soft topper tops
 

Has Soft topper tops improved on there soft top yet for our Blazers around the door window area. They are very nice looking but dont want to buy one if its gonna leak.

Re: soft topper tops
 

I purchased mine two years ago and it works ok but is not water tight. I wouldn't leave it out of the garage in a rain storm. Anyone else have a top purchased more recently?
Attachment 1685784

Re: soft topper tops
 

I dont think its possible to have a soft top that doesnt leak honestly. I contemplated running full truck doors on my K5 and getting a soft top, just to see if that helps most people think thats sacrilege though.

Re: soft topper tops
 

I have been working on a couple different solutions to the problem. Just hhavent had time to get the products into a finished productive state and don't think it will be very acceptable here to offer my solutions so may have a new site to kick off my new solutions.

Re: soft topper tops
 

They have a new design at Softopper for Gen1 Blazers. It's like 2 miles from my work. I'm going up there today at lunch...

Re: soft topper tops
 

Any chance you could post what the differences. Are specailly around the windows. For my liking I would line to see more material around the top of the window because it's tight to seal it at the top

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It might make me buy one if they do fix the window problem. please post any differences. hopefully they are selling the upgrade now..

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Also interested on the differences of a new version

Re: soft topper tops
 

Subbed for info

Re: soft topper tops
 

Also in for info on a revised Softopper! Would kill for some zip off sides!

Re: soft topper tops
 

Why not? I think Blazer owners would love to have a good solution. I've been thinking I'm going to have to design my own.

Re: soft topper tops
 

I don't think there is much interest as long as we are buying what they're selling . I approached Bob at Softopper a couple years ago with my concerns and how they could effectively with my Header contribute to a leak proof top ,even to the extent I would fly down there and spend a week with them to hash it out but got no interest . So I don't think anything is about to change as long as we are buying what they are selling . I have gone to the lengths of buying an industrial sewing machine and have aspirations to complete this project if any takers out there . Would put up anyone with good experience for a solid week to come up with a pattern to take to the shop for mass production . Just need experienced apholstery person with a Blazer needing a top or atleast someone withgood knowledge how to lay it out for sewing . I'm sure a couple of us here have enough knowledge to scape a couple tops together to copy with confidence of a leak free product .

Re: soft topper tops
 

Not sure what the issue is with the way the Softopper is currently made? I've had mine for a few years and wouldn't hesitate leaving the truck out in the rain. The only leaks I get when driving in heavy rain is through the stitch holes above my head where the Velcro is attached. It would be nice to get rid of the nickel sized holes directly above the 1/4 glass, but they don't really leak that bad. The only modification I did was not to use the supplied aluminum strip that is supposed to go above the windshield header. Instead I used it as a drill fixture and mounted the snaps right to the truck's header. Makes for a way cleaner look.

Re: soft topper tops
 

I'm going to install this weekend. Looks like the only difference I notice so far is the header bar has 10 tabs with holes that need to be screwed to the windshield frame. The tabs are flush with the inside edge of the frame instead of the 6 it used to have right in the middle of the frame.

Re: soft topper tops
 

http://IMG_2621 they had improved the door window area.

Re: soft topper tops
 

Was there supposed to be a picture In the last post? What was the improvement?

Re: soft topper tops
 

file:///C:/Users/taalberg/Downloads/Gen1BlazerInstructions.pdf

Re: soft topper tops
 

Sorry..the whole linking stuff to forums thing over taxes my patience. Go to the soft topper site and they should have the latest install instructions for Blazers.

Re: soft topper tops
 

http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/Gen...structions.pdf

I checked out the directions and it seems like most of the design changes are the brackets. The header part has no domes anymore so this eliminates the gasket. Not sure if I like the new way of holding it on because you're stuck with that ugly aluminum bracket and there's no way around it. Also the rail brackets are now an angle compared to the old square tubing. Another change it the door surround bracket. It's now one piece curved and looks like it will be a pain to remove and/or store. Hopefully someone will post some pics of the fabric installed to see if they fixed some of the issues.

Re: soft topper tops
 

Just down loaded the new instructions and just proves they don't listen to their customers. Still need to find out if the doors can open with windows up. Extreme disappointment from what I see

Re: soft topper tops
 

Going by the pictures in the manual I’m thinking the original design is more aesthetically pleasing when the top is down.

Re: soft topper tops
 

Yes and on top of that looks like your still drilling holes.

Re: soft topper tops
 

Why would you assume the doors wont open with the windows up? The window sits on the outside of the Softopper. The issue with the old design was that you had to be careful rolling up the window with the doors closed because the glass could have gone on the inside. This problem seems to have been resolved with the new top design.

Re: soft topper tops
 

I can open my doors with the windows up on the old style.

Re: soft topper tops
 

The difficulty with the old style is rolling up the windows when the door is closed. Everything goes fine until you're 3 inches away from the window being closed, the the glass wants to go on the inside of the Softopper. I don't think this will be possible with the new design, thankfully.

Re: soft topper tops
 

On the newer (not newest) softopper the Velcro strip on the pole with the topper is too wide and interferes with the glass when you open or close the door . It's ok if the window is halfway 2/3 ds way up but full up won't work . I have talked to others with same issue . Also the window has about 1/2 " inch of gap above full up position that doesn't reach to cover . Starting if wonder if the Chinese blue prints are the same !

Re: soft topper tops
 

Hey Rob, I have one of your windshield headers which I've just had painted ochre - came out fantastic although not yet installed. Is there something similar for the tailgate? I don't want to drill mine after spending all of that money on bodywork and paint, and I don't want to glue velcro to it either.

Re: soft topper tops
 

I used a thin stainless tailgate protector, and put the velcro on it.

Re: soft topper tops
 

Love this idea!!! Where did you get the as tailgate protector?
Eric

Re: soft topper tops
 

I had problems with the rear window channel contacting the top when closing the door. There's no way I can close my doors with the window up. I bought mine about 1.5-2 years so has the design changed since? I have the Velcro strip that runs where the rear of the window is. I was told the window goes in front of that but there is no way.

Re: soft topper tops
 

Tristan that looks absalutely awesome . You should just remember when you drill the holes . You need to have the Header pushed down all the way at all four bolt locations so the Header is squarely bottomed out. I had a couple of xtra buddies to help complete this task. Hope you get some pictures posted on my thread of your completed install . Thanks for showing this ! Awesome !

Re: soft topper tops
 

I got it from Bill's trucks here in Canada, but I'm sure they are available near you. It's designed to fit perfectly on the 67-72 tailgate. I do recall it was very expensive for what it is, but well worth it IMO.

located on page 106, item # 21-510-G -----> http://www.billstruckshop.com/Catalo...Jan%202017.pdf

Re: soft topper tops
 

How about this at lmc? Does yours mount using the existing holes from the lift gate strip?
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=128

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Found this too.
http://www.gmcpauls.com/custom_accessories.htm

Re: soft topper tops
 

I used a new tailgate, so I had to drill holes on the inside of the tailgate. FWIW, here's a picture of how I fasten the front of my Softopper. I didn't want to use that ugly aluminum strip they supplied, so I put the domes right on the header. I used that aluminum strip as a drill fixture. Nice a clean and no leaks !!

Re: soft topper tops
 

I didn't want to drill on the header so I fabbed up a fixture that bolts to the top mounts. They supply the aluminum strip to drill a few less holes but I opted for none. I like the top but the issue with not being able to close my doors with the windows up sucks. I called them and sent pictures and they were not in the least bit helpful.

Re: soft topper tops
 

Okay. bought the new top. I have an issue now. Got it installed and took it for a ride. My driver side door had adjusted itself to be touching at the top right mounting point and gave me a bigger gap on the left top side. I have shims in the front body mount and I believe in the mount behind the door. Is it as easy as removing shims? If it is which one?

Re: soft topper tops
 

I'm still not sure why you think you can't close the door with the windows up ? The only issue closing the door with the window FULLY up, is that it slightly pinches the drip flap. It's no big deal because I just lift it and let it go to outside of the glass. One way to prevent this is to leave the glass down 1/2".
If you have difficulty understanding what I'm trying to say, I can take a video for you and post the link.
Dan

Re: soft topper tops
 

A picture of the problem would help us greatly. :-)

Re: soft topper tops
 

My issue is not at the top of the window rather the back. I was told the flap below goes inside the window. Well If I tried to close my door it is so tight it would shatter my window. The rubber channel on the back of the door rubs against the top material as well. I literally have to unbutton the top to keep it from nearly ripping off the top part of the rubber. Maybe I need to bend the flap or something? I have seen pictures where it's inside the window, but the window is pretty close the bracket holding the plastic strip. When my door is closed my window rolls up inside the strip. Any ideas?