The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1969 - 1972 Blazers and Jimmys Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-30-2017, 05:10 PM   #1
6768chevylover
Registered User
 
6768chevylover's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: nepa
Posts: 745
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.
6768chevylover is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-30-2017, 09:11 PM   #2
72gmguy
Senior Member
 
72gmguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Brigantine NJ
Posts: 819
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?
Name:  image.jpg
Views: 1461
Size:  42.6 KB
__________________
Jeremy

1969 Blazer 4x4 original cst
1971 Blazer partial 2wd convert
1972 Blazer 4x4 original cst
1970 Blazer 4x4 w/ 2 1/2in lift and 33in tires w/4 wheel camper
1970 4x4 suburban w/ 6in lift and 35in tires
1968 Corvette convertible
1970 Malibu convertible
1959 Brookwood wagon
1972 International Scout ii
72gmguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2017, 01:25 PM   #3
Lieferson
Registered User
 
Lieferson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Graham, WA
Posts: 283
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.
__________________
1970 1/2 ton 4x4 4spd Suburban
1972 K10 350/700R/205/ Sniper EFI Daily Driver Sold
1971 K5 on 35s Traded
1972 K5 3/4 ton PROJECT Sold
Lieferson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-01-2017, 01:59 AM   #4
robs71k5
K5drive
 
robs71k5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: burnaby BC Canada
Posts: 809
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.
robs71k5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-01-2017, 11:10 AM   #5
Saluqui
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: CO
Posts: 5
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...
Saluqui is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-03-2017, 01:06 AM   #6
robs71k5
K5drive
 
robs71k5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: burnaby BC Canada
Posts: 809
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
robs71k5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-05-2017, 03:06 PM   #7
6768chevylover
Registered User
 
6768chevylover's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: nepa
Posts: 745
Re: soft topper tops

It might make me buy one if they do fix the window problem. please post any differences. hopefully they are selling the upgrade now..
6768chevylover is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2017, 02:24 PM   #8
69-72
Registered User
 
69-72's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: 204
Posts: 903
Re: soft topper tops

Also interested on the differences of a new version
__________________
1969 Chevy Custom Camper 3/4 ton Rust free survivor

1972 Chevy Blazer CST 4x4 Almost Rust free survivor

1972 GMC Jimmy 2wd Undergoing surgery
69-72 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2017, 03:06 PM   #9
jjzepplin
Registered User
 
jjzepplin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ruskin Florida
Posts: 4,538
Re: soft topper tops

Subbed for info
__________________
70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller
72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build
Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350
jjzepplin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2017, 06:11 PM   #10
CJM72
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Raynham, MA
Posts: 222
Re: soft topper tops

Also in for info on a revised Softopper! Would kill for some zip off sides!
CJM72 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2017, 06:23 PM   #11
truckster
Senior Member
 
truckster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 7,761
Re: soft topper tops

Quote:
Originally Posted by robs71k5 View Post
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.
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.
__________________
I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson
truckster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2017, 08:06 PM   #12
robs71k5
K5drive
 
robs71k5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: burnaby BC Canada
Posts: 809
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 .
robs71k5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2017, 01:45 PM   #13
hemi43
Registered User
 
hemi43's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,496
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.
hemi43 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2017, 01:58 PM   #14
Saluqui
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: CO
Posts: 5
Re: soft topper tops

Quote:
Originally Posted by 69-72 View Post
Also interested on the differences of a new version
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.
Saluqui is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2017, 03:24 PM   #15
6768chevylover
Registered User
 
6768chevylover's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: nepa
Posts: 745
Re: soft topper tops

they had improved the door window area.
6768chevylover is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2017, 04:33 PM   #16
72gmguy
Senior Member
 
72gmguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Brigantine NJ
Posts: 819
Re: soft topper tops

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

1969 Blazer 4x4 original cst
1971 Blazer partial 2wd convert
1972 Blazer 4x4 original cst
1970 Blazer 4x4 w/ 2 1/2in lift and 33in tires w/4 wheel camper
1970 4x4 suburban w/ 6in lift and 35in tires
1968 Corvette convertible
1970 Malibu convertible
1959 Brookwood wagon
1972 International Scout ii
72gmguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2017, 04:37 PM   #17
Saluqui
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: CO
Posts: 5
Re: soft topper tops

Quote:
Originally Posted by 72gmguy View Post
Was there supposed to be a picture In the last post? What was the improvement?
file:///C:/Users/taalberg/Downloads/Gen1BlazerInstructions.pdf
Saluqui is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2017, 04:45 PM   #18
Saluqui
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: CO
Posts: 5
Re: soft topper tops

Quote:
Originally Posted by Saluqui View Post
file:///C:/Users/taalberg/Downloads/Gen1BlazerInstructions.pdf
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.
Saluqui is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2017, 05:23 PM   #19
hemi43
Registered User
 
hemi43's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,496
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.
hemi43 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 08:44 PM   #20
robs71k5
K5drive
 
robs71k5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: burnaby BC Canada
Posts: 809
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
robs71k5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 10:00 PM   #21
69-72
Registered User
 
69-72's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: 204
Posts: 903
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.
__________________
1969 Chevy Custom Camper 3/4 ton Rust free survivor

1972 Chevy Blazer CST 4x4 Almost Rust free survivor

1972 GMC Jimmy 2wd Undergoing surgery
69-72 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 10:49 PM   #22
robs71k5
K5drive
 
robs71k5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: burnaby BC Canada
Posts: 809
Re: soft topper tops

Yes and on top of that looks like your still drilling holes.
robs71k5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2017, 09:24 AM   #23
hemi43
Registered User
 
hemi43's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,496
Re: soft topper tops

Quote:
Originally Posted by robs71k5 View Post
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
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.
hemi43 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2017, 10:02 AM   #24
69-72
Registered User
 
69-72's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: 204
Posts: 903
Re: soft topper tops

I can open my doors with the windows up on the old style.
__________________
1969 Chevy Custom Camper 3/4 ton Rust free survivor

1972 Chevy Blazer CST 4x4 Almost Rust free survivor

1972 GMC Jimmy 2wd Undergoing surgery
69-72 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2017, 03:38 PM   #25
hemi43
Registered User
 
hemi43's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,496
Re: soft topper tops

Quote:
Originally Posted by 69-72 View Post
I can open my doors with the windows up on the old style.
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.
hemi43 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:39 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com