1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have?
 

I started a build thread but thought I'd also ask the question here:

I'm starting my modern drive-train build with what appears to be a very original 1972 Blazer... my question concerns the top and roll bar... what do I have?

It doesn't look quite like other double walled tops I've seen and I've never seen a roll bar like this... BUT the inner part of the top appears factory molded to fit around where the roll bar attaches at the windscreen header.

Is this factory/rare/desirable? (I had planned on no cage and keeping the top off most of the time in favor of a soft top). But if I have something really unusual I may keep it...

Thanks!

Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have?
 

I don't believe it is factory. It looks like a custom built roll bar. My top has those cutouts/indentations where the roof bolts to the windshield frame. I like the idea of that roll bar seems like it would do the job in the event of a roll over.

Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have?
 

Ah, thanks! I didn't think about the possibility that the indents were in the top anyway! Does the top look stock?

Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have?
 

Appears to be a correct double wall top

Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have?
 

Are you sure it is a 72? Why I ask is your rear view mirror is mounted to the windshield frame in 72 they were glued to the windshield and sometime in 72 they went to a single wall top. I just listed a 72 that I am parting out in the for sale section it may have a picture of the rear view mirror I don't remember LOL.

Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have?
 

Thanks for the info on the top!

Actually I'm not 100% certain it's a '72 though that's what all the paperwork says... will investigate further.

Thanks again!

Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have?
 

I agree, it's a factory double wall top.
I also agree on that being a nice roll bar. It looks like it will add some level of protection to the windshield frame.

Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have?
 

Found the VIN on the frame and it's definitely a 71... thanks for the info!

Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have?
 

I wouldn't count on those bars running to the windshield frame adding much roll-over protection. The windshield frame will still collapse and those bars will end up in your lap.

I also don't recommend keeping those bars connected to the windshield frame when the top is removed. Blazers naturally flex through the door openings, and those bars will put a lot of stress on the thin windshield frame, eventually fatiguing the metal and tearing free. I did this years ago thinking it was a good idea, and that is what was happening. The only time you can connect a roll bar directly to the windshield frame is when you have completely caged the Blazer to prevent body flex.