1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

wcelliot · 01-03-2016, 09:18 AM

I started a build thread but thought I'd also ask the question here:

I'm starting my modern drive-train build with what appears to be a very original 1972 Blazer... my question concerns the top and roll bar... what do I have?

It doesn't look quite like other double walled tops I've seen and I've never seen a roll bar like this... BUT the inner part of the top appears factory molded to fit around where the roll bar attaches at the windscreen header.

Is this factory/rare/desirable? (I had planned on no cage and keeping the top off most of the time in favor of a soft top). But if I have something really unusual I may keep it...

Thanks!

asolde · 01-03-2016, 09:39 AM

I don't believe it is factory. It looks like a custom built roll bar. My top has those cutouts/indentations where the roof bolts to the windshield frame. I like the idea of that roll bar seems like it would do the job in the event of a roll over.

wcelliot · 01-03-2016, 09:58 AM

Ah, thanks! I didn't think about the possibility that the indents were in the top anyway! Does the top look stock?

**1rippen6** · 01-03-2016, 10:30 AM

Appears to be a correct double wall top

**1rippen6** · 01-03-2016, 10:32 AM

Are you sure it is a 72? Why I ask is your rear view mirror is mounted to the windshield frame in 72 they were glued to the windshield and sometime in 72 they went to a single wall top. I just listed a 72 that I am parting out in the for sale section it may have a picture of the rear view mirror I don't remember LOL.

wcelliot · 01-03-2016, 11:18 AM

Thanks for the info on the top!

Actually I'm not 100% certain it's a '72 though that's what all the paperwork says... will investigate further.

Thanks again!

71swb4x4 · 01-03-2016, 11:24 AM

I agree, it's a factory double wall top.
I also agree on that being a nice roll bar. It looks like it will add some level of protection to the windshield frame.

wcelliot · 01-03-2016, 12:45 PM

Found the VIN on the frame and it's definitely a 71... thanks for the info!

cleszkie · 01-04-2016, 02:58 PM

I wouldn't count on those bars running to the windshield frame adding much roll-over protection. The windshield frame will still collapse and those bars will end up in your lap.

I also don't recommend keeping those bars connected to the windshield frame when the top is removed. Blazers naturally flex through the door openings, and those bars will put a lot of stress on the thin windshield frame, eventually fatiguing the metal and tearing free. I did this years ago thinking it was a good idea, and that is what was happening. The only time you can connect a roll bar directly to the windshield frame is when you have completely caged the Blazer to prevent body flex.

01-03-2016, 09:18 AM	#1
wcelliot Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Urbana, MD Posts: 20	1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have? I started a build thread but thought I'd also ask the question here: I'm starting my modern drive-train build with what appears to be a very original 1972 Blazer... my question concerns the top and roll bar... what do I have? It doesn't look quite like other double walled tops I've seen and I've never seen a roll bar like this... BUT the inner part of the top appears factory molded to fit around where the roll bar attaches at the windscreen header. Is this factory/rare/desirable? (I had planned on no cage and keeping the top off most of the time in favor of a soft top). But if I have something really unusual I may keep it... Thanks! Attached Images

01-03-2016, 09:39 AM	#2
asolde Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Henderson Nevada Posts: 804	Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have? I don't believe it is factory. It looks like a custom built roll bar. My top has those cutouts/indentations where the roof bolts to the windshield frame. I like the idea of that roll bar seems like it would do the job in the event of a roll over. __________________ 1972 cheverolet K5 CST Blazer 350/auto/AC/PS/PB/Aux Batt From Medford, Oregon

01-03-2016, 09:58 AM	#3
wcelliot Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Urbana, MD Posts: 20	Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have? Ah, thanks! I didn't think about the possibility that the indents were in the top anyway! Does the top look stock?

01-03-2016, 10:30 AM	#4
1rippen6 Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Greencastle PA Posts: 6,807	Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have? Appears to be a correct double wall top

01-03-2016, 10:32 AM	#5
1rippen6 Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Greencastle PA Posts: 6,807	Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have? Are you sure it is a 72? Why I ask is your rear view mirror is mounted to the windshield frame in 72 they were glued to the windshield and sometime in 72 they went to a single wall top. I just listed a 72 that I am parting out in the for sale section it may have a picture of the rear view mirror I don't remember LOL.

01-03-2016, 11:18 AM	#6
wcelliot Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Urbana, MD Posts: 20	Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have? Thanks for the info on the top! Actually I'm not 100% certain it's a '72 though that's what all the paperwork says... will investigate further. Thanks again!

01-03-2016, 11:24 AM	#7
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have? I agree, it's a factory double wall top. I also agree on that being a nice roll bar. It looks like it will add some level of protection to the windshield frame. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

01-03-2016, 12:45 PM	#8
wcelliot Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Urbana, MD Posts: 20	Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have? Found the VIN on the frame and it's definitely a 71... thanks for the info!

01-04-2016, 02:58 PM	#9
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	Re: 1972 Roll "cage" and Hardtop: what do I have? I wouldn't count on those bars running to the windshield frame adding much roll-over protection. The windshield frame will still collapse and those bars will end up in your lap. I also don't recommend keeping those bars connected to the windshield frame when the top is removed. Blazers naturally flex through the door openings, and those bars will put a lot of stress on the thin windshield frame, eventually fatiguing the metal and tearing free. I did this years ago thinking it was a good idea, and that is what was happening. The only time you can connect a roll bar directly to the windshield frame is when you have completely caged the Blazer to prevent body flex.



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