MG #27 - Softopper for the K5 Blazer

Here we go! Probably one of the more requested reviews I have had. Constantly getting asked about where I got the "canvas top" for the K30 Blazer. Love this upgrade, the versatility and fun of a convertible with the weatherproofness of a hardtop. Roll the sides up in the Spring, roll them down in the Winter. Gotta love Cali!!
More information can be found over at Softoppers website
bit.ly/Softopper
Many have asked about the parts I purchased for this build. As much searching as I have done and pricing comparisons I have made, Amazon is still my go to.
Here is my list
bit.ly/K30_Blazer
Come find me on instagram:
bit.ly/K30-Blazer
my website of many interesting and wonderful things!
merricksgarage.com
social media for days!!!!
bit.ly/MerricksGarage

[@DemarticusStoneGaming]

"I didn't buy this truck to have a Mercedes, I bought this truck to have an experience." You could not have worded that any better, my friend, that's EXACTLY what the Blazer's are for!

[@Intergalactic_monkey]

Dude I really enjoy your reviews and videos. Very articulate and you do quality but affordable upgrades. Thanks for taking the time.

[@qualitylandscapeandhauling7710]

Great video ! Thanks for making this video. I liked how you showed how to roll it up nicer. Thanks for doing that.

[@justinharrington8905]

Great vids, watch your stuff all the time. Looking to go with a soft top some day. Just gotta save up the piggy bank. Thanks for all your videos.

[@NickMcd8893]

Hell ya that's awesome man i think that looks better than the factory hard top does.

[@EllesWorld]

Awesome video sold me on the soft topper! 👍🏼💯

[@wheezin_mtnbkr3576]

I grabbed a softopper for my 1st gen 4runner and maaan I feel you. My hardtop will rot in the yard. It is never going back on again lol. I roll mine nice and neat too! Hilarious. I make it tight too, shit bothers me sloppy lol.

[@delvine13]

Cant wait 2 buy this. Some of us do take that top off and on alot and it sucks. The soft top well really make her shine. My 75 drips jaws alreasy up here in PA where their unheard of. Cant wait til shes actaully cleaned up 2 boot.

[@aremomsh]

Should have dropped it completely . I wanted to see how it looks and the process.

[@fastgurrrl]

Ty for the tips. Getting one for my Ram 3500 longbed.

[@kansasbondboat77]

Nice bro thanks! Just ordered mine

[@ChevyK5blazer]

Yup , gonna order me one soon

[@localsheriff]

That was actually a very clever tip to make the top look better ! I have the Softopper as well and it always ends up looking like an unmade bed ...thanx for sharing; will try it tomorrow on my 71 K5

[@cesandvik]

I agree... I didn't get a K5 with sound level as a criteria! Nice tips on the rolling. i'm totally anal about the roll of the roof, but like the tips you have to make it better. Have a good one.

[@paulzaler5384]

Excellent videos man, thank you so much for taking the time to make them and share them. I gotta know, where in California are you cuz it is absolutely beautiful in your neighborhood!! I'm wanting to relocate there and the neighborhood you live in is gorgeous!

[@MerricksGarage]

Central coast of Cali. Almost heaven

[@matthewmugar]

i must have watched this video a few dozen times...now that i am researching overlanding with my international scout, i just realized at 1:00 you have a CVT tent on a rig attached. Thats awesome!!! what does the other rig usually carry?

[@rarvizu2]

At 6:19 the dudes hair matches the palm tree 😂

[@MerricksGarage]

Ha ha ha

[@jt5863]

Love both the K5s. What is the lift/tire setup on the red one? 4 inch lift with 15x10 on 35s? Both are awesome

[@Universal86]

Thanks for the review on that SofTopper. I don't think I caught the exact model of the SofTopper you got. I've got a Tacoma and really like the features like side windows, ability to roll up and clip sides, and the weatherstripped-reinforced frame that hugs the cab. Is this model of soft top just for a Blazer?

[@wishmasstir]

Do you have a video or pictures of the soft top folded down all the way on the 72?

[@GuyHarvey182]

I really liked this vid dude 👍

[@robmirabile2037]

Great video! How long does it take to build the mechanism that the soft top sits on?

[@flex93312]

Damn!! I was wanting to buy a '97 Land Cruiser. Now I'm thinking about buying a K25. I'm undecided.

[@LorenzoNoldeLopez]

if you want the safari experience consider a 1st gen 4runner

[@nottheonlyjustin]

What did you put on the metal frame? I have black truck and getting a softopper soon, and the one thing I was wanting was a black frame. Debated on painting it but if I can find something to cover like yours I might do that instead.

[@Thebub270]

What brand is the roll bar in the older 80s in this video

[@gilbertlucero1427]

Nice my only question will it keep a knife from cutting through it or with a knife cut through it

[@jdkoons1234567890]

Another good video. Another item I need to save for and buy. Been trying to sell my fiberglass top and full tailgate to offset some cost. No takers yet though. Does the Softtopper come with all new weatherstripping or are you reusing some from the old top? Wondering mostly about the strip around the back of the cab. Thanks Merrick.

[@junellealvarez586]

what you want for your top 209 628 8793

[@utahbones3094]

Thank you

[@clouddigitalmedia6437]

Can you show me how easy it is to remove completely as i want to only use the soft topped when its raining and erect it then rather than have it as a safari top - Thanks

[@samshahidi799]

Hi, Any info on the roll cage that you have on your K5, that fits under the softtop?

[@ballz6211]

You didn’t show a full convertible. Do you have to completely take off the soft top or does it drop in?

[@tmez3485]

The topper would look a lot better if it had black fabric on the inside instead of white. You can see what looks like mold on the inside fabric in the video and it still looks a little shitty rolled up nicely. I wish you would have addressed the way the top attaches to the windshield frame on the 1st gen. Do you have to drill holes in the frame for snaps or have they designed a better way? Don't get me wrong. It looks like a nice top but I think they can improve it quite a bit.

[@cantinerosvp]

About to purchase this real soon. Quick question though, is the factory seal needed from the original hard top to mount this? I ask cuz my seal right now is cracked and leaks from the hard top. Was wondering if I should replace that 1st?

[@MerricksGarage]

I cant remember exactly, but I believe the softopper comes with its own seal. I would call them to make sure! Use my channel for a discount.

[@cantinerosvp]

Merricks Garage sweet thank u. Now a stupid question... how do I use your channel for a discount? 🤔

[@MerricksGarage]

+Richard Lee Cabrera Jr. just tell them you saw my video and I think it is 5% off.

[@505BOSE]

nice k5 bro

[@deucerimmer]

Awsome thx

[@dresoto3188]

You the man

[@thejakein7867]

Where was the "install"?

[@peetymed]

How easy is it to remove

[@MichaelGarcia-mn7sq]

Hey just curious how does the back window secure to the tailgate of the truck?

[@HootOwl513]

Velcro

[@johnclark6751]

I would've liked to have seen it in convertible form...

[@cliffhanger89lasttime91]

you think this can be put on a truck ?

[@interlovepol]

QUESTION!!!! My 82 Jimmy got some major exhaust fumes through a crack in the back window that wouldn't roll up all the way for years, window just shattered and I opted to buy the softopper instead of spending the (approx) 400-500 bucks replacing the glass, run channels, crank/mechanim and all the nickel/dime accessories I needed for a closed window. Question is this - are exhaust fumes an issue when that back window is open? What about when the top is all the way down?

[@interlovepol]

My Blazer wants to be on your Blazer. Inspired.

[@wheezin_mtnbkr3576]

interloop When the top is down the window wont pull fumes in. When the top is rolles uo on yhe back and sides it wont pull fumes in. When JUST the rear window is open it will auck fumea in hardcore. There uses to be warnings all over to not drive the truck with the rear window down. This will only happen when you roll just the rear window up. If you roll up the sides too, there is no vacuum issue.

[@marksmith4977]

@@wheezin_mtnbkr3576 thanks I was considering buying the soft topper, been holding off worried about the back drafting exhaust fumes, maybe I will get one now...........

[@cowboysnation1594]

Where do I buy?

[@american_chevy616]

So when I want to switch back to the hard top, I have to take off the rails each time?

[@MerricksGarage]

Yea but there are only three bolts

[@sergduce]

Where did you get your roll cage in the 85

[@MerricksGarage]

DIY4X. I have a video on it too.

[@nurburgflip1188]

Good info...what are your rear seats out of?

[@vernfitzergood5859]

Thanks a ton

[@kebertxela941]

Did you serve in the military at some point? Just wondering because of the rolling up of your "canvas"(dont know what it is made of)

[@chevyboy2066]

Maybe the fold? When I was in the academy everything needed to be folded nice or lined up or you would get yelled at like crazy or made to drop or run. Its still a good clean way to do it, all good tips when I get my blazer. I'm getting a 86 or 88 blazer, I wish it would be a full top but hard to find clean around here. Your cousins blazer is badass but that's a $15-30k truck around here.

[@jrbarriga8357]

So what all u guys do with the rear window when u install the softopper

[@MerricksGarage]

Install a truck tailgate

[@scottbrougher4615]

does it fold up to use more of the bed?

[@scottbrougher4615]

I was wondering if the soft toppers fold down on the SUVS like they do for the truck beds. I.E collapsed down to use the bed of the truck.

[@noahdesouza216]

Does the red k5 need a roll cage to support the soft top? Also are you going to chop your k5 and make it a full convertible top?

[@jedihair]

That roll cage in your K30 seems dangerous for the back seat passengers. The hoop and trusses are low, seems like they'd be head-bashers. I know they had to be low because of the fiberglass top but they could have been put out of heads way, no?

[@jedihair]

***** Thanks for the reply, I look forward to seeing your solution. Great channel, I'm getting lots of great ideas for my M1009. Tell Fred on DED that if he ever wants to do another military build to take my truck. Lol. I'm new to the offroad world, I come from a gas engine muscle car/Corvette background. Had to learn diesel to work my M1009. Keep up the good work!

[@MrSalsa1973]

Dude...👊😎!

[@Real1atg]

Where did you get the soft top to your 87?

[@MerricksGarage]

Www.softopper.com

[@carlitosjr2388]

What are thoses seat out of ?

[@MerricksGarage]

Front from a BMW E46 M3 and rear out of a Cadillac Escalade Esv

[@cowboysnation1594]

Where do I get the top and the poles ?

[@MerricksGarage]

softopper

[@Normanthegerman]

Thumps up from Germany. Where i can buy this softtop for my K5?

[@MerricksGarage]

Softopper.com. Tell them you saw it on my channel for a discount

[@f0ob]

Talks about being neat and tidy but has stickers all over it.

[@thomasmadden7580]

My cousin’s a Democrat too

[@ClaytonSensiba]

What accent is that lol

[@ClaytonSensiba]

Merricks Garage oh that's cool. I couldn't really tell because it's kinda mixed now. Sweet k5 by the way