bikini top - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

desertchevy · 03-15-2004, 01:35 AM

Does anyone know who makes a bikini top for a blazer. I have seen the full soft top but cannot find a bikini top. Thanks

bouncytruck · 03-15-2004, 03:16 AM

No companies make a bikini top that are actually for the 1st Gen Blazer (at least not anymore.) I have heard that early jeep bikini tops will fit or you could have one made.

By the way, please fill out your profile so we know where you are at. You never know if a board member is just around the corner from you with the exact part you need.

mister.freeze · 03-15-2004, 08:21 PM

I had mine made. Any upholstery shop can do it. It only took an afternoon for mine. A bonus is you get to choose your material and color.

bouncytruck · 03-15-2004, 08:22 PM

got any pictures of it?

mister.freeze · 03-15-2004, 08:23 PM

I don't think so. Gimme a week and I could probably take some.

skid · 03-16-2004, 12:15 AM

I'd like to see pic's as well!

desertchevy · 03-16-2004, 01:36 PM

I figured that I would have to have one made but thought that I might ask here first. Thanks.

Radiatta_71 · 03-16-2004, 05:20 PM

pictures. and how much you paid if you don't mind.

I want to get one made for this summer and want to know if the upholtry shop is bending me over

bouncytruck · 03-16-2004, 06:12 PM

Have you had quote done? The early jeep CJ5 Bikini tops are around $45 new. I know a few guys on CK5.com said that they work. I find it hard to believe that a CJ5 window frame is as wide as a K5.

cleszkie · 03-16-2004, 08:54 PM

The early (pre-1975) CJ-5 bikini top will work. I've got one on my K5 right now. Had an upholstry shop re-work the leading edge of the bikini top to match the leading edge of my Besttop softtop (about $60 labor fee). They cut it to match the curve of the K5 winshield frame and added snaps so I can use the same snaps that I use for the full soft top. The key is that the early jeeps have winshields that do not taper in, they go straight up from the fenders. Couple this with the tapering that our K5 widshields have along with the wrap-around winscreen and voila -- perfect width! I'll try and post pics.

I also have adapted a jeep "windjammer" curtain to my K5 to basically inclose the cab (keeps the wind from hitting the back of your head). Works great, and looks sweet. All I had to do was extend the nylon straps along the sides to make up for the extra width that a stock K5 rollbar has over a jeep rollbar.

Radiatta_71 · 03-16-2004, 11:23 PM

I got a verbal quote last summer. I think it was in the $100-$150 range.

bouncytruck · 03-17-2004, 12:55 AM

Thanks for the info cleszkie. Definately post pictures when you get a chance. I very curious about the windjammer, too.

I guess if you take the CJ top and add in the labor to macth the curve of the windshield and add in snaps, it comes out about the same. If you get it custom made, you can do custom colors, etc.

71jimmy · 03-17-2004, 02:30 AM

I was at a truck show last week, 4WheelParts Truckfest, in San Mateo, CA. I spoke to the BestTops rep there, he confirmed that they don't make a bikini top for 1st gen Blazers/Jimmys. He suggested however I look at the one they make for the International Scout, it maybe wide enough and they have a curved windshield like the Blazers. Has anyone tried one from a Scout before?

Don't understand why they would make one for a Scout and not the Blazers. How many Scouts are running around compared to Blazers.

mister.freeze · 03-17-2004, 11:19 AM

I don't remember how much mine cost, maybe $125? The guy had an aluminum channel that U mounted to the rain gutter on the front. The top has a rubber piece that slides into this channel. It's better than snaps, and won't rust. He cut the material (heavy waterproof canvas used for sails and boat covers) so that it curves with the windshield. It drapes over the rollbar and has 2 straps that hook to either side of the bed over the wheelwells. Very simple installation/removal. In fact, I can take it off at a stoplight. I keep it rolled up and tied to the rollbar when not in use or if I have the hard top on. I'll try to get pix this weekend. I had mine made of tan material to match the truck. It will look kinda funny, though, when I get the Fox repainted (silver). My only complaint, as with ALL bikini tops, is that it balloons a bit when driving, and can collect a lot of water when it rains. But it keeps me from getting sunburned or from frying my radio.

mister.freeze · 03-22-2004, 05:00 PM

Here's a couple of pix of the channel mounted to the rain gutter. I took the top off @ lunch, and will put the bikini on later, so look for pix tomorrow.

HatGuy · 03-23-2004, 06:54 AM

Has anyone tried one of these?

http://tops4less.com/scoutiibikini.html

MMGOODIE · 03-23-2004, 12:09 PM

geez man for 80 bux that one might be worth a try this summer.

mister.freeze · 03-23-2004, 12:19 PM

Here's the pic set I promised. My top seems to be about the same as that Scout II model. If it fits (width), that would be a good deal.

Here's the top:

And the raild detail (driver's side). The snap keeps the top from migrating left or right.

Here's a view from the top. Not the hole in the visor mount: remember that hole.

This is one of the anchor points monted to the inside of the bed rails; 1 on each side.

Here, you can see the rubber portion installed in the channel and the snap.

Here's the strap connecting to the bed rail after goin over the rollbar

You can see how it fits over the rollbar

mister.freeze · 03-23-2004, 12:32 PM

a view from the inside

from the back...

...from the top. (Remember those holes? Good!)

...from the side...

Close up

Another top view. The guy that built it said I could just throw it in the washer... I guess I should!

Now about those holes: I had him reinforce and grommet where those holes are, and 2 others I have tapped in the rollbar, so I can put my offroad lights on in conjunction with the bikini. I thought it was pretty clever. The bikini keeps me fairly dry, and even with those holes, I don't get any wetter.

I hope this is helpful.

69k5 · 03-23-2004, 12:40 PM

looks awesome

MMGOODIE · 03-23-2004, 02:20 PM

That's pretty damn slick. And 125 for some sun protection isn't bad either.

**Yukon Jack** · 03-23-2004, 07:07 PM

mister.freeze, very interesting. How does the channel attach to the rain gutter? Did the upholstery guy make it also or did you make it?

**Yukon Jack** · 03-23-2004, 07:14 PM

Hatguy, I sent that company an e-mail about their Scout II bikini top to see if they would compare it to their 69-72 Blazer soft top. Hopefully they will respond.

bouncytruck · 03-23-2004, 07:22 PM

Looks like a nice set-up 'freeze. Thanks for the pics. I already have snaps accross the top of the windshield frame for my soft top so I might consider having one made that snaps in there.

mister.freeze · 03-23-2004, 07:26 PM

Yukon-

(been there, by the way- loved it!) The upholstery guy kept the alumonum channel in 8' lengths and had a spool of the rubber. I guess he got it from a supplier for that ppurpose: he said he made lots of tops for Jeeps. Mine was unique in that it was curved. I mounted the channel for him, then he installed the rubber and cut the fabric to match. You can see how I was able to curve the channel in the pix. I drilled up thru the channel into the rain gutter, then tapped the holes in the gutter. After countersinking and loc-tite-ing the screws, I ground off the ends on top to keep it clean.

03-15-2004, 01:35 AM	#1
desertchevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Fairbanks Alaska Posts: 222	bikini top Does anyone know who makes a bikini top for a blazer. I have seen the full soft top but cannot find a bikini top. Thanks __________________ 2006 Dodge Quad Cab 4X4 2001 Chevy Impala 2006 Corvette 2009 Fusion 1964 Toyota Landcruiser FJ45 Wagon

03-15-2004, 03:16 AM	#2
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	No companies make a bikini top that are actually for the 1st Gen Blazer (at least not anymore.) I have heard that early jeep bikini tops will fit or you could have one made. By the way, please fill out your profile so we know where you are at. You never know if a board member is just around the corner from you with the exact part you need. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

03-15-2004, 08:21 PM	#3
mister.freeze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 734	I had mine made. Any upholstery shop can do it. It only took an afternoon for mine. A bonus is you get to choose your material and color. __________________ '72 K5, known as 'the Fox.'

03-15-2004, 08:22 PM	#4
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	got any pictures of it? __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

03-15-2004, 08:23 PM	#5
mister.freeze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 734	I don't think so. Gimme a week and I could probably take some. __________________ '72 K5, known as 'the Fox.'

03-16-2004, 12:15 AM	#6
skid Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Left Coast Posts: 254	Mister Freeze I'd like to see pic's as well! __________________ Toys: 72 K5 Blazer 74 Vette

03-16-2004, 01:36 PM	#7
desertchevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Fairbanks Alaska Posts: 222	I figured that I would have to have one made but thought that I might ask here first. Thanks. __________________ 2006 Dodge Quad Cab 4X4 2001 Chevy Impala 2006 Corvette 2009 Fusion 1964 Toyota Landcruiser FJ45 Wagon

03-16-2004, 05:20 PM	#8
Radiatta_71 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 117	pictures. and how much you paid if you don't mind. I want to get one made for this summer and want to know if the upholtry shop is bending me over

03-16-2004, 06:12 PM	#9
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Have you had quote done? The early jeep CJ5 Bikini tops are around $45 new. I know a few guys on CK5.com said that they work. I find it hard to believe that a CJ5 window frame is as wide as a K5. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

03-16-2004, 08:54 PM	#10
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	The early (pre-1975) CJ-5 bikini top will work. I've got one on my K5 right now. Had an upholstry shop re-work the leading edge of the bikini top to match the leading edge of my Besttop softtop (about $60 labor fee). They cut it to match the curve of the K5 winshield frame and added snaps so I can use the same snaps that I use for the full soft top. The key is that the early jeeps have winshields that do not taper in, they go straight up from the fenders. Couple this with the tapering that our K5 widshields have along with the wrap-around winscreen and voila -- perfect width! I'll try and post pics. I also have adapted a jeep "windjammer" curtain to my K5 to basically inclose the cab (keeps the wind from hitting the back of your head). Works great, and looks sweet. All I had to do was extend the nylon straps along the sides to make up for the extra width that a stock K5 rollbar has over a jeep rollbar.

03-16-2004, 11:23 PM	#11
Radiatta_71 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 117	I got a verbal quote last summer. I think it was in the $100-$150 range.

03-17-2004, 12:55 AM	#12
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Thanks for the info cleszkie. Definately post pictures when you get a chance. I very curious about the windjammer, too. I guess if you take the CJ top and add in the labor to macth the curve of the windshield and add in snaps, it comes out about the same. If you get it custom made, you can do custom colors, etc. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

03-17-2004, 02:30 AM	#13
71jimmy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,084	I was at a truck show last week, 4WheelParts Truckfest, in San Mateo, CA. I spoke to the BestTops rep there, he confirmed that they don't make a bikini top for 1st gen Blazers/Jimmys. He suggested however I look at the one they make for the International Scout, it maybe wide enough and they have a curved windshield like the Blazers. Has anyone tried one from a Scout before? Don't understand why they would make one for a Scout and not the Blazers. How many Scouts are running around compared to Blazers. __________________ '71 Jimmy, 350, SM465, NP205, 2in Tuff Country lift, 33s on rallies, TBI, softtop and hardtop "If life was fair you'd be able to afford one of each and a garage large enough to house them all."

03-17-2004, 11:19 AM	#14
mister.freeze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 734	I don't remember how much mine cost, maybe $125? The guy had an aluminum channel that U mounted to the rain gutter on the front. The top has a rubber piece that slides into this channel. It's better than snaps, and won't rust. He cut the material (heavy waterproof canvas used for sails and boat covers) so that it curves with the windshield. It drapes over the rollbar and has 2 straps that hook to either side of the bed over the wheelwells. Very simple installation/removal. In fact, I can take it off at a stoplight. I keep it rolled up and tied to the rollbar when not in use or if I have the hard top on. I'll try to get pix this weekend. I had mine made of tan material to match the truck. It will look kinda funny, though, when I get the Fox repainted (silver). My only complaint, as with ALL bikini tops, is that it balloons a bit when driving, and can collect a lot of water when it rains. But it keeps me from getting sunburned or from frying my radio.

03-22-2004, 05:00 PM	#15
mister.freeze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 734	Here's a couple of pix of the channel mounted to the rain gutter. I took the top off @ lunch, and will put the bikini on later, so look for pix tomorrow.



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03-23-2004, 06:54 AM	#16
HatGuy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Fort Worth Texas Posts: 275	Scout II Bikini pic Has anyone tried one of these? http://tops4less.com/scoutiibikini.html Attached Images __________________ Joe Peters the HatGuy 72' K5 Highlander My Daily Driver http://www.pbhats.com/BLAZER/index.html Last edited by HatGuy; 03-23-2004 at 07:19 AM.

03-23-2004, 12:09 PM	#17
MMGOODIE I love doing it topless Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: MossyRock, WA Posts: 493	geez man for 80 bux that one might be worth a try this summer. __________________ Mikey "If you can read this, thank a teacher; If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier."

03-23-2004, 12:19 PM	#18
mister.freeze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 734	PIX ARE IN! 1 of 2 Here's the pic set I promised. My top seems to be about the same as that Scout II model. If it fits (width), that would be a good deal. Here's the top: And the raild detail (driver's side). The snap keeps the top from migrating left or right. Here's a view from the top. Not the hole in the visor mount: remember that hole. This is one of the anchor points monted to the inside of the bed rails; 1 on each side. Here, you can see the rubber portion installed in the channel and the snap. Here's the strap connecting to the bed rail after goin over the rollbar You can see how it fits over the rollbar __________________ '72 K5, known as 'the Fox.'

03-23-2004, 12:32 PM	#19
mister.freeze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 734	2 of 2 a view from the inside from the back... ...from the top. (Remember those holes? Good!) ...from the side... Close up Another top view. The guy that built it said I could just throw it in the washer... I guess I should! Now about those holes: I had him reinforce and grommet where those holes are, and 2 others I have tapped in the rollbar, so I can put my offroad lights on in conjunction with the bikini. I thought it was pretty clever. The bikini keeps me fairly dry, and even with those holes, I don't get any wetter. I hope this is helpful. __________________ '72 K5, known as 'the Fox.'

03-23-2004, 12:40 PM	#20
69k5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Monroe, La 71202 Posts: 317	looks awesome

03-23-2004, 02:20 PM	#21
MMGOODIE I love doing it topless Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: MossyRock, WA Posts: 493	That's pretty damn slick. And 125 for some sun protection isn't bad either. __________________ Mikey "If you can read this, thank a teacher; If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier."

03-23-2004, 07:07 PM	#22
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	mister.freeze, very interesting. How does the channel attach to the rain gutter? Did the upholstery guy make it also or did you make it? __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-23-2004, 07:14 PM	#23
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	Hatguy, I sent that company an e-mail about their Scout II bikini top to see if they would compare it to their 69-72 Blazer soft top. Hopefully they will respond. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-23-2004, 07:22 PM	#24
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Looks like a nice set-up 'freeze. Thanks for the pics. I already have snaps accross the top of the windshield frame for my soft top so I might consider having one made that snaps in there. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

03-23-2004, 07:26 PM	#25
mister.freeze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 734	Yukon- (been there, by the way- loved it!) The upholstery guy kept the alumonum channel in 8' lengths and had a spool of the rubber. I guess he got it from a supplier for that ppurpose: he said he made lots of tops for Jeeps. Mine was unique in that it was curved. I mounted the channel for him, then he installed the rubber and cut the fabric to match. You can see how I was able to curve the channel in the pix. I drilled up thru the channel into the rain gutter, then tapped the holes in the gutter. After countersinking and loc-tite-ing the screws, I ground off the ends on top to keep it clean.

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