A question of Aesthetics

[blzrdrvr]

The stock shell on a Blazer too damned heavy. Yet I live in an area that sees some precipitation. This area is usually (wonderfully) hot, so precip is not normally an issue for my poorly treated (read: rusted. i am the only one around here who hates the rain) truck. My truck is my DD. I never have rear passengers, yet, if had some, i would wish they had safety from the elements. So, I wish for a light, half-shell. what do you think? Stupid? Smart? you can't hurt my feels.

It's just a study. Spent a whole $60 on the shell. Hoping to use the extra material for a tonneau cover.

 

[rebelgregory]

Neat idea. As drawn, I think the rain will hit them from behind at speed (Bernoulli effect) the same way exhaust comes in the back window with the topper on.

Here's a thought...What if you ran the top longer, possibly full length of the bed, but made the sides hinge where they can be pulled in and fastened to the underside of the roof. It would look like a soft top with the sides rolled up. Obviously this means it would have to attached differently than just by the sides, possibly floor or bedrail-mounted posts. Just a thought.

 

[toomany]

Aren't there a few members that have cut up hard tops on their rigs? Basicly leaving the front where it bolts to the cab, leave the roof and what would be the "c" pillar. Trim everything else down.

 

[Deuling]

Sorry, but in my opinion, it looks silly.


Do a hard top, modified hard top, or soft top honestly.

 

[digs]

I have a hard top from a 91 that you can have for free, all you have to do is pick it up in Albuquerque.

 

[cybrfire]

I cut down a blazer hard top once upon a time.

Not to hard to do. LIttle bit of glasswork to put it back together along with some aluminum strips and presto. Nice part is you can make it any size you want.

 

[blzrdrvr]

Neat idea. As drawn, I think the rain will hit them from behind at speed (Bernoulli effect) the same way exhaust comes in the back window with the topper on.

The rear window frame was still on the shell, so i am going to cut that bit of fiberglass off and re-attach it to the shortened part, and shove some plexiglass in it.

I just want something lighter that i can very easily remove or put on. I already have my stock shell suspended in the air...but it's just a pain in the butt, and every year i have to make a repair to the rear window bits, as they were shot when i got it...and as i said, weight...not like i didn't go and put 3/4 ton axles under it

Thanks for your opinions! As it gets warmer i will have my buddy come by (again) to help me put it on and i will take pics at the cab...i might need ideas for a good seal, remember, this was built for a normal back window, not a Blazer.

 

[izzy1776]

What about half shell/slant back

 

[Blue85]

That pickup topper will be hard to seal to the truck, whereas the stock hardtop has those features built in. Just swap to a pickup tailgate to get rid of the extra weight of a K5 tailgate, then modify a stock hardtop with a "slant-back" or make it a hard/soft hybrid. If you cut up the hard-top you can replace portions with vinyl/canvas. Could also be the slant-back style if you want. This would shed a couple hundred pounds maybe.

 

[blzrdrvr]

I'm chasing down the "slant back" design, sounds cool. I'm hesitant to cut up my shell-it's in great condition (only body part that is). The back gate, yeah,, i have been keeping an eye out on a regular gate, haven't seen one yet. Mine doesn't have a window anyway...some PO destroyed it.

 

[Deuling]

Most people cant give away the stock toppers.

Find a crappy one and chop it up.