You soft top guys are crazy - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mister.freeze · 09-03-2007, 04:16 PM

I've spent most of my day trying to install this POS soft top. Unless the darn thing shrank over the years, it just isn't working. It fits the STC descriptions and instructions, but just doesn't fit!!! Good thing I've got a bikini, though it just rains too much here. I'd trade it and my double-wall for a good single wall, or better yet, somebody that can bend rectangle tubing...

**1971K54X4** · 09-03-2007, 04:24 PM

From those two angles it looks alot like my bestop. Did you try doing one snap per side, alternating side to side. Being in Texas I assume the top was good and warm so it would strech easier.

1LoC10 · 09-03-2007, 06:08 PM

yeah thats would be the best bet.. you dont want to do one whole side first, that will never stretch

VinceY · 09-03-2007, 06:27 PM

That looks exactly like mine when it has not been on for a while.
The warmer it is the easier it goes on. Sometimes it's a workout.

**special-K** · 09-03-2007, 06:49 PM

That`s a Bestop.

ABLAZN · 09-03-2007, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

That`s a Bestop.

Yep,

Try this set of instructions. Also they show all the hardware that might be missing so you can get it direct from them.

http://www.bestop.com/installation_guides/51315.pdf

mister.freeze · 09-03-2007, 08:27 PM

Thanks, all. I've got both the STC and Bestop instructions. Rainy today, so not so hot, but I'm hesitant to try it in the sun because that would be too @#$% hot. I did find one hole in it (more of a crack) that's certainly fixable, and the shor snap strap on the front left pulled off. Everything else seems to be there. Just feels like too much trouble to mess with again.

bouncytruck · 09-03-2007, 11:20 PM

Just lay the fabric part out in the sun for an hour or so. Then stretch it over the frame. They expand a lot when they are warm.

vtblazer · 09-04-2007, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

Just lay the fabric part out in the sun for an hour or so. Then stretch it over the frame. They expand a lot when they are warm.

Good idea.

They stretch way more at oven temp.

It'll fit, just work it and let it relax/stretch out some.

**special-K** · 09-04-2007, 06:51 AM

Maybe if it seems totally impossible to snap.You could try undoing some bows,snap it up and get under it and push up(with your back)while getting the bows in the mounts??Just a thought.I`m sure someone helping would be a big plus.Expect to sweat,you need heat.
This may seem very "not worth it" and you`re thinking what`s the point of a soft top I`m afraid to remove.But,just remember this is due to shrinking over a long period.I always buttoned mine right up every day.The same fabric fit at one time and it still should once you get it back to it`s form.

mister.freeze · 09-04-2007, 07:18 AM

Indeed. Still seems like too much trouble. Besides, I'm not liking the look. There's just not enough retention of the original shape. I thought it'd be more like a Jeep.

Does 'Lucolite' mean anything? That's what it says on the back window.

bouncytruck · 09-04-2007, 11:31 AM

If you can find a Fastrac top, they maintain the original shape more. The tops with only two bows (Kayline, STC Snap and Bestop) usually need to stickup more in the middle and the back drops off more. I had a Kayline on my '69 (now owned by another board member) and it didn't stick up quite as much as yours appears to.

fun in dirt · 09-04-2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mister.freeze

Indeed. Still seems like too much trouble. Besides, I'm not liking the look. There's just not enough retention of the original shape. I thought it'd be more like a Jeep.

I think my softtop looks pretty goofy on too. Besides, it's missing the windshield bracket & the rear window is torn. So I'm just gonna cut mine up and make a bikini top to fit the family roll cage it'll soon have.
But you said you already have a bikini top so sell the soft top for some $...everybody else seems to want them.

Green Monster · 09-08-2007, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mister.freeze

Indeed. Still seems like too much trouble. Besides, I'm not liking the look. There's just not enough retention of the original shape. I thought it'd be more like a Jeep.

Does 'Lucolite' mean anything? That's what it says on the back window.

I never cared for the shape or look of the soft tops either. I ordered one from STC 4 years ago, then canceled the order after some thought. I figured if I have a soft top on my Blazer then I will drive it even if there is a chance of rain. So having no top is the only way I can ensure I will not drive it in rain or bad weather. Keeps the Blazer nicer that way.

BigRed Beast · 09-08-2007, 10:19 AM

If you guys are thinking of getting rid of your soft top, I'd like to get one...is there a deal in the making?!

LUV2XCLR8 · 09-08-2007, 10:34 AM

Another idea is to throw it in your dryer on low heat

Chevyman63 · 09-08-2007, 06:01 PM

What usually helps me through a situation like this is

vtblazer · 09-08-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mister.freeze

Still seems like too much trouble.

Don't really know what to think about this.

Easy has yet to be involved with anything on a 1st gen.

09-03-2007, 04:16 PM	#1
mister.freeze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 733	You soft top guys are crazy I've spent most of my day trying to install this POS soft top. Unless the darn thing shrank over the years, it just isn't working. It fits the STC descriptions and instructions, but just doesn't fit!!! Good thing I've got a bikini, though it just rains too much here. I'd trade it and my double-wall for a good single wall, or better yet, somebody that can bend rectangle tubing... Attached Images __________________ '72 K5, known as 'the Fox.'

09-03-2007, 04:24 PM	#2
1971K54X4 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Manchester, Iowa Posts: 1,493	Re: You soft top guys are crazy From those two angles it looks alot like my bestop. Did you try doing one snap per side, alternating side to side. Being in Texas I assume the top was good and warm so it would strech easier. __________________ Korey 1955 Bel Air 2 door hardtop 1971 Blazer 4x4 1973 Z-28 Prostreet

09-03-2007, 06:08 PM	#3
1LoC10 Insert Title Here Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dyer, Indiana Posts: 5,679	Re: You soft top guys are crazy yeah thats would be the best bet.. you dont want to do one whole side first, that will never stretch __________________ BOBBY _69 SWB_ 1000 pics of 67-72's>> http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z...-72/?start=all <<

09-03-2007, 06:27 PM	#4
VinceY Just need a couple more parts. Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 470	Re: You soft top guys are crazy That looks exactly like mine when it has not been on for a while. The warmer it is the easier it goes on. Sometimes it's a workout. __________________ --------------------------------------------------- 1947 Studebaker M5 project to match the camping trailer. 1950 Chev 4x4 Pickup 1958 Shasta Airflyte Travel trailer (fresh restoration) 1971 C/10 Pickup(Frame off Restoration) 1972 K5 Blazer CST (Daily Driver & My Company Truck) 1976 Honda CB750 Bobber 1988 Jaguar XJ12

09-03-2007, 06:49 PM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: You soft top guys are crazy That`s a Bestop. __________________ "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 ~

09-03-2007, 08:27 PM	#7
mister.freeze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 733	Re: You soft top guys are crazy Thanks, all. I've got both the STC and Bestop instructions. Rainy today, so not so hot, but I'm hesitant to try it in the sun because that would be too @#$% hot. I did find one hole in it (more of a crack) that's certainly fixable, and the shor snap strap on the front left pulled off. Everything else seems to be there. Just feels like too much trouble to mess with again. __________________ '72 K5, known as 'the Fox.'

09-03-2007, 11:20 PM	#8
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Re: You soft top guys are crazy Just lay the fabric part out in the sun for an hour or so. Then stretch it over the frame. They expand a lot when they are warm. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

09-04-2007, 06:51 AM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: You soft top guys are crazy Maybe if it seems totally impossible to snap.You could try undoing some bows,snap it up and get under it and push up(with your back)while getting the bows in the mounts??Just a thought.I`m sure someone helping would be a big plus.Expect to sweat,you need heat. This may seem very "not worth it" and you`re thinking what`s the point of a soft top I`m afraid to remove.But,just remember this is due to shrinking over a long period.I always buttoned mine right up every day.The same fabric fit at one time and it still should once you get it back to it`s form. __________________ "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 ~

09-04-2007, 07:18 AM	#11
mister.freeze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 733	Re: You soft top guys are crazy Indeed. Still seems like too much trouble. Besides, I'm not liking the look. There's just not enough retention of the original shape. I thought it'd be more like a Jeep. Does 'Lucolite' mean anything? That's what it says on the back window. __________________ '72 K5, known as 'the Fox.'

09-04-2007, 11:31 AM	#12
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Re: You soft top guys are crazy If you can find a Fastrac top, they maintain the original shape more. The tops with only two bows (Kayline, STC Snap and Bestop) usually need to stickup more in the middle and the back drops off more. I had a Kayline on my '69 (now owned by another board member) and it didn't stick up quite as much as yours appears to. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

09-08-2007, 10:19 AM	#15
BigRed Beast Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 140	Re: You soft top guys are crazy If you guys are thinking of getting rid of your soft top, I'd like to get one...is there a deal in the making?! __________________ Big Red Beast 1972 Blazer CST AC/Auto/4x4 "Project" 1997 F 350 CC Powerstroke "The Great White"

09-08-2007, 10:34 AM	#16
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: You soft top guys are crazy Another idea is to throw it in your dryer on low heat __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

09-08-2007, 06:01 PM	#17
Chevyman63 Can't wait to retire!! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Corunna, MI Posts: 1,575	Re: You soft top guys are crazy What usually helps me through a situation like this is __________________ 2009 4x4 Chevy Crew Cab 6.0 1989 4x4 Siverado (270,000 miles) 1972 4x4 Blazer 2007 Chevy Cutaway 1 ton 1970 Corvette (sons project) RIP - CLR 10/11/09



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