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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 19
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Howdy folks,
I wanted a topper for my 1971 Chevy C10 longbed, but I couldn't find one locally, used, so I decided to buy one of those SoftTopper things. I filmed the process and I'm releasing the videos on Youtube as I edit them. I'm up to Part 2 so far. There will be 4 or 5 parts, I think, with probably the 5th being a retrospective kinda thing. Thought fellow C10 owners might find this interesting. I make a lot of mistakes, and I usually talk about them in later videos, so don't get too bent out of shape if I do something wrong in one of the videos until you watch them all. This is all vlog style, and I'm not getting paid to do this, so be cool, man. Oh, and sorry about the audio on Part 1. I was trying out some new editing techniques to reduce the Drone background noise, but I overdid it. I need to re-edit and re-release because I think I can fix it. Part 2's audio is better. Part 1: http://youtu.be/K57sGpn0j_w Part 2: http://youtu.be/feDJcG5xO_I Part 3: Coming this week sometime Last edited by createthis; 02-02-2015 at 01:59 PM. Reason: sig |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 2,188
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
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#3 |
US Army Veteran
![]() Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 1,049
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Nicely done! Looking forward to part three to see the results.
Been exploring truck tent options for camping. Wondering if this could be another option. What type of drone did you use for the aerial photography?
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1972 C10 Highlander - The making of a daily driver |
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#4 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 19
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Quote:
The drone is a DJI Phantom 2. It has an H3-3D gimbal with a GoPro Hero 4 black mounted, and an FPV setup so I can see what it sees from the ground.
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Jesse CreateThis |
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 19
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Quote:
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Jesse CreateThis |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Oakland, Ca.
Posts: 135
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
I look forward to seeing this finished, I've been looking for a topper as well. I have a bed tent I bought for about $200 on ebay, but I need a topper, and the softtopper was highest on my list, just never don't see them on classics
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I stopped adding up how much I spend on my builds, it only makes me doubt my sanity knowing I've spent more than 9 times it's original value new.
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#7 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Great idea offering a install video. Not that these aren't plenty easy to install anyway. I use my Jimmy for camping, been through a crazy serious storm one night. But, one thing to consider if you want one for camping rather than a topper is a topper has opening windows with screens. Softoppers are either open or shut. i've never been too hot, but I've only camper in the hills where it cools off at night
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"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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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 19
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Part 3 is out: http://youtu.be/5zRN19HchkI
I skipped a few steps due to technical difficulties with the recordings (ran out of memory cards at one point, and kept running into the 20 minute recording limit on DSLRs). However, I think it still gets the point across as I make a few mistakes and go back to correct my work. A little bit of swearing in this one. Those snaps are hard to snap the first time. It gets easier after the top has been installed a while.
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Jesse CreateThis |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Sherwood, AR
Posts: 189
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Kudos for showing you made mistakes. Personally I hate install vids that make it look like everything just works perfectly as we all know that is rarely the case.
As for the tight fit, I'm sure it's like the soft tops on Jeeps. Installing a new one in the cold is a PITA. It will stretch a little over time, as you stated. For anyone trying this in cold weather, I'd suggest keeping the top in a warm area overnight prior to the first install as that usually makes it go in a little easier.
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Brian '69 GMC C15 Inline 6, 230ci (possibly 250ci) |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 19
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Adds comedy too.
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Jesse CreateThis |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Durango, CO
Posts: 827
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
For those interested in soft shells on classic trucks, I've been running a Softopper on my truck for several months and it's pretty sweet. Although Softopper told me they didn't make a topper for 67-72 shortbeds, I took a chance on the '73-up shortbed topper and it installed just fine. Here's what it looks like:
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1972 K10 Cheyenne Super | LWB, fleetside | 350/350/205 | KEEPER 1971 K10 Cheyenne | SWB, fleetside | LS Swap 5.3/4L60 | SOLD 1976 Trans Am | 400/4-spd | SOLD 1976 Trans Am | 455/4-spd | TOTALED ![]() |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Sherwood, AR
Posts: 189
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Love that lifted look. That's my plan for my '69 at some point.
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Brian '69 GMC C15 Inline 6, 230ci (possibly 250ci) |
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#13 |
Special Order
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Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
My Softopper is still a bear to snap the rear corners after installing in '11. Cold definitely effects it. The warranty is void when raising or lowering under 50 dergees. Probably about the windows. I found it's best to work your way back one snap at a time. You might think you could stretch it more pulling the whole length, but it doesn't work that way
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"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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#14 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 19
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Quote:
I did unsnap the sides a few days after filming and everything went back together without much fuss. Luckily, I didn't damage anything if it was too cold.
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Jesse CreateThis |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Durango, CO
Posts: 827
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
I've definitely opened the rear window flap in ~15-20 degrees. Vinyl's a bit brittle for sure at that temp, just don't even think about rolling it up. If it does crack, they make a solid canvas back flap with no window - friends of mine have had those sent out for free after the vinyl window cracked. As for loss of visibility with the solid canvas panel, well, the vinyl window isn't exactly crystal clear anyway...
And I second the "snap-by-snap" approach.
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1972 K10 Cheyenne Super | LWB, fleetside | 350/350/205 | KEEPER 1971 K10 Cheyenne | SWB, fleetside | LS Swap 5.3/4L60 | SOLD 1976 Trans Am | 400/4-spd | SOLD 1976 Trans Am | 455/4-spd | TOTALED ![]() |
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#16 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 19
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Quote:
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Jesse CreateThis |
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#17 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
I flop the rear up on the top any time of year. Picture it hinging at the top and laying flat on the top. Since mine's on a Jimmy, the top is closed up when it's 50 out. But I'm mindful when temps will drop colder at night to either close it up before it cools off or leave it open. I have never removed or lowered mine since I mounted it. It's either closed up or my favorite, sides rolled up. I go out and brush the snow off when it stops coming down. Trucks and K/5s are same thing/different uses, or at least some. I mean, mine stays closed up all winter,except to get in the back. A truck one has nothing to do with comfort in the cab, other than shading the back window. On a truck it may need to go up or down all year round. I'm sure removing carefully could be done at any temperature, then warm it before folding or rolling up.
I have always wanted a truck with a top like this since before I ever saw a company make them, yet never have. I figured get a trim shop that does boats to make one. The first ones I saw made snapped to the cab and that's what I wanted. You could pull your back window out, and I considered making a walk-through. This was back when mini-trucks were big and the big thing was opening them up to the back w/topper.
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"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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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Durango, CO
Posts: 827
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Yep, I missed seeing over the bed sides when in traffic too. Parking lots are the worst, trying to back out into a crowded lot. Sport mirrors aren't much help. But lots of time driving with trailers helps, so I get by...
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1972 K10 Cheyenne Super | LWB, fleetside | 350/350/205 | KEEPER 1971 K10 Cheyenne | SWB, fleetside | LS Swap 5.3/4L60 | SOLD 1976 Trans Am | 400/4-spd | SOLD 1976 Trans Am | 455/4-spd | TOTALED ![]() |
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#19 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
I want to correct myself about what I said about the warranty being voided, I think that's wrong. More like "won't warrant".
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"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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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 19
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Yeah, that sounds about right from what I read.
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Jesse CreateThis |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 19
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
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Jesse CreateThis |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Sherwood, AR
Posts: 189
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Were the 2 smaller pipes different lengths? I ask because you mentioned centering the larger bar. Why not just measure both ends for center?
I mean, you did have your tape measure handy. ![]() Again, great videos! EDIT: Since you're saving money on not buying batteries, go get yourself some new drill bits. LOL
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Brian '69 GMC C15 Inline 6, 230ci (possibly 250ci) |
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#23 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 19
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Quote:
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Jesse CreateThis |
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#24 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Sherwood, AR
Posts: 189
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Quote:
![]() You seem to have a bit of the OCD gene (as do I) so was surprised the tape measure didn't make another appearance. LOL Looks really good.
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Brian '69 GMC C15 Inline 6, 230ci (possibly 250ci) |
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#25 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 19
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Re: SoftTopper Install Videos
Quote:
![]() My biggest problem is that I'm mildly dyslexic. I can't ever trust numbers. They get flipped around in my head. 46 becomes 64, etc. So I have to check things over and over again to make sure, and even then I often swap them by accident. That's why I prefer not to measure if I can help it. I also do some woodworking and we do a lot of measurement transfer rather than direct measurement. Even then I flip flop things by accident though. It's a curse.
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