3rd Generation Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy Soft Top

3rd Generation Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy Soft Top Installation Instructions
Very important!! We believe that if you read these
instructions from start to finish and look at all the pictures
you will probably be able to do the entire installation
without looking at them again. If you do need to peek at the
instructions again, that’s okay too.
Remove the contents from the Packaging.
Remove hardtop from vehicle and keep the bolts handy.
You’ll need 12 of them later.
Important: Supplied is a length of weather bulb seal that
will be installed to the upper rear area of the cab. Clean the area thoroughly with a 50/50 mix of alcohol and water
or a similar cleaner. Remove the backing from the bulb seal, and apply as shown in first photo, directly onto your
vehicle. The flange on the bulb seal will be rearward and downward.
The next thing to install is the Flat Aluminum header bar with the snap studs on it. It is shipped in two pieces, with
a joining plate and four screws. Join the two long pieces as shown below. The header bar should be installed with
the snap studs on the forward-most half. The exposed rivet heads will be rearward.
Shown Here Without Bulb Seal on Flat Bar
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Using the bolts from your hard top, secure the header bar
in place with the four top middle bolts only. Now, while
pulling downward and pressing inward close to the bend,
shape the curved area of the header bar tightly against the
contour of the vehicle’s cab / existing weather seal.
Secure all remaining bolts to the cab.
If the desired seal is not achieved after this point you
may have to remove the bar and bend it a little more so
that when re-installed it will hold tight to the weather
seal. You may also need to form a small inward bend on
the bar below the lowest mounting points.
Clean the header bar with a 50/50 solution of alcohol &
water to be sure all residue is removed. Adhere the
supplied bulb seal to the header bar as shown - with the
small flange on the bulb seal facing forward and upward.
The weather stripping length is longer than the total
length of the header bar. Start with a 2-inch overhang of
bulb seal on one end. Once applied, cut the bulb seal on
the other end at a 2-inch overhang. Now, fold the 2-inch
overhang and adhere around to the underside of the
header bar
Note: the photo to the right is for illustration
only - you should already have the header bar on your
vehicle.
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Next are the bedrails
There is a left and a right. The most common problem with these installations is mixing up these two parts. The left
one will have a label on it that says “Driver Side Front” The other says nothing. Attach by installing your hard top
bolts into the three locations on the bedrail of the vehicle. The foam weather stripping is already installed.
You will now need to attach the plastic parts to the rear inside of the 1-inch square bedrails. The one marked (A)
goes on the driver side and the other, marked (B) goes on the passenger side. Install the adjustable snap-fit parts
with the #12 screws provided.
Next, The round aluminum bows and their pivoting counterparts. They are color coded to match up with each other.
Caution: Try not to pinch your fingers when fitting these parts.
This is a good time to put the two 1” adjustable straps on the rear bow and the protective covers on the pivoting
bars (not shown in photos) Note: The protective cover is to prevent the vinyl windows from touching the aluminum
bars. They can get really hot in the direct sunlight and may cause discoloration of the windows.
Two covers are already installed on the left and right frame portions. Two additional covers are already fit on the
crossbar. Once the crossbar is installed onto the frame uprights, slide the covers all the way down.
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The bar with the snap studs on it will be to the rear of the vehicle when installed. Place the Bow frame assembly up
onto the rear of the vehicle and remove the circular clips from the pivot pins on the bedrails. Position the frame
onto the pivot pins and replace the circular clips.
Time to grab the fabric canopy. Unfold the canopy and drape it up over the rear seats.
Attach the snaps to the rear bow section. Place the support straps between the 2nd and 3rd snap on each end of the
rear bow. Now pull the rest of the canopy forward and attach the snaps to the front/cab installation. Just the
horizontal snaps for now
Attach the support straps around the remaining forward
bow and push the bow forward a few feet. Adjust all
webbing straps to a loose position for now and tighten
later.
Now you are ready to attach the remaining front vertical
snaps and then work your way towards the rear, snap
after snap. Pull down on the rear bow if you need to.
Note: New tops can be quite taut. The straps on the rear
of the frame can be secured and pulled tight to help.
Loosen them after so the fabric is under tension. This will
help it to stretch and set. Now do the other side. The
bedrails may have to be adjusted forward or rearward
slightly. If happy with the fit, unsnap the canopy at the
front and now install the two Phillips-tapered screws to
join the aluminum flat bar and the front of the bedrails
(see picture). Now remove the red backing from the
lower portion of the bulb seal, and secure and snip off any extra.
VELCRO – OPTIONAL - Take the 3 pieces of Velcro Tape.
With the rear window panel installed pull down the zippers and adjust so that the back flap sits nicely along the top
of the tailgate. Tug gently on the back flap and find the place where it seems to sit easily. There is Velcro (loop)
sewn along the bottom inside edge of the back flap. This is where the Velcro tape must line up once installed on the
tailgate. Not too high, not too low. Just right so it won't be seen when the back is zipped down and secured. Tip:
Use a removable crayon to help you line things up. Don't pull off the sticky backing yet.
Note: Be sure to clean the area (remove any wax or dirt) where the Velcro will be installed. Install one dead-center,
and the other two on opposite ends of the tailgate (see photo).
Note: Wrap an extra ½ inch or so at each end around the edge of the tailgate. When it is even, carefully press it
against the tailgate and press along back and forth to make sure it is firmly attached everywhere.
Note: Velcro tape will reach maximum holding strength after 24 hours.
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Plastic tailgate protectors generally have a waxy surface (which reduce the holding strength of the Velcro glue) so it
is best to apply the Velcro directly on the paint.
This Vehicle for Illustration Only
Flip the back flap down and retest again for evenness. Peel off the sticky backing, and then very carefully line it up
evenly along the tailgate.
Rear Bar Flap Insert a 12-inch bar tube into each end of the
longer 7/8-inch tube, with the plastic end caps out. Press the
bar assembly into the snap-fit parts on the bedrail, adjusting
the total length as necessary for a tight side-to-side fit. The
idea is to have the larger tube centered and have as little
side-to-side movement as possible once secured in the
plastic parts and have equal lengths of the smaller tubes
protruding from each end. Mark the location of where the
smaller tubes enter the larger tube. The longer tube has predrilled holes in each end. These holes will be used to guide a
1/8 inch drill bit into the smaller tube. Hold the smaller tube
securely in the larger tube at the correct location and drill
through. Install the #20 screw and repeat on the other end.
Insert the finished tube assembly into the window panel
sleeve, press into snap-fit parts on both sides and check fit.
Not to Scale
Retracting the Softopper:
Important: Do not drive with the top retracted unless the boot cover is in place and the top is secured down. We
don’t want it to become a parachute.
Important: At the front of the Softopper, on the main seam of the canopy, there are female buckles that do not have
mates. However, there are two additional webbing straps supplied that will click in here and attach to the eye pads
on the fronts of the bedrails. These MUST be used when driving with the sides rolled up.
Important: Retracting or closing the top when the temperature is below 40 degrees is asking for trouble. This will
void the warranty on the windows, as clear vinyl plastic can crack very easily at these temperatures. This top is
meant to be a warm-weather topper. It is not intended to be used during cold temperatures or winter months.
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1. Undo the snaps along the front vertical area and the lower snaps of the side panels and flip the sides up and
lay them evenly and flat on the roof portion.
2. Flip the un-zippered rear window up onto the roof as well, or remove.
3. Remove the front snaps from the cab and fold the fabric in equal sections or so it will fit neatly in the
protective boot cover, (included). The top can also be retracted forward but will block the use of the rear
passenger seats.
Please call us at 1-800-810-7227 if you have any questions.
Or email us at info@softopper.com
www.softopper.com
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Warranty
We warrant our 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler, Blazer and Jimmy Softoppers to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one year, with the exception of vinyl windows and zippers, provided there has been
normal use and proper maintenance.
Vinyl Windows are warranted for a period of 3 months from the date of purchase.
Zippers are guaranteed to be in perfect working condition when leaving the factory. Due to atmospheric conditions,
dirt, sand, road grime, dust, and abrasive cleaners, etc., zippers are warranted for a period of 6 months from the date
of purchase.
Toyota 4 Runner, Jeep Wrangler, Blazer and Jimmy side curtain windows are warranted for 45 days from the date
of purchase.
Important: Retracting or closing the top when the temperature is below 40 degrees is asking for trouble. This will
void the warranty on the windows, as clear vinyl plastic can crack very easily at these temperatures. This top is
meant to be a warm-weather topper. It is not intended to be used during cold temperatures or winter months.
Returns must be pre-approved and have Softoppers issued RGA number attached. Any defective items must be
returned with proof of purchase to Softopper 4750 Nautilus Ct S, Unit B Boulder CO 80301, freight pre-paid. Items
returned must be carefully packed, in clean condition, with plastic windows protected from scratching and creasing.
This warranty does not cover damage resulting from abuse, misuse, alteration, accident or damage in transit.
Softoppers obligations under this warranty are limited to the aforementioned repair or replacement of warranty
defects for which return authorization has been received during the warranty period, and Softopper SHALL NOT
BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM BREACH OF
THIS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY. This warranty applies to the original purchaser only. All remedies under
this warranty are limited to repair or replacement of any item or items found to be defective by the factory within
the time period specified.
For further information or request for repair work, please contact:
Softopper LLC, customer service
(800) 810-7227 or (303) 304-0533
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Softopper Care and Maintenance
Your top is made of the finest materials available. To keep it looking new and for product longevity and durability,
it will need periodic cleaning and maintenance.
Washing: The fabric should be washed from time to time using a mild soap and warm water. Be sure to rinse all
soap off the top when washing is complete.
Vinyl Windows: Windows should be kept clean to avoid scratching. Wash with a water-soaked sponge or cloth and
a mild dishwashing detergent. Do not use a coarse brush on the windows and never wipe the windows when they
are dry.
Cold weather: As with all automotive and marine clear vinyls, extreme care must be taken when rolling up or
folding in cold temperatures. This point cannot be stressed enough! Clear vinyl becomes stiff in cold temperatures
and may crack. Retracting the Softopper in cold temperatures is not recommended. When opening the rear of the
Softopper in cold weather, be sure to raise the zippers as high as possible so that any folding will occur to the
topper fabric and not to the clear vinyl window.
Zippers: Keeping the zippers clean and lubricated with a silicone lubricant will help prevent damage and keep the
zippers in smooth working condition.
Leakage: As with any sewn automotive top there is always a slight risk of leakage. Right out of the box the
Softopper will not be waterproof. Water seeping through at the seams may be stopped by applying Seam Sure
(supplied), on the inside of the affected seams. Shake Seam Sure well and apply liberally to the inside seams
concentrating on areas where needle and thread penetrated the fabric.
Snaps: Keep snaps clean and lubricated with a silicone lubricant to help prevent snaps from sticking to the studs. If
a snap does become stuck to a stud, use a screwdriver and gently pry apart to prevent damage to the snap or top
fabric. If any snaps need to be replaced due to sticking or damage please call Softopper and we can send out a small
do-it-yourself repair kit.
For further information please contact:
Softopper LLC, customer service
(800) 810-7227 or (303) 304-0533
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