Softop installation no Holes

[crv]

I'm sure the Softopper being brand new and tight isn't helping, but in Rob's original pictures, it looks like his piece is fitting nicely. I'll see if he has any ideas or suggestions.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Blazerowner]

I have seen these made with sheet metal on another thread. I don't want to drill my windshield either so I might fab something up out of sheet metal myself. I wonder why Softopper doesn't offer an option with no snaps. I would pay extra for it.

[robs71k5]

Sorry guys I took a well deserved fishing holiday but am back now .So What I seem to be observing is some slackness at each side .I hope the Header was installed completely before the softopper . The rivets I sent were intended to be used in the snaps butI think they are too long and might have to be trimmed down .You can do this by punching out the rivet stem ,cut the rivet portion down and insert it back into the centre of the rivet hole Then install the rivet if rom the underside of the header to protrude thought the snap on the outer side .Hope that makes some sense
David did you install the header and have it bolted down before you installed the snaps across the front of the Header? That is paramount to getting a good product installation. The header needs to be installed so the pads at each of the four bolt down spots are mating together
Posted via Mobile Device

[robs71k5]

I do not recommend using the metal strip that comes with the softopper kit to install your snaps into the header. Because that is flat and your are changing the dynamics by using the header with rounded contours .I used two friends holding the front of the canvas evenly across the whole front with the part on each side then with a marker I put a dot under each snap on the canvas after of coarse the Header was completely installed and sitting on each of the four pads on top .If you use the part supplied by Softopper you are likely going to run into trouble . Please give me a call if your not sure .I will be more than happy to take a call in the interest of people here to get there installs done as best as we can .Just PM me for my phone number Regards Rob
Posted via Mobile Device

[D.PASSMORE]

Rob, Got the header and soft topper installed. I'm really impressed with the header and the soft topper workmanship and quality of material. Still belong to the “old-school” theory, it better last as long as I’m living and Made in the USA! In your case, made in Canada – I can live with that. I feel that this set-up will last a long, long time if maintained properly. One point that I would like to make is that, I did not have to modify any component on the OE blazer design or drill any holes to make the install complete. It can remove the soft topper set-up from the blazer; reinstall the auxiliary hard top at any time, just like the OE factory design. The only area that I strayed was that I used the aluminum header track bar attached to the header. I felt that this would give it extra strength (rigid) to the header design. I did not want any lifting of the header from the windshield frame as indicated in earlier photos. I achieved this, but I’m not sure if it was due to the modification. Any ways, I’m very pleased with the whole set-up. I’ve attached some pictures of the install, with the help of my son, it went rather well.

[D.PASSMORE]

I use stand-offs to install the L-brackets supplied by Soft topper, then had to modify hearder ends to fit around L-bracket and bolt head. Then mounted the track bar on (Rob) header. Had to cut the track bar ends to get correct placement of the outside snaps.

[D.PASSMORE]

Painted the header to match, re-mounted aluminum tarck bar, installed gasket underneath the (Rob) hearder to ensure water tight seal, installed header (6 bolts) to WS frame, attached supplied(soft topper)weather strip gasket to top of (Rob) header. Snapped top in place. Perfect fit, no leakes either!

[Effeckt]

Thanks for uploading pics of your install David. I also was thinking I may want to keep the header bar for rigidity so I was happy to see someone else that did before me. Did you also cut the header bar? It looks like you did in this picture for the soft topper L-bracket.

[Effeckt]

One more question.. what did you use for the gasket? I like that idea just in case.

[D.PASSMORE]

Originally Posted by Effeckt

One more question.. what did you use for the gasket? I like that idea just in case.

The gasket was standard front lip gasket for a hard top. It fits under the front edge of a hard top for sealing the top to the WS frame. LMC catalog shows it.

I didn't like the way the L-brackets attached to the WS frame, not stable. So, I found those plastic insulators in some of my junk, got a longer hex head bolt and screw every thing down tight. The (Rob) header had to be trimmed back eleveate the door top hitting the header. So I used a cut-off tool and angle grinder to shape, drill and notch the end. You will have to do this or the (Rob) header will not sit tight to the WS frame. Also, I used a hacksaw to cut softopper aluminum bar about half way down and then hand bend to the correct spot for the outside snap placement.

[robs71k5]

Nice install but kinda defeats the purpose to install that softopper strip on top in order to cut down on elements intruding from under the canvas .My install did not require any further reinforcement and you virtually cannot tell its there .once again I am available by phone if someone requires more info for the installation 1-604-999-9574 Rob
As long as your happy with it is my concern . Just to let you know that the fibreglass is polyester in case you want to plug holes. Should be hearing from three others on the install and the making decision on continued supply .Thanks Rob
Posted via Mobile Device

[D.PASSMORE]

I'm very satisfied. I'll probably scuff and re-paint the complete header again when I remove the soft top for the winter. It's been raining quite a bit this week, I believe its more water tight than the hard top. No leaks around header. The only thing that I don't like in the soft topper design the front window area. Its an open area. I think I will make a L-bracket that bends down a little more. Also re-install the OE rain deflectors. Rob you mentioned rolling down the window to open the door. I agree - PIA! Again, great design on the "Rob" header. If it is installed either way (no bar or with bar) it works very well.

[robs71k5]

Yeh David I just want to point out that I"m trying to make there might soon be a fix for the side windows to be leak proof by next summer hopefully. I think it will be good but it might require the co-operation of Softopper but have had no discussions as yet with them. But at the same time any mods on the Header can be easily repaired for that add on Regards Rob Happy Blazin !
Posted via Mobile Device

[Bigb401]

Thanks for all your hard work rob!!! Are you taking more orders now? No rush, I'm currently working out of state in Hawaii for the next 8 months so it'll be awhile before I get back to my beloved blazer! I wish I could have it out here with me! but anyway I'd like to buy one when you have more. .......I just don't wanna miss out thanks again.
Posted via Mobile Device

[robs71k5]

Bob401
I have one with you name on it just let me know when your ready for shipping I know you are one of the first on the list anyway .You can also reach me by my cell phone number at 604-999-9574 or srpenner@hotmail.com 260.00+ 40.00 shipping payment can be sent to the hotmail address .Regards Rob
Enjoy hawaii. Actually I" going to be there not sure off the top of my head but I think jan or Feb
Posted via Mobile Device

[robs71k5]

Again if your ready for a header you need to inform me..I am not sending another order in till there are ten sold ....Regards Rob
Posted via Mobile Device

[amcgeh01]

Originally Posted by robs71k5

Again if your ready for a header you need to inform me..I am not sending another order in till there are ten sold ....Regards Rob
Posted via Mobile Device

Hi Rob,
I sent a couple of PM's to you but never got a response..? Can you tell me where I am on the "List"..? Thanks in advance..

- A.J.

[robs71k5]

If you want one just PM me your name ,complete address and you also need provide a telephone number for the shipping company .I will follow up with shipping .Its now first come first serve basis I have three left to ship and no info on how long the next shipment will be as guy who builds them is not very healthy so your. Guess is as good as mine .

[mpierce9]

PM Sent

[Bigb401]

Ill be callin you this week
Posted via Mobile Device

[zammer]

Nicely done! I haven't read this thread before man great header mould work!
Posted via Mobile Device

[skorpioskorpio]

Zammer, how have you, of all people, not read this thread before?

[zammer]

I know hey, it's because I have been too intermittent with my top project and the forum with the family life.. I'm on it now!
Posted via Mobile Device

[robs71k5]

I have two more headers ready for shipping and looking like no more available after this .......any one ?

[boonedogs72]

I may be interested how much shipped to 96013 business addeess