Converting from Double Wall to Single Wall top

[68ls1]

I have a 1971 Blazer currently in build process. It has a double wall top which is in pretty rough shape, but I believe is repairable with a lot of work.

I am considering swapping to a single wall top using the reproduction from Motor City K5. Currently priced at $8,500 + extras

To achieve this I understand I need to create new holes, these I believe are oblong in shape, and weld cage nuts to underside of bed rail.

Also small items, like wiring for dome lights and new side glass as is different from double wall. My hatch has been repaired and I can reuse.

The tricky bit is that we are due to paint in next couple of weeks, so any welding would need to happen prior.

Being in Australia, getting an actual top here will take months, and I don’t want to hold off painting for that long.

I can air freight the cage nuts, but I would need a template to know where to place in preparation, while I sea freight top.

I never planned to use a top much if at all, but I do want a complete truck at end of build.

Or am I over thinking and should just stick with double wall? Option would be to get reproduction from Premier Hot Rods at around $11,000 + extras. Does anyone have feedback on this top?

[truckster]

Just a suggestion... I bought a Softopper four years ago and haven't taken my hard top out of storage since. And we have cold, snowy winters here.

[OLD SKOOL K5]

I would go with the single wall top. I’ve had both and it’s alot easier to unbolt and work with a single wall top. You don’t have to take the sides panels off to remove the top. It’s a little lighter. It doesn’t bow like a double wall. Sounds like it will take longer, but If I was you, I would wait to and get it sorted out before you paint. I think waiting and doing it right the 1st time will save you money in the long run. You will have a better finished product. The couple extra months you wait, you will forget about. But the finished product you will not. While my Blazer is topless a lot. I still love my single wall top and I use it a lot.

[Thealien]

Motor city K5 also sells the cage nuts. https://www.motorcityk5.com/i-13860-...=category:9961

The service manual has a diagram showing the location of the holes. I understand it might take a little while to get the cage nuts to you. I know it’s probably not what you want to hear, but I would push back to paint until I had them installed.

[hemi43]

If you want to get your painting done, you could always fasten those cage nuts with panel bonder afterwards so there's no welding.

[lks dcvn]

[68ls1]

Originally Posted by Thealien

The service manual has a diagram showing the location of the holes. I understand it might take a little while to get the cage nuts to you. I know it’s probably not what you want to hear, but I would push back to paint until I had them installed.

I was able to find double wall info on page 670, but nothing on single wall. Are you able to tell me what page I can find single wall info, thanks

[68ls1]

Originally Posted by hemi43

If you want to get your painting done, you could always fasten those cage nuts with panel bonder afterwards so there's no welding.

Definitely something I considered, will discuss with shop.

[BobbyK]

Do you need the hole placement for the single walled top.
I can snap pics and measurements if you want.
I have a 71 with a single walled top.

[68ls1]

Originally Posted by BobbyK

Do you need the hole placement for the single walled top.
I can snap pics and measurements if you want.
I have a 71 with a single walled top.

Yes please.

Did you convert from double wall

[68ls1]

So have decided to push on with converting to single wall. I purchased the Single Wall Top Retaining Trim (Pair), 69-72 Blazer, so this will give me the spacing of the openings for the cage nuts.

Now I need help, I am after as many pics and measurements of the front hole, so once I can establish this position I should be set. If anyone has a 72 with both sets of holes, and can take photos and measurements this would be a great help so I can position off my current double wall mounting holes.

I also need dimension of the opening, see attached images.

Thanks in advance.

[Blazerowner]

Have you considered buying the top and sitting it on so you can get the measurement? This way it’s for sure lined up. Let us know how you like the aftermarket top if you do get one. I’ve considered buying one in the future myself.

[68ls1]

Originally Posted by Blazerowner

Have you considered buying the top and sitting it on so you can get the measurement? This way it’s for sure lined up. Let us know how you like the aftermarket top if you do get one. I’ve considered buying one in the future myself.

It is all about timing, (and a little about budget, new top and ocean freight will be around same as original purchase price) the truck is ready to paint, and I would not have a top here till Christmas at best. I am hoping to drive it this summer, no top and put top on next year for winter

[Blazerowner]

You may want to consider just leaving the double wall on it. Don’t get me wrong I prefer the single wall but if it’s costing that kind of money I would just use the double wall. It’s a good top. I would measure my holes but I have a soft top all bolted on and it’s a pain to remove. The soft top is option as well. Much cheaper and it works great. I’ve had mine on for 10 years and my single wall has been in storage. It’s a pain to take off and put on. One other thing is some people have reported their trucks had both holes for either top. Mine didn’t so I have no idea the reason for that.

[68ls1]

Originally Posted by Blazerowner

You may want to consider just leaving the double wall on it. Don’t get me wrong I prefer the single wall but if it’s costing that kind of money I would just use the double wall. It’s a good top. I would measure my holes but I have a soft top all bolted on and it’s a pain to remove. The soft top is option as well. Much cheaper and it works great. I’ve had mine on for 10 years and my single wall has been in storage. It’s a pain to take off and put on. One other thing is some people have reported their trucks had both holes for either top. Mine didn’t so I have no idea the reason for that.

Appreciate your feedback

The top I have is in very poor shape, sagged, has a hinged pop up hole we assume for hunting, some long hinges on both side, retaining nuts missing and cracks in drip rails etc. To get it fixed will probably cost 70-80% of new roof.

The both holes was when Chevrolet was transitioning from double wall to single wall, so the factory could fit which ever one they had in stock. I saw an advertised as 71 Blazer for sale with a single wall.

If I can get pictures and measurements off a bed rail with both sets of holes would be ideal.

I have a soft top, 1968 Camaro convertible, if weather looks like rain I'll take the C10.
The top is really just to have a complete truck, hence my no rush to get the top here, but want to be ready, and not delay painting.

[Blazerowner]

Yeah that’s a tough one. I’m sure there is someone on here who will get the measurements. My blazer was a one off with no rear seat, but literally every other option. I was able to get measurements to put the holes and brackets in for the seat from some members here. Try:
https://ck5.com/forums/
You may have some luck here if you don’t get measurements on this forum.

[1rippen6]

I can get you some this weekend.

[68ls1]

Originally Posted by 1rippen6

I can get you some this weekend.

Thank you

[1rippen6]

More pics to follow

[1rippen6]

Pic 2

[1rippen6]

Next pic

[1rippen6]

Last one

[68ls1]

Originally Posted by 1rippen6

More pics to follow

So are pics 1 & 2 the hole for double wall, and pic 4 the hole for single wall? Thanks

[1rippen6]

I bought the tub with no top, let me look tonight and see if I can figure out which one is which. Picture 4 is the first single wall top mount. I was hoping you had the other 2 holes to help with locating the single wall holes.

[1rippen6]

It's hard to tell, my double is setting on the ground, so I took a picture from the second hole back. I know that is for the double wall.