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Soft topper

Soft topper

  • Yes

    Votes: 13 76.5%

  • No

    Votes: 1 5.9%

  • Just go naked

    Votes: 2 11.8%

  • Just go shirtless

    Votes: 1 5.9%
  • Total voters
    17
TJ1978

TJ1978

I have MANY questions
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Thoughts on these?
How is security if your vehicle is parked in the driveway? I presently use a thick chain from brake pedal to steering wheel. While looking ridiculous it can work for a deterrent. But I'm aware if "they" want the truck they'll get it.
Back to the topic, I think I asked this before but couldn't find the the thread.

But this one has a poll
www.offroaddesign.com

1969-1991 K5 Blazer or Jimmy Soft Top

Soft Top For K5 Blazer and GMC Jimmy
www.offroaddesign.com www.offroaddesign.com

Products – Softopper – Truck Tops, SUV Tops, Accessories

softopper.com softopper.com

AA709469-EA27-4BB9-B17F-DF3B6CDC824E.jpeg
 
I have a grey one, love it. It is an OEM quality top. I like to roll up the sides safari style, lets plenty of air in but keeps the sun off passengers. I also have 1/2 doors for the summer. Theft deterrents should be used, there is no security with one. You also save several hundred pounds over a hardtop and a bit more if you swap to a truck tailgate.

Both tops you posted are the same, ORD is a dealer for Softopper in Boulder CO.
 
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I've been reading it's a bit of bitch to install a kill switch with a mechanical fuel pump. I've wanted a soft top for as long as I've had my blazer. But the ease of theft and well the $ have kept me away. The theft more importantly though.

I park my other car right behind the blazer in the driveway but when I leave for work or whatever and the truck is exposed there isnt much I can do. I don't live in a bad area but you never know.
 
Put a kill switch or relay on the coil wire going to the distributor instead. I also had a truck with a big shutoff switch on the main battery cable, out of sight on the frame. It is enough to slow someone down but as you are aware with time and knowledge these trucks are pretty simple.
 
I may just pull the trigger hear in a bit. I mean there really isn't much you can do to 100% prevent theft. These look ideal for Arizona where Im at. Especially having a carbed, mechanical fuel pump vehicle, if they want it they will get it.

i mean mine doesn't look like a barrett jackson blazer by a long shot, which could play to my advantage.

Ive seen these fake alarm blinking red light things I could plop in the cab.

hell, my rear window just has a crank and no way to lock it. So...??? Hahahahahaha
I don't have a key for it and it's not original to the truck.
 
@HankScorpio
If I go soft top would it be a wise change to switch to a truck tailgate? And what year tailgate is ideal if my truck is a 78'?
 
If you don't plan on putting the hardtop back on swap it out, the real gate rattled a bunch and was annoying. Plus it shaved weight.

Get the hardware with whatever gate you get, there is a difference in trunions between 70s and 80s
 
83ChevyK5Blazer said:
If you don't plan on putting the hardtop back on swap it out, the real gate rattled a bunch and was annoying. Plus it shaved weight.

Get the hardware with whatever gate you get, there is a difference in trunions between 70s and 80s
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I agree here, if the hardtop isn't going back on the truck tailgate is a lot lighter. Mine currently rattles, I think I have some missing rubber things that go inside on the latch rods. Its not required to swap tailgates for a soft top and paint color is something to consider. I painted my whole truck with tractor paint and also built a set of half doors at the same time so it wasn't an issue for me. Both generations of tailgate fit the body but the hinge hardware must match the tailgate.
1627074943681.png
 
HankScorpio said:
I agree here, if the hardtop isn't going back on the truck tailgate is a lot lighter. Mine currently rattles, I think I have some missing rubber things that go inside on the latch rods. Its not required to swap tailgates for a soft top and paint color is something to consider. I painted my whole truck with tractor paint and also built a set of half doors at the same time so it wasn't an issue for me. Both generations of tailgate fit the body but the hinge hardware must match the tailgate.
View attachment 384238
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Are those CK5 badges?
Truck looks great, by the way, blurry but great.
 
TJ1978 said:
Are those CK5 badges?
Truck looks great, by the way, blurry but great.
Click to expand...
Yeah, not the greatest pic, from last season. Those are CK5 stickers, available in the store. Its soft top weather but I am in the middle of an engine swap. :doah:
 
I have those stickers, they just looked like a badge... either way the truck looks great.

i may pick up a tailgate to have for soft top and keep the Blazer one. That damn blazer tailgate is ridiculously heavy. So we'll see. Need to save some & to get that soft top. They are backordered until the end of August.
 
TJ1978 said:
I have those stickers, they just looked like a badge... either way the truck looks great.

i may pick up a tailgate to have for soft top and keep the Blazer one. That damn blazer tailgate is ridiculously heavy. So we'll see. Need to save some & to get that soft top. They are backordered until the end of August.
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Backorders have sucked this year. Thats what held up my project. Just got an Edelbrock ProFlo4 a week ago, time to get back on track.
 
If it sits for more than a few days at a time, you can always run a bicycle Ulock through the driveshaft u-joint or a cable lock through a CV and around the crossmember.
Kinda an extra deterrent they won’t be looking for. If they start it, they’re all in, but as it suddenly stops moving the person will more than likely bail leaving it running.

Something easy enough to do with a weekend warrior.

Normal driving around with a soft top would take some security boxes bolted down inside. My center console and toolboxes all have locks. Everything else is kinda up for grabs but less expensive to replace.
 
HankScorpio said:
Put a kill switch or relay on the coil wire going to the distributor instead. I also had a truck with a big shutoff switch on the main battery cable, out of sight on the frame. It is enough to slow someone down but as you are aware with time and knowledge these trucks are pretty simple.
Click to expand...
DONT put a relay or switch in the coil wire going to the distributor. That'll hurt and fry chit lol.
Put it in the +12v wire feeding your coil.

I've seen people put a fuel resistant ball valve in the fuel line under the hood too.
Easiest way to prevent it from getting stolen, is do one of those things, then figure the best, acceptable way for you, to prevent the hood from opening.

Can't bypass your safety's if they can't get to them. As for anything in the truck, it's best to just not have anything worth anything in there.
Any thief with a small drill in their backpack can get into all your security boxes in a minute or so.
 
shady said:
DONT put a relay or switch in the coil wire going to the distributor. That'll hurt and fry chit lol.
Put it in the +12v wire feeding your coil.

I've seen people put a fuel resistant ball valve in the fuel line under the hood too.
Easiest way to prevent it from getting stolen, is do one of those things, then figure the best, acceptable way for you, to prevent the hood from opening.

Can't bypass your safety's if they can't get to them. As for anything in the truck, it's best to just not have anything worth anything in there.
Any thief with a small drill in their backpack can get into all your security boxes in a minute or so.
Click to expand...
Yeah the 12v wire feeding the HEI coil in the distributor was what I meant.
 
It'd be pretty fun to watch someone flip that toggle switch with the engine spinning though lol.
 
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