GMV Back

[dunsbr]

Hi Guys,

I"ve been slowly working on the GMV back for my truck and it's nearly done now:


I've done it a little different to others in that ive run a frame all the way around the top of the fenders to bolt the rails too.
This frame is secured to the fenders using the original slantback holes.
(for those that don"t know, I HATE drilling holes in my truck)
I also used all the original slant back spacers and hardware to mount the frame as that wayI don"t loose it when the slant back is off...

An added andvantage of this frame is that it has allowed me to bolt all the soft top mounting brackets and clips to it as well.

So when I unbolt the side rails from the angle brace, I can fit the bows:




And then I can fit a soft top rear to the truck:


Now I just have to sort out how to secure the front edge velcro to the trucks hard roof without causing permantent damage ( no holes, glue, etc) and I'm done.
I'm thinking I can do something with a roof mounted TOW blast sheild..

Cheers

[Augi]

Looks pretty sweet! How do you install the soft top bows with the horizontal pipes in the way?

I wonder if you could install a soft top retainer channel from the windshied frame onto the rear edge of the roof and then cut the first several inches with the bead off the front of a soft top canvas. Install some velcro along the cut edge and presto! You could probably drill the retainer channel to have the same hole pattern as the blast shield so you don't have to drill 'incorrect' holes in the roof.

Augi

[dunsbr]

Hi Augi,

If youlook closely, youcan see that thehorizontal tubes bolt onthrough nutserts in theangled tube and the vertical tube at the back bolts to the rear fender through the frame using the sponson mounting holes.
So it iseasily unbolted to allow the soft top bows to be mounted.

Not something to do quickly in the field, but easy to do in the shop to change the configuration.

Cheers

[dilvoy]

Very pretty Brad.
Since you mentioned it, do you have a tm diagram or any text that calls that item that crosses in front of the cargo hatch a "Blast Shield" or the side ones for that matter? Enquiring mind wants to know.

[dunsbr]

In TM 9-2320-280-20-3 Chapter 11 Special Purpose Bodies Maintenance, it refers to them as Blast shields George.

I hope this helps

Cheers

[dilvoy]

OK, I was just testing you.

[dunsbr]

OK, I was just testing you.

Did I pass?

cheers

[dilvoy]

I think so.