Bought a Soft Top... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lookingtobuy · 04-29-2010, 04:36 PM

I broke down and bought a soft top from Softtopper. I had the truck listed on ebay and it didnt sell so I decided to go for the soft top to be able to enjoy it more this spring. A friend of mine owed me a favor so he did the install. I will get more info from him as to how it went. He just brought the truck back and I snapped these pics with my cell. Ill keep you posted to any issues both positive or negative that I deal with going forward ...

chevy2racr · 04-29-2010, 04:46 PM

Nice!!! i wouldn't mind one, but it'd really only see winter....

bouncytruck · 04-29-2010, 05:43 PM

Looks nice! A soft top in the summer is a great thing to have.

blazin · 04-29-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lookingtobuy

I broke down and bought a soft top from Softtopper. I had the truck listed on ebay and it didnt sell so I decided to go for the soft top to be able to enjoy it more this spring. A friend of mine owed me a favor so he did the install. I will get more info from him as to how it went. He just brought the truck back and I snapped these pics with my cell. Ill keep you posted to any issues both positive or negative that I deal with going forward ...

how long did the install take? how did it fit?

blazin · 04-29-2010, 08:45 PM

also what kind of fabric is it made of?

Rochlow · 04-29-2010, 10:19 PM

Got one of these sitting in my garage, still in the box. Now I know what it will look like.

elks · 04-29-2010, 11:49 PM

How does it seal to the door windows? I have mine, but it leaves room for improvement around the windows. I wish they had some options like my jeep. Zip out windows etc.

lookingtobuy · 04-30-2010, 09:31 AM

Good morning, The overall quality of the top is great! The instructions are sub par (according to my friend). The installer needs to be mechanically inclined. There are things that are left out and you kinda have to guess how they go together. The only drilling in on the top of the windshield frame. I purchased the extra bar that holds the snaps and in attached with 5 self tapping screws. These are TOO short and it is a pain in the ass to put them in. There is room and he recommended buying longer screws either self tapping or pre drilling will work.

The material is a HEAVY DUTY canvas contact softtopper for info on the exact material.
The fit around the front windows in crappy.. that being said I realize that there is not much you can do about a frameless window seal. You have to have the window down slightly to open and close the door. When you crank up the window it just runs inside the canvas.

I just got the truck back yesterday so I havent had time to fart around with it.

Overall .. its the only one out there and obviously the hard top is not going to be put on and off easily.

I will post more info as i use the truck and deal with the top.

I hope this helps and will answer any other questions.

PS She is still for sale

scoyote · 04-30-2010, 03:38 PM

I have that top and I like it, but like you said around the windows is a hard detail.

The window glass should go on the outside of the canvas so you can open/shut the door without rolling the window down.

The flap goes over the top of the window to keep the water from dripping inside.

After you get some sunshine on it you will see it "relax", it's a little stiff when you first get it.

I love mine....I gave my hard top away.

schwamp · 05-03-2010, 12:59 PM

Nice top. I'm looking at getting one also. Trying to decide between tan or black.

How long did it take your friend to put in?

Firebirdjones · 05-03-2010, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elks

How does it seal to the door windows? I have mine, but it leaves room for improvement around the windows. I wish they had some options like my jeep. Zip out windows etc.

These have been my issues too. Plus the fact that they don't offer it in white is keeping me from buying one.

bigeasycigars · 05-03-2010, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

These have been my issues too. Plus the fact that they don't offer it in white is keeping me from buying one.

Hmmm..It says they have a white one online on their site. Did you recheck it?

Firebirdjones · 05-03-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigeasycigars

Hmmm..It says they have a white one online on their site. Did you recheck it?

When I checked all I found were tan/beige, or black. Maybe I'm not looking in the right place?? Wouldn't be the first time, I suck at these computers

bigeasycigars · 05-03-2010, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

When I checked all I found were tan/beige, or black. Maybe I'm not looking in the right place?? Wouldn't be the first time, I suck at these computers

Here's the link far right selection is a white offering.
http://www.softopper.com/Softopper_M...01%201969-1972

Firebirdjones · 05-03-2010, 07:35 PM

Oh okay, I see it now. I was looking for colored squares, and I guess the white doesn't stand out too well against a white backround,,,,duh

lookingtobuy · 05-04-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schwamp

Nice top. I'm looking at getting one also. Trying to decide between tan or black.

How long did it take your friend to put in?

Install was about 5 hours ..start to finish... I would like to add that my friend is VERY finicky. I have kept it out in the sun (when possible) and will make some tweaks and adjustments to it, as the material relaxes.

Breakdown was pretty easy the wife and I took it down in about 10 minutes and went out on Sat. I put it back up by myself in about 10. Not to bad.

bigeasycigars · 05-04-2010, 05:14 PM

Just ordered mine today. I'll put up some step by step photos if anyone would like. Bob at softopper was very helpful. Good people there. More when I have it.

bigeasycigars · 05-04-2010, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

These have been my issues too. Plus the fact that they don't offer it in white is keeping me from buying one.

Just ordered mine today and asked about the white...They are out at moment but are fabricating more soon.

Tbruz · 05-04-2010, 06:00 PM

Looks good John,
I want one in white.
Tbruz

lookingtobuy · 05-05-2010, 11:06 AM

Thanks Tony!... Ill bring it over or you can stop by to check it out

SCOOBYDOOBYDOO · 05-05-2010, 07:59 PM

Any one know where i can get a bikini top from ???

bigeasycigars · 05-05-2010, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOOBYDOOBYDOO

Any one know where i can get a bikini top from ???

Call up Henrick at GMC Truck Center...I think he's doing up some. Not sure on the price though. Worth a shot. Here is the link. http://www.gmtruckcenter.com/index2.html

I'm going to use a Jeep bikini top and convert it to fit my header bar from the Softopper top. Most upholsterers can do it for you. Good luck!

frostie_122 · 05-05-2010, 09:26 PM

here is a soft top/bikini i built. not to hard. pm if you have any questions

and no drilling was required. it uses the factory holes

Effeckt · 05-06-2010, 02:48 AM

I like what you did there frostie. I have been wanting a soft top for ease of putting up and down but I can't bring myself to drill holes in my truck when I've spent time trying to remove holes and clean up the body. A design that combines yours with softtopper would be ideal!

ChadGiles70 · 05-06-2010, 12:00 PM

I would love to know how you made ii! do you have some directions or something so I can make something like it?

04-29-2010, 04:36 PM	#1
lookingtobuy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Northeast Posts: 159	Bought a Soft Top... I broke down and bought a soft top from Softtopper. I had the truck listed on ebay and it didnt sell so I decided to go for the soft top to be able to enjoy it more this spring. A friend of mine owed me a favor so he did the install. I will get more info from him as to how it went. He just brought the truck back and I snapped these pics with my cell. Ill keep you posted to any issues both positive or negative that I deal with going forward ... Attached Images

04-29-2010, 04:46 PM	#2
chevy2racr So Many Ideas, So Little Money Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Marshalltown, IA Posts: 1,610	Re: Bought a Soft Top... Nice!!! i wouldn't mind one, but it'd really only see winter.... __________________ 72 Blazer 3/4 ton running gear 4.10s NP205/TH350 350 4in lift half doors 71 C10 with 454 99 S-10 5.1L SBC 700R4 09 Malibu Marshalltown, Iowa

04-29-2010, 05:43 PM	#3
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Bought a Soft Top... Looks nice! A soft top in the summer is a great thing to have. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

04-29-2010, 08:45 PM	#5
blazin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: edmonton alberta canada Posts: 496	Re: Bought a Soft Top... also what kind of fabric is it made of?

04-29-2010, 10:19 PM	#6
Rochlow Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: St. Albans, Vt Posts: 2,520	Re: Bought a Soft Top... Got one of these sitting in my garage, still in the box. Now I know what it will look like.

04-29-2010, 11:49 PM	#7
elks Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NW, Colorado Posts: 285	Re: Bought a Soft Top... How does it seal to the door windows? I have mine, but it leaves room for improvement around the windows. I wish they had some options like my jeep. Zip out windows etc.

04-30-2010, 09:31 AM	#8
lookingtobuy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Northeast Posts: 159	Re: Bought a Soft Top... Good morning, The overall quality of the top is great! The instructions are sub par (according to my friend). The installer needs to be mechanically inclined. There are things that are left out and you kinda have to guess how they go together. The only drilling in on the top of the windshield frame. I purchased the extra bar that holds the snaps and in attached with 5 self tapping screws. These are TOO short and it is a pain in the ass to put them in. There is room and he recommended buying longer screws either self tapping or pre drilling will work. The material is a HEAVY DUTY canvas contact softtopper for info on the exact material. The fit around the front windows in crappy.. that being said I realize that there is not much you can do about a frameless window seal. You have to have the window down slightly to open and close the door. When you crank up the window it just runs inside the canvas. I just got the truck back yesterday so I havent had time to fart around with it. Overall .. its the only one out there and obviously the hard top is not going to be put on and off easily. I will post more info as i use the truck and deal with the top. I hope this helps and will answer any other questions. PS She is still for sale

04-30-2010, 03:38 PM	#9
scoyote Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: On the shores of Bull Shoals, AR Posts: 509	Re: Bought a Soft Top... I have that top and I like it, but like you said around the windows is a hard detail. The window glass should go on the outside of the canvas so you can open/shut the door without rolling the window down. The flap goes over the top of the window to keep the water from dripping inside. After you get some sunshine on it you will see it "relax", it's a little stiff when you first get it. I love mine....I gave my hard top away. __________________ 1972 Blazer - Bronco Orange - In the werks http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=323444 1991 F250 - Hunting truck w/ Detroit rear locker, ARB front locker, front and rear winches .... and more.... 1997 Grand Cherokee - fun jeep - Detroit rear locker, ARB front locker, front winch, 411 gears, lots of lights ;-) 2004 Hot Rod DuraMax - Dnyo'd at the wheels with 525 HP and 1100 lbs torque.....mustang killer.

05-03-2010, 12:59 PM	#10
schwamp Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Annandale, VA Posts: 3	Re: Bought a Soft Top... Nice top. I'm looking at getting one also. Trying to decide between tan or black. How long did it take your friend to put in?

05-03-2010, 07:35 PM	#15
Firebirdjones Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Prescott, Arizona Posts: 2,396	Re: Bought a Soft Top... Oh okay, I see it now. I was looking for colored squares, and I guess the white doesn't stand out too well against a white backround,,,,duh

05-04-2010, 05:14 PM	#17
bigeasycigars Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 226	Re: Bought a Soft Top... Just ordered mine today. I'll put up some step by step photos if anyone would like. Bob at softopper was very helpful. Good people there. More when I have it.

05-04-2010, 06:00 PM	#19
Tbruz Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Windham, NH Posts: 226	Re: Bought a Soft Top... Looks good John, I want one in white. Tbruz

05-05-2010, 11:06 AM	#20
lookingtobuy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Northeast Posts: 159	Re: Bought a Soft Top... Thanks Tony!... Ill bring it over or you can stop by to check it out

05-05-2010, 07:59 PM	#21
SCOOBYDOOBYDOO Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: DANA POINT CA Posts: 256	Re: Bought a Soft Top... Any one know where i can get a bikini top from ??? __________________ ScoobyDoobyDoo

05-05-2010, 09:26 PM	#23
frostie_122 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: bend OR Posts: 141	Re: Bought a Soft Top... here is a soft top/bikini i built. not to hard. pm if you have any questions and no drilling was required. it uses the factory holes Attached Images Last edited by frostie_122; 05-05-2010 at 09:26 PM.



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05-06-2010, 02:48 AM	#24
Effeckt Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 341	Re: Bought a Soft Top... I like what you did there frostie. I have been wanting a soft top for ease of putting up and down but I can't bring myself to drill holes in my truck when I've spent time trying to remove holes and clean up the body. A design that combines yours with softtopper would be ideal! __________________ My 1972 K5 Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399719

05-06-2010, 12:00 PM	#25
ChadGiles70 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Logan, Utah Posts: 45	Re: Bought a Soft Top... I would love to know how you made ii! do you have some directions or something so I can make something like it?

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