Tub bracing questions...

[Blizz]

I'm having a body guy come out this weekend to start cutting all the cancer out of the tub. The following weekend he's going to weld all the sheet metal in. I'm really pumped about this and can't wait. It's been a LONG time coming. Anyways, I don't have the top on it but the body mounts are really good and I can't see any sagging anywhere so I think I'm good to just brace everything up. Where would you brace a tub to prepare to cut out the rockers, kick pans, pillars and small sections of the floors? I was thinking about just bracing the door openings and maybe one from one side of the bed to the other just behind the front seats. Any other suggestions??

[turp mcspray]

I think mounting the top back on would be the BEST way to go.

[Blizz]

dang...i was afraid someone would say that. i don't have the bolts for it and don't have the man power to get it on by Saturday morning. hmmm....

[swyfor5]

Getting ready for the same stuff soon. Everything I have ever read and seen say's- bolt the top on first.

[JimmyFloyd]

I'd brace the door openings, as well as the bed side to side. I would also do some bracing from the dash/firewall to the floor behind the seats just to be sure there.

[SeventyOne]

I know you said you don't think the body sagged or moved with the top off. I bet it did - at least a little. If you brace it up where she sits and cut your are stuck with the same (40yearold) panel placement you have now.

I would get that top back on to make sure everything is lining up - couldn't hurt to brace it at that point either, before the first cut is made. The top can be put back on with as little as 3 people in my opinion. 2 if you got big guys.

The bolts are regular hardware store bolts and I remember a few recent threads detailing out the list of hardware needed.

Do it right the first time and never do it again.

[Blizz]

The top has been off for years...long before I bought it so if it sagged, it did it a LONG time ago and the top wouldn't fit now. I'll see what I can do about putting it on.

[dubds10]

Top take 2 guys unless you can get it level to the rear of the truck. I put mine off and on by myself but it's tricky lol Carrying it your back gets a little hard after awhile, I've found. The body deff does sag without though, and putting it back on may just move your body back out to it's original point. Even if it's been off for a long time. I've noticed it always goes back when the top gets put back on no matter how long it's been off.

For key places being replaced such as the door area, I'd try with the top on vs off. Bed floor, not as big a deal.

[rsavage]

My Blazer is in the shop right now for paint and body work. It went there with new body mounts but no top as the inside is going to be repainted too. I have a double wall top and I wouldn't attempt to put it on and off without two guys on each side. I want body lines door jambs set up with the top off as I am going to put a soft top on it.

[99-LS1-SS]

It is so ironic that I came on this site this morning and saw this thread. I was discussing this very topic with my brother this morning. My brother has done body work for the last 20+ years but he's very busy and lives 2 hours away so he's not a viable option.

It never occurred to me to leave the top on but after thinking about it that is a great idea. This thread has reduced a large portion of stress regarding my build.

[Blizz]

dude didn't show up. no show, no call nothin. maybe some other guy and time. i did get the stuff to brace the tub and got the bolts to put the top on so that will be done by the time i get someone else out here. sucks cuz i was pretty excited about it too. who knows, once i get the thing braced up and lined up, maybe i'll take a shot at it.

[Jtrux]

Personally I wouldn't do it without getting the top back on. Get mario over there and you both go stick that top on, no excuses. Sucks about the guy not showing up, Mario told me earlier this week that someone was supposed to do all the metal work on your blazer.

[Blizz]

Yeah, he was supposed to...oh well. Mario does have another guy that was interested. I don't get it...I have $$ just sitting there for anyone that wants to do it.