Here in San Diego we are blessed with tons of fiberglass guys due to all the boats owned locally. Today I'm dropping off my top to a fiberglass guy that did some excellent fiberglass and paint work on my 1998 Mastercraft boat. I have included a few photos to show you guys the lame roof rack that the previous owner installed.

List of things to fix (off the top of my head):

Panel stress cracks (inside and out)
Remove roof rack then patch inside and out
Smooth exterior. I think this will have to be done in order to have a consistant texture, or lack of I should say.
Remove all the little brackets and screws that are not stock
Paint the inside and outside as close to stock as possible.
Since the top is getting painted I might as well replace the built in lights and install theam after the paint.
I have new gaskets waiting to go on. Can't wait to get it back.

Any other recommendations?

194394

194395

194396

194397

194398

That looks like a pretty good to to begin with - looks like a double wall?

- one thing I would check is that the nuts that hold the top are not loose anywhere - now is the time to get all the nuts exactly where you want them - and make sure they have good threads and are secure!

BobbyK had some really good pics of his restoration of his top on his photo page...

what were you quoted for price?

Looks like a single wall to me. Double wall tops don't have dome lights.

All those stress cracks all look very typical. My '72 has many of the same cracks along the seams and I took the top off for the first time last summer.

Looks alot like mine also, except you are working on yours ;)

Well...

Just got back. Things did not go as planned. I showed my guy what I wanted and before he even finalized the quote he was reffering me to a body/paint guy we both know. I like the work the fiberglass guy does better but with him and an assistant as his only crew, he was gonna really charge me up the ying yang.

So next Monday I'm dropping the top off to the body guy. The fiberglass guy quoted $2500!!!!!!! The body shop quoted $1100.

I talked with the body and paint guy about a good paint job and the quote was $6k after a full inspection. Back in 1996 I had what many called a perfect paint job and it cost $2500 and took a month to get done. Prices have really gone up. The paint guy uses PPG paint. He says it's some of the best paint. It better be for $6 G-Wizzerz.

Oh yeah,

The fiberglass guy said to me "you might just want to buy a new one" I almost laughed. I tried explaining to him what I had here. One, the top is in decent shape for the year, and two, good luck finding a better one. I know what my 70' top looked like. The old owner on that one siliconed in a cheesy sunroof and crank up vent.

If $6K includes the inside and bottom of the tub, that is cheap, relatively speaking. Just the cost of materials anymore is rediculous.

Mike

The fiberglass guy quoted $2500!!!!!!! The body shop quoted $1100.


:eek:

I never thought I would be into this Blazer so much. $6k for paint! For now my paint will have to do.

I never thought I would be into this Blazer so much. $6k for paint! For now my paint will have to do.

My estimates started at $2500 and go all the way up to $12500 :crazy:

OMG 6k for paint, i guess i'm not shocked... but i guess i'll never be getting a nice paint job... so i guess my truck will never be painted... i mean, i'm not going to pay for a ****ty job, and if i pay for a nice one, i'll be paying so much i'll never want to use the truck in fear of ****ing the paint up, and what good is that :(

My buddy did an off white rustoleum paint job on his FJ-40. It looked pretty sweet. I have photos of it somewhere.

my neighbor had his 71 camaro painted at MAACO a few years ago. He did all the body work himself, and took just the shell over to them. Turned out real nice. real glossy, not fading, no runs real smooth too. I mean if he didnt tell me i would assume he had it done a "real" paint shop. he did tell me that he had it done without the "sealer" not shure what that means but i am tempted to take my k5 over there. cost him 599.00 and about 175.00 in quality body work materials.

Maaco can spray paint just like everyone else the real hard part is the prep work. Good prep work can make a bad painter look good, but bad prep work can make the best painters look like sht.

Runtmcfan, well I can save you a ton of money if you would like. I can lead you through the proper steps on how to repair your top. The majority of the labor you could do yourself if you have some tools. For example air compresor, da sander, and a block. You could save a ton of money and I could walk you through it. It is not as difficult as you would think. If interested let me know and I will give you a list of materials that you would need.

Runtmcfan, well I can save you a ton of money if you would like. I can lead you through the proper steps on how to repair your top. The majority of the labor you could do yourself if you have some tools. For example air compresor, da sander, and a block. You could save a ton of money and I could walk you through it. It is not as difficult as you would think. If interested let me know and I will give you a list of materials that you would need.

Great offer! ^^^^^:cool:

Labor rates are a killer but as mentioned earlier, paint/materials cost's are nuts too.
Learn as you go, you'll be amazed at the money you'll save.

The paint on my green blazer was 4K in the end and I did 'ALL' the grunt work.
The materials alone were over a grand!

72CSTC5,

I'll take you up on that. I've got the tools.

72CSTC5,

I'll take you up on that. I've got the tools.

If 72CSTC5 is doing a walk through with you keep it open on the board so we can all learn something. I've been talking about doing my top every summer for about the past 5 years but haven't done it yet. I repaired the hatch last summer, maybe this year I'll do the rest:rolleyes:

:agree:

When you think about it, it makes total sense to do it myself. Summer is almost here. The top is coming off anyways for atleast 4mo. Why not spend the time and do it myself and take some pride in the finished job. I will take progress pics and post.

The money I save on the repairs I can spend on a custom Bikini Top...right?

Hey 72CSTC5...bring on the knowledge! I'm probably gonna pop the top off this weekend.

Run and fellow board members, I can walk you guys through the procedures. I started an email to run and 671blazer but where would you guys like for me to post the repair steps. Everyone on here with just a little knowledge and "want" can repair their tops for little money.

Whatever happened to the flow of knowledge from 72CSTC5 to the rest of us? It's summer (well it's hot here in VA anyway), my top is off, and I want to get this thing done.

I pulled the top off and havn't touched it since this thread started. I've been busy turning an old storage shed into the shop from hell. On the left side of my shop is a 19ft workbench. On the other side will be all my tools for woodworking and automotive.

I received the email about the repairs. I will send it to you.

I'm interested too, as mine needs repairs where it bolts to the bedsides. Its a double wall top as well. Thanks, Jeff.

I offered help but no one seemed interested so I just let it die. If anyone is still interested let me know and I will make a post.

I think it's pretty safe to say you've got some interested guys around here. If you write something up maybe it could go in a FAQ. I was thinking that when I do mine that instead of sanding smooth I would texture it. Thought of using a spray on bed liner with a Shutz gun. Any thoughts? I think BobbyK went that route. You out there Bobby?

Well I havent used a Shutz gun to texture an entire top but another thought would be to used texture spray from "SEMS". I have used it in the past to retexture bumpers and interior panels and works very well. Just a thought. One would have to do a cost comparison. I will write up some techniques and maybe some photos of my top having cracks repaired just as a demo since I am not going to reuse my top. Let me get rolling on this then and then post it all here for you guys so you can save yourself some money.

That would be great! Like I said, I'm in need of ways to repair the bottom where the bolts go in. Thanks, Jeff.

Red, what is wrong with where the bolts go in?

We could always use another FAQ.:D

Thre is a metal strip with welded nuts on it that the top bolts to the bedside with. It is all rusted and exposed as the fiberglass is broken and cracked down there. Need to figure out a way to replace the fiberglass and it still be structurally sound. The metal strip, I will just duplicate and re-install.

Thre is a metal strip with welded nuts on it that the top bolts to the bedside with.


No welded nuts on strip. The strip is threaded!
(DISCLAIMER: This is neither an attempt to sell or buy!) :confused:

Has anyone figured out a way to get rid of the sunken spots on the top? I was thinking of using expanding foam for filling cracks to get the top up close to where it should be. I also need to do some fiberglass work on my top and hatch. My hatch is totally missing the bottom corners and the metal pieces that are inside. My dad has a Blazer also, so i was thinking of using it as a pattern to get the shape right in the corners again and make some new plates out of metal.

I never thought I would be into this Blazer so much. $6k for paint! For now my paint will have to do.


rattlecan......the good stuff is only $10 a can ;)

rattlecan......the good stuff is only $10 a can ;)
don't put that crap on there. You'll have to take it all off when you put real paint on there or it will screw it up. Its not worth it.

Hey 6k for a paint job. Youch! I can see it going there with all the prep work I did to mine. I painted in the driveway with a $130 gallon of Limco catalyzed polyureathane. Took me two months of prep and 3 hours of painting. add another $200-$300 in misc materials and $300 for a gun and water seperator.

As for the rattle can. I did that on an 78 chevy using $0.99 gloss black from k-mart. 6 cans later and it looked pretty good. My finger was worn out though. lol. The first offroad drive I did and the paint discolored where the mud sat on it. still not bad for a beater and it was finally one color. sold the truck. would have hated to try and strip it for a real paint job after the spray bomb.

I think it's pretty safe to say you've got some interested guys around here. If you write something up maybe it could go in a FAQ. I was thinking that when I do mine that instead of sanding smooth I would texture it. Thought of using a spray on bed liner with a Shutz gun. Any thoughts? I think BobbyK went that route. You out there Bobby?

When I restored my top, I first had it media blasted (smooth), did the repairs, then used rocker shutz with a shutz gun for the texture. It came out looking exactly like stock.

Ya I used a Shutz gun to reproduce the textured finish on the top.
Used this stuff.It's a 2 part epoxy bedliner,white in color.
http://images14.fotki.com/v219/photos/2/229137/1681443/fc6665a1_jpg_orig-vi.jpg

Sanded the top down 1st and made the needed repairs.
http://images9.fotki.com/v184/photos/2/229137/1681443/fc66658b_jpg_orig-vi.jpg

http://images12.fotki.com/v216/photos/2/229137/1681443/fc92acfa_jpg_orig-vi.jpg


Then useing the Gator Gaurd and the Shutz gun,I sprayed the top.Covereage was a little thin and top require 2 coats but the finish came out pretty close to the factory finish.
http://images14.fotki.com/v221/photos/2/229137/1681443/fc256534_jpg_origvi-vi.jpg

http://images14.fotki.com/v225/photos/2/229137/1681443/fc25652f_jpg_origvi-vi.jpg


After about a year,the Gator Gaurd started to yellow.So I then painted the top useing a marine grade deck paint.
This stuff.
http://images17.fotki.com/v13/photos/2/229137/1681443/InterluxToplaxpaint-vi.jpg

The paint is thinned with this stuff so when it's brushed on it flows out nicely with no brush marks.
http://images1.fotki.com/v320/photos/2/229137/1681443/Interluxbrushonthinner-vi.jpg

But here it is as it sit's now.
http://images7.fotki.com/v136/photos/2/229137/1681443/DSCN2002-vi.jpg
Here's a link to my post on the repainting of my top.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=133915


And here's a link to ALL the pic's I took while redoing my top.
http://public.fotki.com/blazbk/blazer_mods/repainting_factory/

BobbyK -

You should open up a top repair business!

Never seen/heard of a Shutz gun. Anybody have info on them, pics, do you need an air compressor?

BobbyK -

You should open up a top repair business!

:agree: Where do I ship mine? :metal:

I would like to know more about the Schutz Gun. I looked it up on Google. I appears to be a gun that sprays bedliner type products.

Right???

BobbyK,
That's how I want mine to look!
How much of the Gator Guard did you need? I used it last summer when I did my hatch but I put it on with a roller and it just didn't come out the way I'd hoped. Also, where did you get the Shutz gun?

Very cool....I have a single wall that stock was white...then a black coat so now I have black and white so first question, whats the best way to strip back to stock and then second question if I apply the material you did how easy is it to paint over in a different color???

Never seen/heard of a Shutz gun. Anybody have info on them, pics, do you need an air compressor?

A shutz gun is just the real name for a undercoating spray gun.
This is a shutz gun.
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/images/products/mid/MM000512020.jpg


Yes you need a compressor for it.

BobbyK,
That's how I want mine to look!
How much of the Gator Guard did you need? I used it last summer when I did my hatch but I put it on with a roller and it just didn't come out the way I'd hoped. Also, where did you get the Shutz gun?


I ended up useing 2 cans of the Gator Gaurd.
I borrowed the gun from a friend.
You can get them at any autobody supply store or off the net...I'm sure E-bay has them cheap.
You could also try Harbor Freight for a cheap one.


Very cool....I have a single wall that stock was white...then a black coat so now I have black and white so first question, whats the best way to strip back to stock and then second question if I apply the material you did how easy is it to paint over in a different color???

I'd sand it down if your going to spray it with the bedliner.

If you just want to try and strip the black off,try this stuff.
You can get it at Wal-Mart.(middle can,aircraft stripper)
http://images6.fotki.com/v76/photos/2/229137/941228/fcc48e58_jpg_orig-vi.jpg

The Gator Gaurd is real easy to paint over.Just make sure you use a paint product that's designed for fiberglass and outdoor use.
The reason I chose the boat deck paint is because it's made for fiberglass boat decks,which are constantly exposed to the sun and water.
I figured it would be ideal for my Blazer's top...so far it's held up great!

:agree: Where do I ship mine? :metal:

Next time you cross the border into Ontario I'd be happy to help you out.

Only catch is...you have to drive GQ up here;)

Not sure where you are in TN but I know it's only a short 12hr drive from Memphis to the southern tip of Ontario.

When I restored my top, I first had it media blasted (smooth), did the repairs, then used rocker shutz with a shutz gun for the texture. It came out looking exactly like stock.

How much was the media blast?
What exactly did they blast it with,baking soda?

Sweet blazer by the way

How much was the media blast?
What exactly did they blast it with,baking soda?

Sweet blazer by the way

BK,
Thanks for the props. I had it blasted quite a few years ago. At the time it cost me ~$600 to completely strip the body (underside as well) and the top. They used different media on the tub than what was used on the top. Seems like they used a walnut shell mix on the top. It worked really well, removing several layers of PO's paint w/o exposing the fibers. I don't know if the tops were gel coated or not, but it sure looked like it had been taken down to the gel coat.

btw... have followed your build up since the Blazer-Net days. It's been very inspirational over the years!

Resto

btw... have followed your build up since the Blazer-Net days. It's been very inspirational over the years!

Blazer-net...holy smokes...that's a while back.

$600.00 for the whole truck is a GREAT price.

i know a kid in auto body shop in highschool that took a face full of aircraft stripper... :rolleyes:

(edit: back when i was in highschool)

This post is amazing--the time and effort being put in to restoring a blazer top!! I have tried to sell some really nice single and double wall tops and am lucky if I can get $150.!! I know where there are at least 5 tops sitting and have turned down numerous oppotunities to buy them really cheap--sitting up in barns etc. but don't have a market for them!! I guess it's just a case of different markets. Here the blazer bodies rust out so bad that the only remaining bones are the tops!! Hate to buy one for $50-100. only to have to lug the big SOB home and have it sit for years ----. Can't easily ship them--and they are too big to store--especially when you can buy a van tilt for $50. and sell it for $150.!!! Interesting~~~~.

load'm all up on a trailer and drive to the market places... it's probably worth it....

This post is amazing--the time and effort being put in to restoring a blazer top!! I have tried to sell some really nice single and double wall tops and am lucky if I can get $150.!! I know where there are at least 5 tops sitting and have turned down numerous oppotunities to buy them really cheap--sitting up in barns etc. but don't have a market for them!! I guess it's just a case of different markets. Here the blazer bodies rust out so bad that the only remaining bones are the tops!! Hate to buy one for $50-100. only to have to lug the big SOB home and have it sit for years ----. Can't easily ship them--and they are too big to store--especially when you can buy a van tilt for $50. and sell it for $150.!!! Interesting~~~~.


I wish i could find a single wall top around here for cheap, seems like all i find are double wall tops.

The Gator Gaurd is real easy to paint over.Just make sure you use a paint product that's designed for fiberglass and outdoor use.
The reason I chose the boat deck paint is because it's made for fiberglass boat decks,which are constantly exposed to the sun and water.
I figured it would be ideal for my Blazer's top...so far it's held up great!

Just curious how your paint is holding up? I plan on redoing my top this year and would only like to have to do this once. I may do a writeup on my hatch repair if it turns out good. So far i have seperated it at the seam beacause of the ill state it is in.

Well,it's been 3 years since I repainted it and 4 years since applying the Gator-Gaurd textured coating.
Here are 2 pic's I took today(4/7/08)

Still holding up well.I garage the truck in the winter but the top is out in the sun + rain all summer.

http://images33.fotki.com/v1118/photos/2/229137/1681443/DSCN6601-vi.jpg


http://images33.fotki.com/v1135/photos/2/229137/1681443/DSCN6602-vi.jpg

Thanks for the quick reply. I think i will end up going the same route you did.