Chopping the top off SUV

[chevyfanlt1]

So i am thinking about chopping the top off my 93 2 door yukon, it has tailgate back, i busted the back window out so im debating on just chopping the sucker off, anyone have any ideas on how to make this work with some roll bars or something?  i need the back seat in still and need to be able to have it covered in the rain due to having children, lemme know.. thanks..

[D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F.]

it might be eastier to just go and buy a full size bronco or blazer. or if you get desperite a wrangler. if you remove the top on the yukon it is gone for good

[ProGrade]

the top of that truck is a major source of structure.  if you decide to cut it off, brace the heck out of everything you don't cut.  otherwise it will fall apart.  for example you will want to brace the walls just below the windows across the truck behind the front seat and in front of the tailgate.  then front to back from the windshield frame, to the brace behind the seat, and to the brace in front of the tailgate.  and diagonal across from corner to corner.  I'm sure i forgot something too.  if it were me. I would build a full internal cage attaching everthing i can, then cut the roof and

[Kyle]

i would think if ur handy enough to try an make a vinly top for it. the old k5 blazers could have em? why not make one?! of coursw u would ned a roll bar like the old k5s had in the back(which was a reversed roll bar but the suppurt bars werent angled so far back) to make it legal cuz theres no solid roof but it adds to the looks when theres no top. could make a foldup skeleton frame that sits in some pockets that are easily removeable or connect the roof to the roll bar and make a mild cage that u can put the vinyl over and snap it down depending on how much time and effort u wanna put into it. i would try to vinyl top it cuz i thought its cool to have the rear top off

and if ya really wanted to go crazy.... id get a buch of sheet metal and bondo.... and MAKE a solid rear top like the old k5s had but one that follows the old lines of the orignal top, or makes some cuts in the right places to make the old one removeable....

good luck with it!  

and i would put a 12 pointer in there for support too

[chevyfanlt1]

thanks for the input, yeah i pretty much had the old k5's in mind, but this truck isnt for mudding, health issues i ahve right now wont allow it, so im just lookin for a fun project

[Kyle]

 

[7387chevynut]

I saw a guy here in Midland take an S-10 and chop the top and make a convertible if he can do that, then you can chop that top off, but as mentioned, you need to re-inforce certain areas.

I would also look at possibly re-inforcing the underneath of the body, as mentioned, that all steel roof does add alot of strength to the overall metal body.

On 69-72 K5 blazers...........which had a full removable hard top.........the bottom side of the metal body had what was called ( Rocker Boxes )..........which were there to strengthen the body if the hard top was to be removed.  they were located just behind the rocker panels,

[damn_ford]

you need a rollbar at the windsheild frame and one behind the seat or it wont be road legal. might just have been the local cop we were dealing with but he really didnt like the top cut off a 2wd s10. was a decent looking truck but he said he didnt wanna see it on the road again without proper reinforcement

[chevyfanlt1]

im gonna put a box type frame support behind the back seat then a roll cage with a vynel top. friend of mine's dad owns gottcha coverd apolstry (sp?) so hopefully he can get me taken care of there. ill post some pics up later. or if ur in the flint area im sure ull see it soon.

[Bigdaddy]

get some pics before during & after

[ToughBowtieTruck]

you need a rollbar at the windsheild frame and one behind the seat or it wont be road legal. might just have been the local cop we were dealing with but he really didnt like the top cut off a 2wd s10. was a decent looking truck but he said he didnt wanna see it on the road again without proper reinforcement

The only issue with that is because the vehicle was modified, destroying the original safety equipment [i.e. the roof] the vehicle had to pass regulations at the time it was built. Also, if it has shoulder seat belts, it has to have them.

The legalities come into play in case something happens with the truck. The truck has not been re-titled as a convertible, and therefore doesn't have the proper insurance on it. Stuff like that needs to be considered.

We may not have annual inspections [yet] but there are limits.

That's why the K-5s weren't full convertibles for very long . . . way too dangerous having a full convertible four wheel drive.

[chevyfanlt1]

good point. i plan on a roll cage. tops off it already. have to post a pic of it now.

[Kyle]

good point. i plan on a roll cage. tops off it already. have to post a pic of it now.

[THAT MUDFIT GUY]

as far as the legal issues go you have no worries as long as you arent getting a new title for it then ou wont have to go through inspection process  i would just do the reinforcements  and the top like you were talking about  i did a convertible  full size 85 chevy truck and it worked fine and had no problems with any law enforcement of any type have friends with convertible lowrider trucks never had a issue with top part  alot of other stuff lol but never the top  jmo

[chevyfanlt1]

ya i have driven by quite a few cops from davison burton flint grand blanc ect and none of them have looked twice at me even with the kids in the back. just put lap belts in but since thats not an issue anymore i dont think anyone will be riding in the back now.

[ProGrade]

where are the pics???

[chevyfanlt1]

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=277527&id=100000446479016   link to it on my facebook. get more pics later.

[chevyfanlt1]

ugh things are goin south on me. may end up having to sell the project now. unless i can find a job.

[Kyle]

 

[chevyfanlt1]

happens when the old lady throughs ya out with nothin, have to move back in with the parents for a bit. and havin to pay some fines to get liscence back. darn makin mistakes when i was younger