Sliding ragtops? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CG · 08-10-2019, 02:29 PM

Ive never owned one. When I was in to bugs back in the day I really wanted a sliding ragtop. I thought they were super cool on the 21 windows. Heck back then 21 windows were even affordable.

They still make these today, I believe its the original supplier to the OEMs
Has anyone ever had a siding ragtop on their car. Curious how they hold up, how bad do they leak?

If people flip out over cutting the dash and putting those 70's style sunroofs in the their trucks, its probably pure sacrilege putting in a sliding ragtop haha.

Tell me your experience ... thanks!

**special-K** · 08-10-2019, 03:31 PM

I think they are totally cool. Next best thing to a convertible, maybe better in the long run. I think they'd be just as prone to "the possibility of" leaking as any hole in the top of a vehicle. I never considered one for a pickup because there's not enough top to make it beneficial, IMO. I got rid of the '56 Bug I had gone completely through and had just the way I wanted it because the only way to make it better would have been a sunroof, which in '56 would've been a sliding ragtop. Man that would have been an awesome bug. But I got away from the VW thing and it never happened. I remember seeing Chevelles and such with these tops way back when. I think those were conversions, but pretty sure GM did offer them on some cars as well, in the '70s?

CG · 08-10-2019, 03:36 PM

Yeah I believe they were offered by the big three. Dunno if they did em at the factory or sent them out. I know Ive seen a few Dusters with them.

http://www.slidingragtops.com/

Followed a couple of links on that site, Legacy Products

1970 Suburban Sliding Ragtop, C10 Suburban Laid...

Ziegelsteinfaust · 08-10-2019, 04:43 PM

They have a tendency to leak at the leading edge when raining, and driving. People have put deflectors to help cure this, and some have gotten them to work well.

If I was to do this to a vehicle of mine. At that point it would to me become a clear weather vehicle. I wouldn't chance driving it in the rain. Parked it the rain is ok, but no driving. Unless I really really had too.

**special-K** · 08-10-2019, 04:45 PM

Yeah, I'd like one in a Suburban... Perfect! Would make it a whole different ride. Makes a Vista Cruiser seem not so vista

CG · 08-10-2019, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

They have a tendency to leak at the leading edge when raining, and driving. People have put deflectors to help cure this, and some have gotten them to work well.

If I was to do this to a vehicle of mine. At that point it would to me become a clear weather vehicle. I wouldn't chance driving it in the rain. Parked it the rain is ok, but no driving. Unless I really really had too.

So you are saying someone in Washington State probably shouldn't ever put one of these in?

**Steeveedee** · 08-10-2019, 05:31 PM

In the early '70s, I know for a fact that Buick made a Skylark that was called a "Suncoupe". I've only ever seen one, but I've never seen a Chevelle like that. It makes perfect sense that they would exist though, if one car line made them.

Astro-Balls · 08-10-2019, 05:44 PM

Several suppliers,..
https://www.sunroofsource.com

http://www.slidingragtops.com

https://www.lowrider.com/how-to-tech...lling-sunroof/

**FleetsidePaul** · 08-10-2019, 07:01 PM

We have a sliding ragtop on my wife's Abarth. It goes all the way down like a convertible. Never had a problem. No leaks.

**mrtoni** · 08-10-2019, 09:00 PM

1972 and 73 novas had them optional

Ziegelsteinfaust · 08-10-2019, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

So you are saying someone in Washington State probably shouldn't ever put one of these in?

If your well east of the I5 it is not as detrimental

yuccales · 12-01-2019, 01:00 PM

I think this one leaks!

72c20customcamper · 12-01-2019, 02:47 PM

Closest I had was a 64 studebaker wagoneer with a sliding roof. Leaked like any other convertible. Mine was red and I had the helper step on the tailgate. 55 years before the GMC stepper tailgate. Wish I had kept it.

**special-K** · 12-01-2019, 07:50 PM

^^^ Wagonaire!! I had one, too, back when they were current. It was a dark aqua/turquoise color. Had a VW Microbus, too (Matchbox Toys

). The name of the Studebaker had me wanting to do that with a Wagoneer when I grew up to be old enough to drive and buy vehicles.

My first car was a '56 VW Bug. I worked on it all through HS and when I got my first full-time job I restomodded it Euro style. I had it 8 years and the only reason I sold it was because I wished it was a sunroof model, the ultimate oval window

72c20customcamper · 12-02-2019, 02:18 PM

Would love to have one like this

CG · 12-02-2019, 08:27 PM

I wonder if they had a commercial when the Wagonaire came out showing people carrying tailgates thorough the hills, or other trucks dropping their tail gates in awe as the Wagonaire drove by with that innovative step on the tailgate. Hah!

**special-K** · 12-02-2019, 09:37 PM

Maybe with Archie Matsos or other retired Oakland Raider doing the ad, ey?

08-10-2019, 02:29 PM	#1
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Monroe, Wa. Posts: 19,769	Sliding ragtops? Ive never owned one. When I was in to bugs back in the day I really wanted a sliding ragtop. I thought they were super cool on the 21 windows. Heck back then 21 windows were even affordable. They still make these today, I believe its the original supplier to the OEMs Has anyone ever had a siding ragtop on their car. Curious how they hold up, how bad do they leak? If people flip out over cutting the dash and putting those 70's style sunroofs in the their trucks, its probably pure sacrilege putting in a sliding ragtop haha. Tell me your experience ... thanks!

08-10-2019, 03:31 PM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Sliding ragtops? I think they are totally cool. Next best thing to a convertible, maybe better in the long run. I think they'd be just as prone to "the possibility of" leaking as any hole in the top of a vehicle. I never considered one for a pickup because there's not enough top to make it beneficial, IMO. I got rid of the '56 Bug I had gone completely through and had just the way I wanted it because the only way to make it better would have been a sunroof, which in '56 would've been a sliding ragtop. Man that would have been an awesome bug. But I got away from the VW thing and it never happened. I remember seeing Chevelles and such with these tops way back when. I think those were conversions, but pretty sure GM did offer them on some cars as well, in the '70s? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-10-2019, 04:43 PM	#4
Ziegelsteinfaust Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Temple City Posts: 3,558	Re: Sliding ragtops? They have a tendency to leak at the leading edge when raining, and driving. People have put deflectors to help cure this, and some have gotten them to work well. If I was to do this to a vehicle of mine. At that point it would to me become a clear weather vehicle. I wouldn't chance driving it in the rain. Parked it the rain is ok, but no driving. Unless I really really had too.

08-10-2019, 04:45 PM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Sliding ragtops? Yeah, I'd like one in a Suburban... Perfect! Would make it a whole different ride. Makes a Vista Cruiser seem not so vista __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-10-2019, 05:31 PM	#7
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,082	Re: Sliding ragtops? In the early '70s, I know for a fact that Buick made a Skylark that was called a "Suncoupe". I've only ever seen one, but I've never seen a Chevelle like that. It makes perfect sense that they would exist though, if one car line made them. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

08-10-2019, 05:44 PM	#8
Astro-Balls Registered User Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 822	Re: Sliding ragtops? Several suppliers,.. https://www.sunroofsource.com http://www.slidingragtops.com https://www.lowrider.com/how-to-tech...lling-sunroof/ __________________ 1968 C20 Fleetside 396 4sp PS PB AC CST . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWK8GgWD4uA

08-10-2019, 07:01 PM	#9
FleetsidePaul R.I.P. E.S.L.L. Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kernville CA./ Lake Isabella CA. Posts: 11,411	Re: Sliding ragtops? We have a sliding ragtop on my wife's Abarth. It goes all the way down like a convertible. Never had a problem. No leaks. __________________ 1971 Custom C/20 1970 CST 20 1970 C/30 Flatbed 1983 C/30 Dually 2015 Corvette Z51 2021 Corvette Z51 1991 Cadillac Hearse 1982 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 2000 Porsche Boxster S 2020 Jeep Gladiator 1973 VW Thing 1973 Plymouth Satellite wagon 1963 Baja Bug 1959 Bug Dune Buggy 1970 Baja Bug 1987 Jaguar XJ 350. R.I.P. El Jay R.I.P Jessie. R.I.P Grumpy. Every day is a gift from God.

08-10-2019, 09:00 PM	#10
mrtoni Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: sparks, nevada Posts: 1,879	Re: Sliding ragtops? 1972 and 73 novas had them optional

12-01-2019, 01:00 PM	#12
yuccales Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 3,580	Re: Sliding ragtops? I think this one leaks! Attached Images

12-01-2019, 02:47 PM	#13
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,135	Re: Sliding ragtops? Closest I had was a 64 studebaker wagoneer with a sliding roof. Leaked like any other convertible. Mine was red and I had the helper step on the tailgate. 55 years before the GMC stepper tailgate. Wish I had kept it. Attached Images __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

12-01-2019, 07:50 PM	#14
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Sliding ragtops? ^^^ Wagonaire!! I had one, too, back when they were current. It was a dark aqua/turquoise color. Had a VW Microbus, too (Matchbox Toys ). The name of the Studebaker had me wanting to do that with a Wagoneer when I grew up to be old enough to drive and buy vehicles. My first car was a '56 VW Bug. I worked on it all through HS and when I got my first full-time job I restomodded it Euro style. I had it 8 years and the only reason I sold it was because I wished it was a sunroof model, the ultimate oval window __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-02-2019, 02:18 PM	#15
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,135	Re: Sliding ragtops? Would love to have one like this Attached Images __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

12-02-2019, 08:27 PM	#16
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Monroe, Wa. Posts: 19,769	Re: Sliding ragtops? I wonder if they had a commercial when the Wagonaire came out showing people carrying tailgates thorough the hills, or other trucks dropping their tail gates in awe as the Wagonaire drove by with that innovative step on the tailgate. Hah! Attached Images __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … … Monroe Swap meet May 18-19. Mike has the same spots for the NW guys he's had forever. Lunch time BBQ at the spaces. If you have stuff to sell bring it along. If you have a question PM stllookn (Mike) here via the board. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=851291

12-02-2019, 09:37 PM	#17
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Sliding ragtops? Maybe with Archie Matsos or other retired Oakland Raider doing the ad, ey? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~



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