Anyone have pictures of a Softopper installed???

[Blazerowner]

The issue I have is where the rear part of the door weatherstrip pretty much hits the flap that holds the top. I can't even shut my doors like the pictures above with the window up. What is wrong with this picture?

[Blazerowner]

Another

[Blazerowner]

Is it meant to just fold under the window? I may be able to slam it closed but I don't want to break the window.

[robs71k5]

I don't find it flaps around at all but I guess I should say I have left it go down the hyway not being in the drivers seat either .but from what I see from the drivers seat I don't have a concern as the horizontal pole is only an inch above the tail gate and makes it pretty stable . Easy to try it before you drill !

[robs71k5]

The door issue is everyone with softoppers. Not sure about those with Besttop or other origional types . This has been my pet peive . I have called and tried to set up a meeting with them Softoppers but they don't seem to care and even went on to sugest they were going to make changes to the front attach points which would possibly make the header that I have been providing to Blazer owners tougher to install. I have been contemplating a move into softops for us , designed for us that addresses the door issues . It's such a simple task to keep the material a little longer on the top so the canvas follows the shape of the window. They said they would call me . I even sugested I would fly down there with my one of my Headers to sort it out once and for all but it's already April and no contact. So I have purchased an industrial sewing machine and looking for an operater to help me with the layout and design . I already have use of a vacuume heat press for Windows. If anyone has experience please contact me would love to put you up for a week and work on this.

[Blazerowner]

The issue I find is whether the flap should close under the window. If I have the window down the rubber channel in the back actually binds up against the top. I have to unbutton it because I'm worried it will wear the top or rip the rubber piece off the channel. I see others with the window up and door closed with it over the top of the material so I assume they just slam it closed and it folds in under the window where the Velcro flap is. I too called and asked and they were no help.

[72gmguy]

Mine works great. When I close my door the rear of the glass "seals" against the top material where it Velcro's around the up rite and the top of the glass slides under the flap on top which diverts the water passed my side glass so not much water comes in. The only problem I ever had opening a door was when I rolled up the side window and it rolled up inside the material that wraps around the up rite. I just rolled the window back down and slightly pushed the side glass out as I rolled it up and it was fine again.

[Blazerowner]

Do you have some pictures of the vertical area with it rolled up? Seems like the rear channel will wear the material even with my window up.

Originally Posted by 72gmguy

Mine works great. When I close my door the rear of the glass "seals" against the top material where it Velcro's around the up rite and the top of the glass slides under the flap on top which diverts the water passed my side glass so not much water comes in. The only problem I ever had opening a door was when I rolled up the side window and it rolled up inside the material that wraps around the up rite. I just rolled the window back down and slightly pushed the side glass out as I rolled it up and it was fine again.

[hemi43]

I don't know if these pictures will help, but this is how my Softopper fits around the side windows. My doors close fine, but I need to keep the window down about 1/2" so that the top of the glass doesn't catch the drip flap. I posted a picture of the door which was closed with the glass all the way up, and a picture with the glass 1/2" down.
Dan

[72gmguy]

I think hemi43's pic is what you were looking for. The only difference is my glass is about even with my drip flap so my side glass slides under without getting stuck behind. You will have to zoom in on my pic to see what I mean.

[Blazerowner]

That's exactly how mine looks. On hemis last picture is what I was concerned with the rubber wearing the material or even ripping the rubber off. It's worse if I close the door with the window down. Just wish the material curved up higher. I've considered having it sewed differently so it doesn't catch.

[69-72]

So I picked up a top about 6 weeks ago now. I have it always in the down position and I do a lot of highway driving and as you know, the stoage cover that accompanies the top isn't of the best and catches a lot of air, so I cut about an inch of excess material out of it and added a zipper. It's a much cleaner design and doesn't act like a sail going down the road anymore. I cut off the stupid dangly straps too 😛

Anyone that's interested, it a #10 Nylon separating locking zipper, 54" long, fits perfect.

[69-72]

Not the best pic but it gives an idea, don't know why it ended upside down

[smith]

I've got an old Kayline top that is pretty beat up and I am deciding whether to get a shop to just make me a new one to fit and keep my old hardware or get a softopper. Can someone post a close up of how the softopper attaches at the top of the windshield? My Kayline has snaps that I had to drill into that area. Thanks

[Blazerowner]

The softopper attaches with snaps or they sell a strip that screws in to reduce the holes. I Personaly didn't want to drill any holes so I made a piece that Bolts to the original mounts and attached the strip to it. There is a member who makes a header piece to avoid this as well. I wanted a steel one so I made it myself.

[callonor]

Originally Posted by bigeasycigars

With enough fine tune adjusting you can get it to work. It took adjusting doors, body shimming, panel adjustment, proper placement of the header bar (the corners are the key). I'm happy with mine. You can reduce the gap at the pillar as well if you are crafty.

I had a double wall top on my K5 and the holes drilled in the Softopper bed rails were for a single wall. My suggestion would be to have them ship a nondrilled set of bed rails and drill them yourself. Take your time and install on a warmer/sunny day. The spreader bar is a bit tricky at the ends so do drill them last after stretching and snapping top on to see here the holes need to be.

This top will leak in heavy rain. But it's a soft top and not a convertible top. I have just wedged a foam between the pillar/window/top area while driving.

The top overall is the best I have seen and the only application now. I'd love zip out sides and might take it to an upholsterer and have them remedy that. I think the price is very fair for what ya get and have no real complaints. I am so confident in the top that I sold my hard top and bought and extra one just in case they stop making them or I buy another K5.

NOTE> Your geometry does change when removing your hard top. Check and shim as needed.

As far as being secure I wouldn't worry about someone slicing it as anyone can unsnap and get in in a couple seconds...it's a soft top after all.

Hope that helps and if anyone has any thing to add or tips I’d love to hear!

All the best,

bigeasycigars

Thanks for the info! We just ordered the top!

[A1971Blazer]

Mine closes under the top strip....I was in one rainstorm....it did not leak anywhere that I could see..
Top down but not snapped in this picture
window down