Blazer retractable convertible top

[zammer]

Thanks guys!
I want the rest of the truck to move at least as fast as the top will
Since i started doing some engine/exhaust work this week I spend every minute I can on this thing now... Its like a renewed love

[blazin]

Originally Posted by zammer

Thanks guys!
I want the rest of the truck to move at least as fast as the top will
Since i started doing some engine/exhaust work this week I spend every minute I can on this thing now... Its like a renewed love

looks awesome. id love to check it out when its done.

[Slammed66]

Glad to hear it didn't get parted out.

This thing is badass!
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[zammer]

Thanks for the comments!
I have a non top update again... I bolted on the FAST EZ EFI kit and finished welding up the exhaust, put on the new HEI and plugs/wires and she fired right up! Its been 41 months since that engine has seen fire
It was just awesome hearing that cam again and the idle.. Here are some shots. The last pic is the engine bay when i bought it. Only the block and top end is the same. I am going to try and upload the video with the engine running

[YBNORML]

Looking sweet! Now hurry up and get those wheels on so we can see how she looks.
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[zammer]

Here's some with em mounted...
I finished the inside metal with POR and set the 2 seats in place to stage for now as well... Just need for the snow to melt and i can drive it around the neighborhood

[zammer]

[YBNORML]

Looks awesome!!!
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[zammer]

thank you! I agreee, i really like these wheels! The offset is perfect too. In the back I have 1/4" clearance aired out from the tire to inner bedside fender..
I like the full polished/chrome wheel more then I thought

[Slammed66]

I'm running 225s on my 64 as well.

Agreed winter can eff off any time now!!
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[zammer]

Nice Matt! I just checked out your build , just awesome!
We will have to get these trucks together for a 225 wheel picture together one day... I'm pretty happy with the fit and finish of these wheels and they look sick

[PHAT TONY]

Hmmm....do I want a set?

[zammer]

A set of 225'z?
For your blazer ? Sweet that would be
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[zammer]

I need some help from any of the guys who have a late 60's to 70's GM convertible cars...
I am looking into how I am going to finish the top of the windshield frame in order to properly Fab a front header BOW and Winshield frame combo from a Chevelle / Caddy / Pontiac / OLDS of that era. Now what i need is some measurements... The top of the blazer windshield frame is 60" end to end so I am looking for a frame and convertible header bow that is close to the same dimensions and curvature of the Blazer windshield. A close example which would be perfect is this reproduction frame top for rusted out convertible windshield frames from 68 up Chevelle and 442 convertibles on EBAY....
Any ideas and measurement would be very much appreciated! I dont have access to a bunch of older convertibles to measure or compare around here as they are not around anymore up here, just the odd one at car shows if you are lucky..
thanks
Kris

http://compare.ebay.com/like/3502267...Types&var=sbar

[zammer]

Ok, I just went ahead and ordered this windshield frame "Bridge" they call it from a 70-72 Chevelle. Its the only reproduction frame bridge anyone really makes anyways so its my best bet for a start on the blazer windshield frame to modify it, most likely section it to make it wide enough to weld onto the 60" Blazer frame over the which is an almost given being the Chevelle looks narrow in comparison. This will actually help me out alot by not having to find the top "Bridge" of a car in some field etc. to hack off and re weld on the top project... I'm actually pretty pumped I came across this today!
Now if i can successfully mod the blazer frame i just need to do the same to the actual Convertible top Header Bow so it will fit over top and seal properly and look factory intended possibly would be the ultimate!

[brian26]

Sounds like header on your Blaze is stock width?

The very best fitting I ever found, was the front edge , outer skin, of a 67-72 Chevy truck top lid. 2 of these, sandwhiched together, would help make that happen. A beaded edge on the fabric, like the hemline on a girls skirt, and curtain style rod run through the edge, could help give an equal amount of resistance to 'pull', when the top fabric stretches out.

Somewhere between this and your header bow, and maybe a looksee on a blazer top, is the combo to fit there .

The rear cover can be hinged using 67-72 Chevy truck hood hinges. I used that on mine and it worked just fine. However, in the future I intend to use billett hood hinges for more accuracy. They would clear everything including the edge of the tailgate. I also have a great idea on how to get a tight fitting actuator device that would open the rear .

I would look at the door glass on a 2 door , 1960 GM Hardtop, not post, hardtop. Maybe even a convertable of that time. Study the operation. The glass may not fit, but there are some pretty slick ideas to look at for sealing.

I have subscribed to your youtube page, my handle is 'texonthebeach'. PM me if you want my phone number, or just to communicate in a backchannel fashion, to toss ideas around.

You are very close to doing what was said couldn't be done. For every issue, there is an answer. Really.

Originally Posted by zammer

Ok, I just went ahead and ordered this windshield frame "Bridge" they call it from a 70-72 Chevelle. Its the only reproduction frame bridge anyone really makes anyways so its my best bet for a start on the blazer windshield frame to modify it, most likely section it to make it wide enough to weld onto the 60" Blazer frame over the which is an almost given being the Chevelle looks narrow in comparison. This will actually help me out alot by not having to find the top "Bridge" of a car in some field etc. to hack off and re weld on the top project... I'm actually pretty pumped I came across this today!
Now if i can successfully mod the blazer frame i just need to do the same to the actual Convertible top Header Bow so it will fit over top and seal properly and look factory intended possibly would be the ultimate!

[zammer]

Maybe I should start another thread in projects for this blazer now that the top is on hold but here's a new video we took yesterday with a quick cruise around the cul d sac first time in 3.5 years since its moved...

'71 Blazer First Ride - YouTube

Posted via Mobile Device

[babyblueoval]

Originally Posted by zammer

Maybe I should start another thread in projects for this blazer now that the top is on hold

I vote leave everything you do to it in this thread. It's still a blazer with a future convertible top.

[babyblueoval]

OK, question on the video; were you worried about your tires rubbing the fender or is that as sharp as it will turn?

[zammer]

Good question, I was watching to see if they would rub the fenders while turning but I have a bit more room I'm sure, I will test once I have it off the lift... I was actually aired out too so my driving height will be at least 3" higher so turning shouldn't be an issue. I aired out on the driveway for some pictures and since I'm on shrader valves still I decided I couldn't wait to air up again and went for a little spin..
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[babyblueoval]

Ok, good to know. Once I ever get started, I'll be running the Porterbuilt Dropmember C4 which is narrowed and centered in the wheel well and has the vette geometry so, in theory, I should have better turning radius than truck suspension with no rubbing anyway, but i was curious. Again, once I get to that point, we shall see.
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[YBNORML]

Nice!! I bet it feels good to drive it, even if it is just around the cul de sac!
As far as a new thread goes, just do what I did with my crewcab build. PM a mod and get them to move it to the projects and builds section.
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[zammer]

It was a killer two loops around the cul de sac lol. Felt pretty good alright but of course my next push is to see what it can do now and how it can handle, my biggest hurdle yet is passing the inspection to get it registered
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[zammer]

Truck top lid... Hmmmm that's a good idea!
When you say sandwich together two of them is that piggy backed or opposing?
Trying to picture how the two work together...
Thanks for subscribing and the tips / ideas.. I'm treading new territory with this header bow now...
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[brian26]

Originally Posted by zammer

Truck top lid... Hmmmm that's a good idea!
When you say sandwich together two of them is that piggy backed or opposing?
Trying to picture how the two work together...
Thanks for subscribing and the tips / ideas.. I'm treading new territory with this header bow now...
Posted via Mobile Device

Yes one stacked on top of the other, piggy backed, like a cup fits into a cup.

The deal I got into with my sheet metal lid is it is only one layer of metal, and at 60 -70 mph , unbraced, the vacuum above it would cause it to slap. 2 layers would give a vise-like grip for material, and raise the speed you can go before the vacuum tries to pull the top back. I ended up using a 1" strip of metal to help raise the speed limit I could go. 90 mph was enough for me.

To reduce weight on the bottom layer at least, lightening holes , flared, could help reduce that problem. But then that may blow the point of doing it all together, if the strength is gone.