Single-wall vs double-wall hardtops - Which years?

[ChrisCostlow]

Which year Blazers/Jimmies had single-wall hardtops and which years had double? I've looked everywhere but here and can't find an answer.

Thanks!

[ChrisCostlow]

Oops. Never mind. Boy do I feel dumb.

[rsavage]

I believe that double wall tops, which bolt on from underneath the bed rail, came on Blazers and Jimmys without rear side panels, whereas the single wall which bolts on from the top came on the better trim levels, i.e. CST. If it came with a double wall and you had rear trim panels, you would have had to remove them to remove/install the top.

[cleszkie]

The double wall tops came first, no matter if you had interior cargo panels or not. However problems with sagging prompted the redesign later in the first generation Blazer production run. I believe the single wall tops began showing up in 71 and 72, but not all 71 and 72 Blazers got them, as there was double wall inventory to use up before the redesign in 1973. If you notice, all 1973 and newer Blazers have single wall tops with nearly identical construction as those for the first generation Blazers.

[ChrisCostlow]

Thanks Guys!

The reason I ask is that I just bought a 72 Blazer CST, though I don't have it here with me because it's got a fried wiring harness and a new one is being installed at a garage in Salt Lake City. As soon as that is done, I'll fly there and drive her home to So. Cal., then show her the tender loving care she deserves. At the moment, I'm just trying to learn as much as I can about her and the single/double wall top thing was confusing to me.

Here's a picture of her:

[Joe Blaze]

Originally Posted by ChrisCostlow

Thanks Guys!



Here's a picture of her:

Could you get a photo of how you mounted your neff bars? I want to put some kind of step or running boards but I can't decide how to tie them into the frame rails, due to how far they are in away from the doors.
Thanks
Posted via Mobile Device

[ChrisCostlow]

I'll take detailed pictures after I get her home.

[Joe Blaze]

i am thinking of using black pipe, i am just trying to figure the best way to make it reach the frame and not have the bracket bend under the torsional force of your weight stepping on a long run of pipe.

[Firebirdjones]

I'm going to bend custom on mine. With a decent wall thickness you shouldn't have to worry about bending the tube, unless you're 400+ lbs and jump up and down on it Especially if you use the same thing roll cages are made of. If it will support a roll over you should be able to stand on it.

I'm running mine to the frame, using flat plate and bolting in on the frame so I can remove it easily, and keeping it very close to the rocker panel for a clean and somewhat undetectable look. So it can also serve as a rocker panel protector (not necessarily a rock slider though) and also a step. I'm shooting for mine to only stick out about 6" past the rocker, just enough to get a foot on it.

[Joe Blaze]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

I'm going to bend custom on mine. With a decent wall thickness you shouldn't have to worry about bending the tube, unless you're 400+ lbs and jump up and down on it Especially if you use the same thing roll cages are made of. If it will support a roll over you should be able to stand on it.

I'm running mine to the frame, using flat plate and bolting in on the frame so I can remove it easily, and keeping it very close to the rocker panel for a clean and somewhat undetectable look. So it can also serve as a rocker panel protector (not necessarily a rock slider though) and also a step. I'm shooting for mine to only stick out about 6" past the rocker, just enough to get a foot on it.

yeah, that is about how i want mine to stick out also, strictly functional, not for looks. i will use black pipe and it will hardly be noticeable when i am done. i am just trying to figure out what to do to the top of the pipe to eliminate the possibility of wet feet slipping off of the smooth round pipe surface.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by Joe Blaze

yeah, that is about how i want mine to stick out also, strictly functional, not for looks. i will use black pipe and it will hardly be noticeable when i am done. i am just trying to figure out what to do to the top of the pipe to eliminate the possibility of wet feet slipping off of the smooth round pipe surface.

I'm spraying mine with bedliner. It's a rough texture so it shouldn't be as slippery, and it's durable so it won't wear off from stepping on it.

[Joe Blaze]

Originally Posted by ChrisCostlow

I'll take detailed pictures after I get her home.

Chris-

Did you ever get those photos?

[Joe Blaze]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

I'm going to bend custom on mine. With a decent wall thickness you shouldn't have to worry about bending the tube, unless you're 400+ lbs and jump up and down on it Especially if you use the same thing roll cages are made of. If it will support a roll over you should be able to stand on it.

I'm running mine to the frame, using flat plate and bolting in on the frame so I can remove it easily, and keeping it very close to the rocker panel for a clean and somewhat undetectable look. So it can also serve as a rocker panel protector (not necessarily a rock slider though) and also a step. I'm shooting for mine to only stick out about 6" past the rocker, just enough to get a foot on it.

did you make any progress on that project?

[Firebirdjones]

I have the plates made for the frame and tacked on my initial attempt at bent tubing. I have many other coals in the fire so I am sort of "on and off" with this project.

[ChrisCostlow]

Joe

The Blazer's still in the shop in Utah. When I bought it, it wasn't driveable due to wiring problems. The whole harness had to be replaced. It should be done this coming weekend or next. I will get the pics as soon as I get her home.

[bigbadchev72]

Thats gonna be a long drive home on those tires. I have never heard of a round thornbird.

[blazintowers]

I had a double wall on my 71 cst, with the interior bed wall panels and yah it was a pita to remove the top so I finally dumped it and now have opted to try a soft top!