i have a 1976 k5 and really wanted to convert it to a full convertable but its too much of a hassle without any donor vehicles. i was considering cutting out a section in the middle of the roof about 4" in from the edges of the roof along the doors and the windshield and modifing my soft top to fit for the opening. the only concern that i have is that, will i lose structural support in that area? will the sides want to pull into the middle of the truck? is there a way to support this area? thanks

I'd go look at this web page:

http://www.coloradok5.com/full-convertible-conversion.shtml

Its how to do the true full convertible conversion. Even still, if you do it your way or the full convertible way, you will loose stiffness to the body. 73-75's had addtional support from "rocker boxes" under the floor to take up the loss of support that the roof provides. Cutting the roof out with adding support back in by a cage/rocksliders could have the body going in a couple of different directions. Front/back and side to side (in-out). Doors might not want to fit after it's been off road or over some dips in the road.

Welding in some 2x3" box tube in place of the stock rockers would be similar to what the factory rocker boxes did. Better yet a simple cage over the front/rear seats (6 point) would tie the body together well.

Does anybody have pics of where these rocker supports need to go? I am thinking of cutting mine too.

Thanks, Doug