K5 Removable Top

[Old60Driver]

So, I'll be starting a 1983 K20 renovation soon, and have been planning it for a while. My two boys (30 & 25) will be joining me in this endeavor, and as such, I've included them in some of my decision making. Heads, intake, carb, camshaft, etc...

Well, my oldest has caught the bug! He's desperate for a K5 that he can rebuild. Specifically, the early years. He'd love one of the first convertible versions, but those are harder to find than hens teeth.

Here's my question.

Do folks ever really remove the tops? I know that there was a convertible version early on, and that early 80's had steel toppers that could be removed, but does anyone really take them off, or is it too labor intensive for the removal for a beach trip?

Admittedly, I don't know much about the K5 series, and yes, I could have searched a little harder on the interwebs, but I'd really like y'alls input. Also, I haven't slept in what seems like days. lol

Thanks in advance, and y'all stay safe!

 

[Vbb199]

69-72 round body k5's were fully convertible
73-75 squarebodies were full convertible
76-91 were all half tops.

Not sure about early 80s trucks having steel tops, I've had early a k5, and now my 91, both were fiberglass.

I like the removable top, at some point I plan to convert my half top to a full top like the 73-75.

Two men can take off the fiberglass half top.

Not sure about a 73-75 as far as weight goes., can't be much more.

Kinda looks like a pickup truck with no top on the half vert models.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[SDJunkMan]

I have never seen a steel top, I have a 85 and a 86, both fiberglass. There are a handful of bolts on each side to hold the top on. Seems like most guys that take the top off leave it off for the season, not just the day.

 

[The88]

When the sun comes out my girls top comes off. I snatch it for a few days at a time.

 

[idahovette]

My friend, the one I ALWAYS got in trouble with, had a 72 Blazer that I helped remove the top a few times. Was NOT the easiest thing to do, even when we were younger(20-25), but doable. Just kinda awkward and ya gotta know where you are gonna go with it before you start. Planning is everything!! Also helps if you do it BEFORE the Beer!!!!

 

[Snoots]

Two men can take off the fiberglass half top.

Two? Wussies then.

 

[Snoots]

I've taken my '73s full top and put it back on by myself. It's not that hard. Balance is the key.
I recently bought a soft-top for it but that will have to wait until some body work is done.

 

[Vbb199]

I've taken my '73s full top and put it back on by myself. It's not that hard. Balance is the key.
I recently bought a soft-top for it but that will have to wait until some body work is done.

Try it on a k5 that's over 7 feet tall and you'll see why I said "two men"

 

[FireTruck1984]

69-72 round body k5's were fully convertible
73-75 squarebodies were full convertible
76-91 were all half tops.

Not sure about early 80s trucks having steel tops, I've had early a k5, and now my 91, both were fiberglass.

I like the removable top, at some point I plan to convert my half top to a full top like the 73-75.

Two men can take off the fiberglass half top.

Not sure about a 73-75 as far as weight goes., can't be much more.

Kinda looks like a pickup truck with no top on the half vert models.

You must be registered for see images attach

When that K5 is finished, your first mission is to drive over the first Prius you can find. “with great power, comes great responsibility”

 

[Vbb199]

When that K5 is finished, your first mission is to drive over the first Prius you can find. “with great power, comes great responsibility”

I definitely want to run over something.

I'm keeping the old parts Honda passport I have just for demolition.
I need to test the s10's flex ability on that thing actually lol

 

[Old60Driver]

Thanks for all the information! Love this forum. Not only do I get answers, but some humor as well!

'Preciate the info; I'll be sure to pass it along!

 

[Snoots]

It's not really labor intensive.
Get a couple of 2x4's and cut them to the width of the top of the bed.
Also get 4 half-inch bolts about 4" long with 8 washers and 4 nuts.
Measure the distance between the bed-side bolts (side to side).
Drill half-inch holes in the 2x4's using this measurement.
Mount the bolts in the 2x4's. These will be used to hold your top and prevent it from spreading which will lead to cracks which nobody wants.

Here's a extra tip: Get 2x4's about 4 feet longer than the width of the bed.
Follow the above instructions leaving 2 feet extending from either end.
When you get all of the bolts out of the Top, you can lift it from the inside just enough to get the 2x4 underneath and set it down on the bolts.
Do this with both boards and with some extra hands you can lift it and place it where you want it.

Don't forget that on a FULL TOP there is a wiring access panel on the drivers side. You'll need to remove that panel and disconnect the 2 wires that power the interior lights.

 

[Vbb199]

It's not really labor intensive.
Get a couple of 2x4's and cut them to the width of the top of the bed.
Also get 4 half-inch bolts about 4" long with 8 washers and 4 nuts.
Measure the distance between the bed-side bolts (side to side).
Drill half-inch holes in the 2x4's using this measurement.
Mount the bolts in the 2x4's. These will be used to hold your top and prevent it from spreading which will lead to cracks which nobody wants.

Here's a extra tip: Get 2x4's about 4 feet longer than the width of the bed.
Follow the above instructions leaving 2 feet extending from either end.
When you get all of the bolts out of the Top, you can lift it from the inside just enough to get the 2x4 underneath and set it down on the bolts.
Do this with both boards and with some extra hands you can lift it and place it where you want it.

Don't forget that on a FULL TOP there is a wiring access panel on the drivers side. You'll need to remove that panel and disconnect the 2 wires that power the interior lights.

There's also a wiring harness on a half top mister.

It's for the courtesy light at the back and the dome overhead light.

 

[RecklessWOT]

I remember watching my dad take the top off his '75 Jimmy by himself when I was far too young to help. He was no wuss, but not a big dude either. He is 5'9" and back then he couldn't have been more than 150lbs. He used to unbolt it, then crouch inside and lift it off with his back/shoulders and walk it to the rear until he could tip it down and slide it off the back. Then he'd hang it from hooks on the garage ceiling and when it was time to put it back on he's just back under it and drop it in place. The tops weigh a decent amount, you're not gonna stand behind it and pick it up with one hand and toss it to the side, but it's nothing an able bodied man can't do. Especially if you have a friend to help you.

 

[Snoots]

There's also a wiring harness on a half top mister.

It's for the courtesy light at the back and the dome overhead light.

Never had a half-top. Never looked in a half-top. Don't care either.