Hard top removal...How many helpers? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Shock_Me** · 08-29-2010, 05:50 AM

I'd like to remove my single wall top today without removing the hatch. How much manpower should I recruit?

Thanks.

Thealien · 08-29-2010, 06:59 AM

The few times I have done it I like to have 4 bodies (can be done with two strong but much easier with 4). After all the bolts are removed and I brake the seal on all the rubber seals I like to slide two 2X4s from side to side, one in the front and one in the back. A person on the end of each 2X4 lift and carry it to where you are storing it.

A few people have made hoists in there garage that makes it a one man operation. I don't have that luxury.

**Shock_Me** · 08-29-2010, 07:25 AM

Thanks! I'll round up a posse and give it a go. Pics to follow

Pete

litebulblsc · 08-29-2010, 08:40 AM

3 people minimum. Two can easily carry it, but it helps to have a third person under it to lift it for finger room. Then they can also help out the one that is struggling more to carry it.

AJs72K5 · 08-29-2010, 10:50 AM

Really depends on how much beer you have in the fridge.

Bentblazer · 08-29-2010, 11:51 AM

A couple nights lodging, meals, a lot of beer as AJ says and I might be willing to drive up for that 15 min, job!

red71cheyenne · 08-29-2010, 12:13 PM

My son and I have put on and removed mine several times. We aren't small guys though. He's 6'2 250 and I'm right behind him. I think one more would have made it a little easier to negotiate it though. Next time I move it, I'm gonna make the wife navigate. Gotta take it off here soon to paint!!! Ya!

drunkbus · 08-29-2010, 12:46 PM

Just me and my 62 year old dad did mine. Definately would have been easier with at least one more person but it's possible with just 2.

trz1000 · 08-29-2010, 05:30 PM

I did it alone by backing my pickup to the back of the Jimmy. I lifted the top to put two 2x4's across the bed of the Jimmy. Then I just got inside and used my shoulders to pick up and slowly walk the top towards my truck using one of the 2x4's as a place to push off with my arms (highly recommended as the back strain would be intense and dangerous otherwise).

The top is currently resting on the bed rails of my pickup.

I don't have a back seat which made the operation very easy. From start to finish tool about half an hour. Will go much faster next time.

Don't have the pictures of operation drop top on this computer but here is a pic of the top on my truck.

Now I need to get it off my truck so today I'm working on a stand to store the top on.

**Shock_Me** · 08-29-2010, 07:12 PM

Me + my bro + 69 year old dad + a couple of 2x4s =

Thanks guys

**Shock_Me** · 08-29-2010, 07:16 PM

couple more:

RED72blazer · 08-29-2010, 08:04 PM

I've done it by myself, But I don't recommend it. Though it's almost easier to do myself then with only 2 people,

cdowns · 08-29-2010, 08:07 PM

one man with imagination is enough// you just need to outhink an inanimate object

**Gary 70 Jimmy** · 08-29-2010, 09:32 PM

I 2nd that is nice red interior.

bouncytruck · 08-29-2010, 08:06 PM

Beautiful Blazer. I love the red interior with the white body.

I pull/install my top by myself all the time using this system - http://home.pacbell.net/jls-dls/RemoveTop.html

**Tom Vogel** · 08-30-2010, 01:37 AM

The first guy is right. I mean... sure, less people can do it. Heck, One person CAN do it. But... if you like to keep you paint unscratctched... why risk it. If it gets out of balance... youll pay.

FoxHound · 08-30-2010, 02:23 AM

wow that is a nice blazer. great job shock

**Shock_Me** · 08-30-2010, 05:20 AM

thanks guys!

good point Tom. Even with three guys we had to be careful moving the top back and off. No paint was scratched, but 4 dudes would have balanced it much better

Pete

Cap'n Hook · 09-05-2010, 09:59 PM

White exterior with red interior really grew on me with my 2000 Vette. I've never seen a blazer with that combo. Nice!

And as for the the top, I dug 4 holes just wider than the Jimmy body and the length of the Jimmy bed, and put 4 8-foot landscape timbers in the ground. Braced it up nice over the top and just higher than the bed rails. Backed the truck between the landscape timbers, and lifted the rear and the front of the top off the bed of the Jimmy while the wife slide a 2x4 between the top and the landscape timbers at the front and the back of the bed of the truck. Then drove out from underneath the top!

Bentblazer · 09-06-2010, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cap'n Hook

White exterior with red interior really grew on me with my 2000 Vette. I've never seen a blazer with that combo. Nice!

And as for the the top, I dug 4 holes just wider than the Jimmy body and the length of the Jimmy bed, and put 4 8-foot landscape timbers in the ground. Braced it up nice over the top and just higher than the bed rails. Backed the truck between the landscape timbers, and lifted the rear and the front of the top off the bed of the Jimmy while the wife slide a 2x4 between the top and the landscape timbers at the front and the back of the bed of the truck. Then drove out from underneath the top!

Thats what I did, with a little paitence you can do it by your self. Background in pic

**Shock_Me** · 09-05-2010, 10:31 PM

Great idea Jason! I should try that.

Yeah the Blazer was this color combo when I got it. I'm not usually a fan of white trucks, but it has definitely grown on me. Someday I plan to install a rollbar and paint it gloss red just to balance out the look.

Pete

*Cartoonface* · 09-08-2010, 11:32 PM

If you leave the top off for extended periods of time or during hot weather, I suggest making a bar to attach to at least two sets of holes on the tops lower bolt holes to keep it from getting out of shape.
I measured my Blazers attach point and took a 1/4" stock bar and drilled holes to match.

chuckmc8 · 09-09-2010, 05:00 AM

subbin in here

kd71jimmy · 09-09-2010, 01:35 PM

I have a double wall and done it with 2...3 is much better though...1 up front, 2 in the back...

masterbeavis · 09-09-2010, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trz1000

I did it alone by backing my pickup to the back of the Jimmy. I lifted the top to put two 2x4's across the bed of the Jimmy. Then I just got inside and used my shoulders to pick up and slowly walk the top towards my truck using one of the 2x4's as a place to push off with my arms (highly recommended as the back strain would be intense and dangerous otherwise).

The top is currently resting on the bed rails of my pickup.

I don't have a back seat which made the operation very easy. From start to finish tool about half an hour. Will go much faster next time.

Don't have the pictures of operation drop top on this computer but here is a pic of the top on my truck.

Now I need to get it off my truck so today I'm working on a stand to store the top on.

I do my top by myself by a similar method.
DItch the old top on my trailer

Get the rig into position

Lift the top and get 2x4s under it

then procede with trying to not kill yourself in the dark trying to move a top while also trying to not damage your nice seats....

08-29-2010, 05:50 AM	#1
Shock_Me Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 587	Hard top removal...How many helpers? I'd like to remove my single wall top today without removing the hatch. How much manpower should I recruit? Thanks.

08-29-2010, 06:59 AM	#2
Thealien Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pine Ridge Florida Posts: 4,125	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? The few times I have done it I like to have 4 bodies (can be done with two strong but much easier with 4). After all the bolts are removed and I brake the seal on all the rubber seals I like to slide two 2X4s from side to side, one in the front and one in the back. A person on the end of each 2X4 lift and carry it to where you are storing it. A few people have made hoists in there garage that makes it a one man operation. I don't have that luxury. __________________ Click on my Not really a build thread, yet NOT SO RUST FREE RUST FREE BLAZER LS ENGINE SWAP INFORMATION THREAD BOLT RESTORATIONS 4l60 to an NP205

08-29-2010, 07:25 AM	#3
Shock_Me Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 587	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? Thanks! I'll round up a posse and give it a go. Pics to follow Pete

08-29-2010, 08:40 AM	#4
litebulblsc Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: LaSalle Mi Posts: 520	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? 3 people minimum. Two can easily carry it, but it helps to have a third person under it to lift it for finger room. Then they can also help out the one that is struggling more to carry it.

08-29-2010, 10:50 AM	#5
AJs72K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Tx Posts: 1,083	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? Really depends on how much beer you have in the fridge. __________________ - AJ Gray Matter Build - 1972 K5 with some stuff

08-29-2010, 11:51 AM	#6
Bentblazer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Rolla Mo. Posts: 667	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? A couple nights lodging, meals, a lot of beer as AJ says and I might be willing to drive up for that 15 min, job! __________________ "85" Monte Carlo SS "71" K5 (SOLD) "64" Chevelle 1930 Chevy two door rat

08-29-2010, 12:13 PM	#7
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? My son and I have put on and removed mine several times. We aren't small guys though. He's 6'2 250 and I'm right behind him. I think one more would have made it a little easier to negotiate it though. Next time I move it, I'm gonna make the wife navigate. Gotta take it off here soon to paint!!! Ya! __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

08-29-2010, 12:46 PM	#8
drunkbus New Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Coos Bay, OR Posts: 1,077	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? Just me and my 62 year old dad did mine. Definately would have been easier with at least one more person but it's possible with just 2.

08-29-2010, 05:30 PM	#9
trz1000 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 95	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? I did it alone by backing my pickup to the back of the Jimmy. I lifted the top to put two 2x4's across the bed of the Jimmy. Then I just got inside and used my shoulders to pick up and slowly walk the top towards my truck using one of the 2x4's as a place to push off with my arms (highly recommended as the back strain would be intense and dangerous otherwise). The top is currently resting on the bed rails of my pickup. I don't have a back seat which made the operation very easy. From start to finish tool about half an hour. Will go much faster next time. Don't have the pictures of operation drop top on this computer but here is a pic of the top on my truck. Now I need to get it off my truck so today I'm working on a stand to store the top on. Attached Images

08-29-2010, 07:12 PM	#10
Shock_Me Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 587	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? Me + my bro + 69 year old dad + a couple of 2x4s = Thanks guys

08-29-2010, 07:16 PM	#11
Shock_Me Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 587	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? couple more:

08-29-2010, 08:04 PM	#12
RED72blazer urban fourwheelin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,007	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? I've done it by myself, But I don't recommend it. Though it's almost easier to do myself then with only 2 people, __________________ 1972 K5 Blazer with Cummins 4BT, NV4500 swap in the parts gathering stage.

08-29-2010, 08:07 PM	#13
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? one man with imagination is enough// you just need to outhink an inanimate object __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-29-2010, 09:32 PM	#14
Gary 70 Jimmy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Burghill, Ohio 44404 Posts: 3,402	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? I 2nd that is nice red interior. __________________ 1972 GMC Jimmy 1/2 4X4 4wheel camper 1970 GMC Jimmy 1/2 4X4 350 1969 Chevy Blazer 1/2 4X4 307 1967 chevy LWB 3/4 396

08-29-2010, 08:06 PM	#15
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? Beautiful Blazer. I love the red interior with the white body. I pull/install my top by myself all the time using this system - http://home.pacbell.net/jls-dls/RemoveTop.html __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L



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08-30-2010, 01:37 AM	#16
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,565	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? The first guy is right. I mean... sure, less people can do it. Heck, One person CAN do it. But... if you like to keep you paint unscratctched... why risk it. If it gets out of balance... youll pay.

08-30-2010, 02:23 AM	#17
FoxHound Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Idaho Posts: 111	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? wow that is a nice blazer. great job shock __________________ 1972 k/5 Blazer 350V8/TH350/NP205 "The Ox"

08-30-2010, 05:20 AM	#18
Shock_Me Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 587	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? thanks guys! good point Tom. Even with three guys we had to be careful moving the top back and off. No paint was scratched, but 4 dudes would have balanced it much better Pete

09-05-2010, 09:59 PM	#19
Cap'n Hook Workin to live... Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 261	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? White exterior with red interior really grew on me with my 2000 Vette. I've never seen a blazer with that combo. Nice! And as for the the top, I dug 4 holes just wider than the Jimmy body and the length of the Jimmy bed, and put 4 8-foot landscape timbers in the ground. Braced it up nice over the top and just higher than the bed rails. Backed the truck between the landscape timbers, and lifted the rear and the front of the top off the bed of the Jimmy while the wife slide a 2x4 between the top and the landscape timbers at the front and the back of the bed of the truck. Then drove out from underneath the top! __________________ Jason

09-05-2010, 10:31 PM	#21
Shock_Me Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 587	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? Great idea Jason! I should try that. Yeah the Blazer was this color combo when I got it. I'm not usually a fan of white trucks, but it has definitely grown on me. Someday I plan to install a rollbar and paint it gloss red just to balance out the look. Pete

09-08-2010, 11:32 PM	#22
Cartoonface Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 55	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? If you leave the top off for extended periods of time or during hot weather, I suggest making a bar to attach to at least two sets of holes on the tops lower bolt holes to keep it from getting out of shape. I measured my Blazers attach point and took a 1/4" stock bar and drilled holes to match.

09-09-2010, 05:00 AM	#23
chuckmc8 It's alsways something..... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Douglasville GA Posts: 1,171	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? subbin in here

09-09-2010, 01:35 PM	#24
kd71jimmy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Saint Amant,Louisiana Posts: 65	Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers? I have a double wall and done it with 2...3 is much better though...1 up front, 2 in the back...

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