Hard top Question

[ian villeza]

I have a 1972 chevy blazer and would like to put a hard top on it.
My question is will other year hard tops fit? like say a 1973 or 1985?
I currently have a best soft top and want a hard top because I like the way
it looks. I've seen hardtops advertised for sale that are for my year but most folks will not ship them. Is there anyone out there that has a hard top and just hate it and would rather have a soft top? Obviously I prefer to go topless
and am wondering if I do get a hard top if it will be a ***** to get off and on.

[blazerboy72]

You can use a 69-72. A 73 and up will not fit. And you will probably want to get which ever top it came with (single wall or double wall).

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by ian villeza

Obviously I prefer to go topless
and am wondering if I do get a hard top if it will be a ***** to get off and on.

Alone...YES.
There's info about making/using a lifting device in the FAQ's section.

Either build one or get a couple of buds to help each time.

[krue]

You don't need a top in Hawaii do ya?
Of course it rains everyday, but it doesn't rain hard enough often enough to worry about it. Unless things have changed since I got out of the Navy in 99.

[Huck]

Shipping a hard top to Hawaii will cost more then your Blazer!! 69-72 are unique to those years so you can't swap to other yrs. As far as mounting and dismounting, if you have an overhead structure like a garage, barn or big tree, you can build a hoist and do it by yourself. If you have room, an easier way is to create a stand by getting some 4x4's, 2x4s etc. Put 4 posts in the ground then span them with 2x4s etc. about the height of the blazer body. You can then slide the top on and off by yourself. These hardtops weigh a bit and are large/bulky items to jockey around. In most cases, the hatch will have structure issues--cracks etc. due to the age and design of the fiberglass. Most can be fixed but be prepared. I have two extra tops available that are decent but----. Someone also makes a 1/2 top which might be another option. Good luck-----Huck

[bouncytruck]

I think you are going to have to find a top on the islands. There are tops available once in a while, mostly in the Southern California area. You may consider buying a parts truck with a top on it. If it runs, it would probably be cheaper to ship a complete vehicle than just a top.

What do you dislike about your soft top? If you don't have AC, it gets mighty hot in a blazer with the hard top on. There isn't much air flow since you can't drive with the rear hatch up. I'd say invest in a new soft top. I have a fastrac from http://www.specialtytopco.com/ on my 72 and a snap top on my '69. They are only slightly louder than a hard top, have just about as many leaks and much easier to run with the wind in your hair.

[VinceY]

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

I think you are going to have to find a top on the islands. There are tops available once in a while, mostly in the Southern California area. You may consider buying a parts truck with a top on it. If it runs, it would probably be cheaper to ship a complete vehicle than just a top.

What do you dislike about your soft top? If you don't have AC, it gets mighty hot in a blazer with the hard top on. There isn't much air flow since you can't drive with the rear hatch up. I'd say invest in a new soft top. I have a fastrac from http://www.specialtytopco.com/ on my 72 and a snap top on my '69. They are only slightly louder than a hard top, have just about as many leaks and much easier to run with the wind in your hair.

Hey bounceytruck,
I have a snap up best top and find water will enter around the side windows, in the middle of the bed where the tubing support is located and at the back corners when the blazer is sitting in the rain. I have not yet drivin in the rain so not sure about that. Does the fastrac have a better design to keep water out than the bestop (snap top).

[bouncytruck]

I have found a small amount of water in the area in front of the wheel wells, but that is about it. I think it is usually because I haven't quite tucked the top of the side windows under the "rain gutter" part of the top. There are air gaps around the door windows, but I haven't had rain come in those yet. It is actually quite dry inside, even in the Seattle rain.

The snap top on my '69 is a Kayline. Specialty Top Co still makes this style. From all the pictures I've seen of the Best Top vs. STC, the STC products appear to fit better.

[ian villeza]

Thanks for the Advice, I guess a hard top is out of the question since I go topless every chance I get(every weekend). I think our Blazers just look better topless. Yes it does rain here in hawaii but my top goes back on
mainly for security reasons, I figure if they can't see my spare and jack and other miscellaneous items they have a better chance of staying with me.

[krue]

I certainly understand that.

[bouncytruck]

Get a soft top with the dark tinted windows.