72 K5 Top Re-assembly

[thatcherkozal]

Hey there folks. We have finally got freezing weather here in Nebraska. And driving the rig back and fourth to high school has gotten too cold for me...so it's time to get the top on. The only problem is the guy I bought it from had the top completely torn apart to have the fiberglass fixed. So my fiberglass is in great shape, but I need to get everything put back together. ANY advice or diagrams you folks can offer would be much appreciated. Thank you.

P.S.
Any other members on here from the Lincoln, Nebraska area?

[paujones1]

I have a 70 with a Hard top that was partially restored. It came with new front windshield gaskets and new gaskets around the side and hatch glass. But the rear hatch is missing the lock, handle and operating mechanism, and there are no latches insiide to lock it. Im looking for a build thread or video to show how to install the weatherstripping and rebuild the hatch.

Good luck with your rebuilt too!

Paul

[ubstung71]

Does the fiberglass itself need to be rebuilt or are you just needing guidance on getting the latch parts and assembly Guidance? I just did this myself. I didn’t do a video but could probably help. Others may have a video...

There are old threads that describe it pretty too if you search.

I have some misc parts but not the internal rods themselves.

[paujones1]

The fiberglass on the external top and sides and the hatch are all in good shape.
Several of the lower inside mounting holes have 1+” cracked holes in half of them. So the prior owner fabricated a few 1.5” x 6-12” home made fasteners.

I have new side window weatherstrip, and ordered hatch to body, rear hatch and hatch to tailgate weatherstripping. I also ordered a handle because mind just had a big hole there. When I looked in the hole, I see the metal flange and 1 of the rods, but the other rod is missing and there is no mechanism for the handle square rod to connect.

Yesterday we pulled the top off, with the intent to install the side moldings, but I could not find a video or instruction on how they fasten to the top. I see half a dozen screw holes but was told by the prior owner we just needed weatherstrip adhesive, which I have.

It’s going to rain today so we put the top back on. When we got it back on, the rear latch would no longer open. The original steel hatch support on the left side will not open more than a few inches. We could not figure out how to release it to get it t go up again. If it’s possible to convert it to gas lift supports, we would prefer to do that, too.

I’m also going to need to sort out the wiring that connects to the interior lights in there too. But the lights and wiring in he can are all there.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Paul

[thatcherkozal]

I'm about to do the gas shock conversion. It appears to be vervy simple, but we will see.

[paujones1]

Is there a kit you are using or which air lift shocks and mounts are you using? That hatch seems pretty heavy to me.

[thatcherkozal]

I bought 2 sets of gas pedel studs from GMCPaul's truck parts. They're suposed to be the same size thread as what is used for the attachments bolts for our hatch. And then you can connect your struts to them. Still waiting for them to come in the mail, but will let ya'll know as soon as possible.

[thatcherkozal]

Also, what does the piece look like that the hatch actually locks into? (The one that bolts into the main body of the top)

[3757chevy]

Originally Posted by thatcherkozal

I bought 2 sets of gas pedel studs from GMCPaul's truck parts. They're suposed to be the same size thread as what is used for the attachments bolts for our hatch. And then you can connect your struts to them. Still waiting for them to come in the mail, but will let ya'll know as soon as possible.

Those work great. I did this to my 72 K5 a few years ago. I got struts through NAPA. NAPA part #819-5564.

[thatcherkozal]

Awesome, and another question... Do you guys have any problems with the rods slipping out of the center mechanism?

[richard2717]

Here is a decent thread with pics for the hatch

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=209080

[thatcherkozal]

Originally Posted by 3757chevy

Those work great. I did this to my 72 K5 a few years ago. I got struts through NAPA. NAPA part #819-5564.

Can you take a couple picture of how you have them mounted? Like which sets of holes you used?

[3757chevy]

I will try to get some pictures. Had some on my old computer lost alot.

[tmontg01]

Originally Posted by thatcherkozal

I'm about to do the gas shock conversion. It appears to be vervy simple, but we will see.

Me too, just bought my stuff for it

[3757chevy]

Originally Posted by thatcherkozal

Can you take a couple picture of how you have them mounted? Like which sets of holes you used?

Sorry no picture , but I put the studs in the upper holes on the gate and the lower on the cap.