Please Help a Newb - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gunner138 · 07-06-2006, 04:55 PM

Well, I am taking the plunge on a '72, but the top is in shoddy condition.

Where is a good source for replacements. Also, how difficult would it be to make a mold of one of these? I feel that with some alternate materials, you could make a much lighter version of this top.

Thanks.

cdowns · 07-06-2006, 05:13 PM

welcome from daytona beach// a good place to look would be the parts board always alot of good stuff there

LUV2XCLR8 · 07-06-2006, 05:13 PM

2 The Blazer World from West TN

You can usually find a used one here in our parts section,
or buy a complete soft top, or have a bikini built, or have
it topless, or just about any or all of the above can work.

Tynee · 07-06-2006, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunner138

...how difficult would it be to make a mold of one of these? I feel that with some alternate materials, you could make a much lighter version of this top.

I don't have any answers, but I like where your head's at. What kind of alternate materials do you have in mind?

Oh, and

to the board!!!

bouncytruck · 07-06-2006, 06:10 PM

Welcome to the board. Where in LA are you? I was born in Inglewood & lived in Torrence and Rolling Hills Estates. My brother is living in Cheviot Hills and my cousin lives in Cota De Casa (or something like that).

Soft tops are available. They are much lighter and easy to put down. You will forego what little security the hard top offers.

http://www.specialtytopco.com/ (I run their fasttrac during the summers)

http://bestop.com/

gunner138 · 07-06-2006, 07:36 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I am in Winnetka, CA for the poster who inquired.

As for the alternate materials, I was thinking of carbon kevlar. If i can make a mold, the rest is easy. Just not sure how complex it would be, as mine has no top right now, so I can't look at it.

Noone makes NOS tops?

makovai · 07-06-2006, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunner138

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I am in Winnetka, CA for the poster who inquired.

As for the alternate materials, I was thinking of carbon kevlar. If i can make a mold, the rest is easy. Just not sure how complex it would be, as mine has no top right now, so I can't look at it.

Noone makes NOS tops?

if you can pull it off I'd love to get one. Assuming it does cost me a forth mortgage on the house

blaserman · 07-07-2006, 01:25 AM

from Maryland.

hotrodhomi · 07-06-2006, 07:49 PM

welcome
FYI - NOS= new old stock
As far as I know no one make hard tops for these. you might be able to find a used one on craigslist. I would go without if I could.

krue · 07-07-2006, 01:36 AM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! Not much more I can add to what's already been said.

Chevyman63 · 07-07-2006, 06:08 AM

Welcome from Michigan!!

This board is a gold mine of information and great people.

Huck · 07-07-2006, 07:57 AM

Original tops are fairly common but as you know, very heavy. Making a mold from an original would probably not be too difficult if you know how but actually constructing one with carbon - kevlar would be "interesting". If you have contacts in the fiberglass boat molding business---that would be a big plus. The blazer bodies flex quite a bit thus the heavy reinforced factory top. Watch e-bay, Craig's list etc for a junker with a good top or just post a Top Wanted on here --and if using it as a mold form, it's detail condition would probably not be all that critical. Just watch for concave roofs as that is a common issue. Good luck--

bouncytruck · 07-07-2006, 11:28 AM

http://www.myrodshop.com/blazer.html

This guy makes repop half-tops.

gunner138 · 07-07-2006, 05:20 PM

Well, once the mold is made the rest is actually not too hard... just very time consuming and messy.

I suppose the easiest method would be to make a fiberglass mold on both the outside and inside (two female molds). Then lay out the carbon fiber material for each one, let cure, and apoxy back together as one piece, with some sort of filler in the middle (honeycomb maybe???).

It is all the little nooks and crannies that i can't really visualize right now.

The good news is that for around 1000.00 in materials, and a whole s*** load of time and effort, you could have a roof that weighs about 50 pounds or so.

And structural bracing will be done with a role cage, so the flex in this guy will be minimal.

Thanks again.

hotrodhomi · 07-07-2006, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunner138

Well, once the mold is made the rest is actually not too hard... just very time consuming and messy.

I suppose the easiest method would be to make a fiberglass mold on both the outside and inside (two female molds). Then lay out the carbon fiber material for each one, let cure, and apoxy back together as one piece, with some sort of filler in the middle (honeycomb maybe???).

It is all the little nooks and crannies that i can't really visualize right now.

The good news is that for around 1000.00 in materials, and a whole s*** load of time and effort, you could have a roof that weighs about 50 pounds or so.

And structural bracing will be done with a role cage, so the flex in this guy will be minimal.

Thanks again.

I would love to see this. QUICK, GET THIS GUY A TOP.

krue · 07-07-2006, 09:29 PM

mister.freeze · 07-08-2006, 10:19 PM

Edited by Moderator

XIV. As of October 15th 2005 subscribing members will be the only ones permitted to post for sale and want to buy ads on any classified section of this site. All other rules of buying and selling still apply. 67-72chevytrucks.com, its administrators or staff are not responsible for any transactions on or off the forums. We will work hard to ensure you a smooth transaction, and help in the event you may need it, but all for sale and trade areas are buyer beware. Any persons who have misrepresented an item, lie about an item, fail to deliver, or are in violation of any of the rules will forfeit there subscription fees and be banned from 67-72chevytrucks.com

The Forum staff would like to encourage you to become a subscribing member. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

krue · 07-08-2006, 10:31 PM

Please do not post For Sale posts on this board.

FRENCHBLUE72 · 07-09-2006, 05:56 AM

I have an extra top in oregon ......double wall

07-06-2006, 04:55 PM	#1
gunner138 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: los angeles Posts: 6	Please Help a Newb Well, I am taking the plunge on a '72, but the top is in shoddy condition. Where is a good source for replacements. Also, how difficult would it be to make a mold of one of these? I feel that with some alternate materials, you could make a much lighter version of this top. Thanks.

07-06-2006, 05:13 PM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Please Help a Newb welcome from daytona beach// a good place to look would be the parts board always alot of good stuff there __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-06-2006, 05:13 PM	#3
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: Please Help a Newb 2 The Blazer World from West TN You can usually find a used one here in our parts section, or buy a complete soft top, or have a bikini built, or have it topless, or just about any or all of the above can work. __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T Last edited by LUV2XCLR8; 07-06-2006 at 05:14 PM.

07-06-2006, 06:10 PM	#5
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Re: Please Help a Newb Welcome to the board. Where in LA are you? I was born in Inglewood & lived in Torrence and Rolling Hills Estates. My brother is living in Cheviot Hills and my cousin lives in Cota De Casa (or something like that). Soft tops are available. They are much lighter and easy to put down. You will forego what little security the hard top offers. http://www.specialtytopco.com/ (I run their fasttrac during the summers) http://bestop.com/ __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

07-06-2006, 07:36 PM	#6
gunner138 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: los angeles Posts: 6	Re: Please Help a Newb Thanks for the warm welcome. I am in Winnetka, CA for the poster who inquired. As for the alternate materials, I was thinking of carbon kevlar. If i can make a mold, the rest is easy. Just not sure how complex it would be, as mine has no top right now, so I can't look at it. Noone makes NOS tops?

07-07-2006, 01:25 AM	#8
blaserman Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: glen burnie md Posts: 447	Re: Please Help a Newb from Maryland. __________________ This is my best friend

07-06-2006, 07:49 PM	#9
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: Please Help a Newb welcome FYI - NOS= new old stock As far as I know no one make hard tops for these. you might be able to find a used one on craigslist. I would go without if I could. __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

07-07-2006, 01:36 AM	#10
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Please Help a Newb Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! Not much more I can add to what's already been said. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

07-07-2006, 06:08 AM	#11
Chevyman63 Can't wait to retire!! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Corunna, MI Posts: 1,575	Re: Please Help a Newb Welcome from Michigan!! This board is a gold mine of information and great people.

07-07-2006, 07:57 AM	#12
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Re: Please Help a Newb Original tops are fairly common but as you know, very heavy. Making a mold from an original would probably not be too difficult if you know how but actually constructing one with carbon - kevlar would be "interesting". If you have contacts in the fiberglass boat molding business---that would be a big plus. The blazer bodies flex quite a bit thus the heavy reinforced factory top. Watch e-bay, Craig's list etc for a junker with a good top or just post a Top Wanted on here --and if using it as a mold form, it's detail condition would probably not be all that critical. Just watch for concave roofs as that is a common issue. Good luck--

07-07-2006, 11:28 AM	#13
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,038	Re: Please Help a Newb http://www.myrodshop.com/blazer.html This guy makes repop half-tops. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

07-07-2006, 05:20 PM	#14
gunner138 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: los angeles Posts: 6	Re: Please Help a Newb Well, once the mold is made the rest is actually not too hard... just very time consuming and messy. I suppose the easiest method would be to make a fiberglass mold on both the outside and inside (two female molds). Then lay out the carbon fiber material for each one, let cure, and apoxy back together as one piece, with some sort of filler in the middle (honeycomb maybe???). It is all the little nooks and crannies that i can't really visualize right now. The good news is that for around 1000.00 in materials, and a whole s*** load of time and effort, you could have a roof that weighs about 50 pounds or so. And structural bracing will be done with a role cage, so the flex in this guy will be minimal. Thanks again.

07-07-2006, 09:29 PM	#16
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Please Help a Newb __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

07-08-2006, 10:19 PM	#17
mister.freeze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 733	Re: Please Help a Newb Edited by Moderator XIV. As of October 15th 2005 subscribing members will be the only ones permitted to post for sale and want to buy ads on any classified section of this site. All other rules of buying and selling still apply. 67-72chevytrucks.com, its administrators or staff are not responsible for any transactions on or off the forums. We will work hard to ensure you a smooth transaction, and help in the event you may need it, but all for sale and trade areas are buyer beware. Any persons who have misrepresented an item, lie about an item, fail to deliver, or are in violation of any of the rules will forfeit there subscription fees and be banned from 67-72chevytrucks.com The Forum staff would like to encourage you to become a subscribing member. Your support will be greatly appreciated. __________________ '72 K5, known as 'the Fox.' Last edited by krue; 07-08-2006 at 10:31 PM.

07-08-2006, 10:31 PM	#18
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Please Help a Newb Please do not post For Sale posts on this board. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"



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07-09-2006, 05:56 AM	#19
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	Re: Please Help a Newb I have an extra top in oregon ......double wall __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

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