single/double wall top

[k-nuts]

The Jimmy I bought a little while ago has a single wall top on it. Good shape I'd say with a few cracks on the seams and hatch. Anyways, when I bought the truck the top only had the back brackets and the windshield bolts attached. I assumed a lazy PO didn't put all the bolts in. I took the top off a few weeks ago and noticed the bedsides have holes in the top. But no nuts attached. Am I to assume it originally had a double wall top then?? All my old Blazers had the nuts under the bedrail in a little box type thing so they could move a little. And then bolted down from the top.

If I am going to keep this top I guess I could weld nuts to the underside of the bedrails (before paint). I'll nut and bolt until then I guess. I probably won't end up doing the top until last as not really needed here.

Anyone else do this?

[donkey69]

Sounds like your Jimmy came with a double wall top......yeah,you might have to do some engineering to keep the single wall but it will be worth it!!

[DEFIANT NCC-74205]

Yup. That's it dude. I'm doin the same for my Blazer.

[k-nuts]

Thanks guys. Didn't think all the nuts came off. Top is too good to junk, but last on the resto list.

(the resto hasn't started yet of course)

[LUV2XCLR8]

Originally Posted by donkey69

Sounds like your Jimmy came with a double wall top......yeah,you might have to
do some engineering to keep the single wall but it will be worth it!!

Exactly

[Mint68]

May be a dumb question, but do double wall tops have the same mounting holes as a single wall? I would think they would, but haven't ever seen a single wall top. I am planning on replacing my double wall with a single wall top; and was wanting to just nut and bolt it without having to drill any new holes.

[k-nuts]

I don't know for sure. In fact I don't even know if the holes on my single wall top lined up with the holes on the bedrails! I never looked as the bolts were missing. Good idea to check that out before welding up some nuts! IF I originally had a double wall top (says on the glove box it had a hardtop) all I know is the windshield bolts up and those back two brackets bolt up. It seems I recall someone here saying the bolt pattern may be different. But then others said they have a single wall top now instead of the old double. Mine also seems to have an extra hole or two towards the back. You'd think they would be the same locations though.

Also the reason I may not be able to nut and bolt is I think I will have side panels on there eventually and that would be a hassle. But in reality I proabably will never put the top on again other than to do the body work, floor etc.

[DEFIANT NCC-74205]

Nope, the holes are different. I originally had a double on my 69 and it got busted in a rollover. Last year I got a single and when I went to bolt it up, the holes were completely off. (Design engineers...you gotta love 'em) I decided that fiberglass is easier to drill through then metal, so I'm using the original holes in the bedsides and I'm gonna weld in the nuts so I can easily remove the top without having to mess with the interior side panels for access. (I'm making new ones out of ABS plastic instead of plywood. Less chance of moisture problems)

[LUV2XCLR8]

Originally Posted by Mint68

May be a dumb question, but do double wall tops have the same mounting holes as a single wall?

NO, But some Blazers came set-up for both

[DEFIANT NCC-74205]

That would be cool.

[k-nuts]

I guess I will have to put my top back on to see if my holes line up. I was hoping to leave it off for good!! But I want to have the body ready for the top if need be. Maybe I'll be lucky and have holes for both? But then wouldn't it have the nuts in there for the single top holes and just holes for the double wall top? I'm glad I asked before I welded nuts to my bedrails and painted the truck to find out they don't line up