

VT could you build an Exo-skeleton to protect the sheetmetal, and the only reason for that is so that everyone knows it was an "OLD" K5 that just blazed past them! As opposed to doing and all tube body, get some decent sheetmetal then built the exo around it to keep it nice and straight?? Could work, i think the damage adds character, as well as "proof" that this thing is legit and not some trailer/pavement poser! Love it!!

Maybe something in the middle-ish.
I don't really care for exo's and to be honest, I'd only smash it anyway.

I'm thinking tapered front clip, remove the quarters but leave the 'B' pillars for the tube doors, from there I'll decide what needs to happen with the cage and bed.
After that if I can figure out how to run 'some' sheet metal, I will.

I'm only cutting it up cause in reality, the body is pretty tender rust wise and truly not worth trying to save anymore...plus it has more than a couple dents that might not come out so good.

jaros44sr · 05-28-2008, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Maybe something in the middle-ish.
I don't really care for exo's and to be honest, I'd only smash it anyway.

I'm thinking tapered front clip, remove the quarters but leave the 'B' pillars for the tube doors, from there I'll decide what needs to happen with the cage and bed.
After that if I can figure out how to run 'some' sheet metal, I will.

I'm only cutting it up cause in reality, the body is pretty tender rust wise and truly not worth trying to save anymore...plus it has more than a couple dents that might not come out so good.

Why don't ya just carry a chainsaw, then I would'nt bash my quarters...I'm talking Rausch Creek where they ask for help to widen the trails

I think everyone could tell from your dash that it's a K5, they're pretty unique........oh wait, you've already hacked up you're dash with that alum. panel and 2 toggles and a sticker(nevermind)

swyfor5 · 05-29-2008, 02:10 AM

Awesome pic's, VT. Nice body wrinkles, too! Good way to keep the sunburn off the kids!

vtblazer · 05-29-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swyfor5

Awesome pic's, VT. Nice body wrinkles, too! Good way to keep the sunburn off the kids!

Thanks, how's yours coming along?

I'm thinking the hardtop will never be reinstalled on this one...

Chevyman63 · 05-29-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtblazer

I'm thinking the hardtop will never be reinstalled on this one...

I was thinking the same thing for mine...oh wait...I already cut mine up so I guess it will never go back on.

vtblazer · 05-31-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big J

Pics of the carnage please.....

No 'carnage' really but here's a few from the day in upstate NY.

vtblazer · 05-31-2008, 02:41 PM

Oh yeah...

The recycled soft top worked awesome.

jaros44sr · 05-31-2008, 02:43 PM

Cool pics., what part of upstate NY was that, was it open land? How did that mod work on the rear brakes?

05-26-2008, 01:00 AM	#1
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Recycling a Soft Top Took an old soft top I had and made it work with what I have. Turned out decent IMO but the real test will be pulling down the interstate @ 70mph tomorrow. Attached Images

05-26-2008, 01:01 AM	#2
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Recycling a Soft Top Last ones... Attached Images

05-26-2008, 02:54 AM	#3
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,435	Re: Recycling a Soft Top Looks better than the alum. panel you made for your dash(2 toogle switches and a sticker) hacked up dash options Ever time I see that truck it has another dented fender I think you finally came up with an answer to keep the sun off of you __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim Last edited by jaros44sr; 05-26-2008 at 03:17 AM.

05-26-2008, 05:27 AM	#4
Big J Its lookin' like a Blazer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gods Country, KY Posts: 1,773	Re: Recycling a Soft Top Looks great. The only thing I'd do is sew some velcro straps on the bottom side so you can wrap them around the cage to hold down the middle of the top. I just helped a buddy put a new top on his Amigo and it had those to keep it from lifting/flapping. It'd be a quick and easy thing if it gives you problems. __________________ BAZINGA! My Build

05-26-2008, 05:52 AM	#5
AJs72K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Tx Posts: 1,083	Re: Recycling a Soft Top I can't believe you don't wanna take the time to fabricate something more original looking. First the "cheap" looking dash panel and now this top? What's wrong with you? In all seriousness, it looks great. Smooth job, as always. I do agree with Big J that a couple of attachment point inside the top will keep it from flapping in the breeze too much. __________________ - AJ Gray Matter Build - 1972 K5 with some stuff

05-26-2008, 09:46 AM	#6
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Recycling a Soft Top So now were makin' funnies... Good point on the inner straps, we'll see how it goes. Being it has no sides to create that 'billowing' effect, I'm leaning towards thinking it'll be okay but like I said, pulling it over to NY today will tell all. Even though it is along the same lines as my hacked up dash repair, I'll keep it on there for awhile I guess.

05-26-2008, 10:08 AM	#7
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: Recycling a Soft Top You go 70 in that thing??? __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

05-26-2008, 02:35 PM	#9
Chevyman63 Can't wait to retire!! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Corunna, MI Posts: 1,575	Re: Recycling a Soft Top Nice job as usual...well except that one thing. j/k Looks great. __________________ 2009 4x4 Chevy Crew Cab 6.0 1989 4x4 Siverado (270,000 miles) 1972 4x4 Blazer 2007 Chevy Cutaway 1 ton 1970 Corvette (sons project) RIP - CLR 10/11/09

05-27-2008, 02:58 PM	#10
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Recycling a Soft Top Well it survived the interstate travel with no ill effects. Even survived all the tree limbs and sticks wheeling over in NY, was really nice to have the shade I gotta say. Love it when stuff works as hoped.

05-27-2008, 03:07 PM	#11
Chevyman63 Can't wait to retire!! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Corunna, MI Posts: 1,575	Re: Recycling a Soft Top Glad it worked out as planned, how did wheeling go? __________________ 2009 4x4 Chevy Crew Cab 6.0 1989 4x4 Siverado (270,000 miles) 1972 4x4 Blazer 2007 Chevy Cutaway 1 ton 1970 Corvette (sons project) RIP - CLR 10/11/09

05-28-2008, 12:17 AM	#13
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	Re: Recycling a Soft Top Top looks great! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

05-28-2008, 03:54 AM	#14
Big J Its lookin' like a Blazer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gods Country, KY Posts: 1,773	Re: Recycling a Soft Top Pics of the carnage please..... __________________ BAZINGA! My Build

05-28-2008, 04:54 AM	#15
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Recycling a Soft Top The top looks great, nice work! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

05-28-2008, 05:16 PM	#16
fun in dirt Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,118	Re: Recycling a Soft Top I did the same sort of thing with my old soft top last summer. It has worked out great...keeps alot of the wind off you on those cool mornings & helps when cruising already sunburned too. Attached Images __________________ '72 C to K20 "Cannibalizer" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32#post8653432 '85 K30 "Big Nassy" '06 3500 Duramax ...tow truck '06 Silverado SS...DD '06 C1500 WT...DD '07 Classic C1500 WT...DD Built & sold cause can't keep 'em all: '72 Blazer "The Bucket" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=433190 '55 Chevy straight axle gasser https://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173938 '69 Pro Street Chevelle http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332541 '86 M1031 CUCV http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=553619

05-28-2008, 05:56 PM	#17
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: Recycling a Soft Top VT could you build an Exo-skeleton to protect the sheetmetal, and the only reason for that is so that everyone knows it was an "OLD" K5 that just blazed past them! As opposed to doing and all tube body, get some decent sheetmetal then built the exo around it to keep it nice and straight?? Could work, i think the damage adds character, as well as "proof" that this thing is legit and not some trailer/pavement poser! Love it!!



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05-29-2008, 02:10 AM	#20
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Recycling a Soft Top Awesome pic's, VT. Nice body wrinkles, too! Good way to keep the sunburn off the kids!

05-31-2008, 02:41 PM	#24
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Recycling a Soft Top Oh yeah... The recycled soft top worked awesome.

05-31-2008, 02:43 PM	#25
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,435	Re: Recycling a Soft Top Cool pics., what part of upstate NY was that, was it open land? How did that mod work on the rear brakes? __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim Last edited by jaros44sr; 05-31-2008 at 02:45 PM.

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