Snugtop on Cadillac EXT or body colored sail panel Avy

[Vaeagleav]

Patrick_B you do know there is metal supports underneath the sail panel plastic that is there for a reason.... To provide support since there is no solid roof like on a Suburban.
I could envision that without the metal structure you would have flexing in the rear quarter panels and maybe in the rear door area. Fiberglass and glass will not provide the support you need. Even if you made it out of metal it probably would need some form of welded braces to get the rigidity needed to prevent cracking, squeaks,suspension flexing, and leaks etc..
If you need a Suburban that bad it would be cheaper to trade your AV in on a used Suburban. Doing the conversion yourself could cost you money and you will never get it back at resale or trade-in time.

 

[Joeairforce]

I seriously doubt it would work without a LOT of modding of the cap....

 

[Vaeagleav]

Interesting mod Joeairforce!
I saw you other thread showing your work on your AV. Good job!

 

[Joeairforce]

Interesting mod Joeairforce!
I saw you other thread showing your work on your AV. Good job!

Thanks

 

[Joeairforce]

Another view to show the difference.

 

[WhoAteMySoup]

I gave up on the snug top idea by now. I did talk to their sales rep and he told me that it will not fit for sure, which makes sense given pictures that Joeairforce  posted.

 

[TXBlackDiamond]

The snugtop I put on my 2006 was awesome, and I am tired of leaking panels on the used 2013 I bought, so I wanted to put a Snugtop on that one. I went to the Snugtop dealer and he called them. My understanding is that GM was just using up leftover Caddy parts for the 2013.

Apparently, the problem is not just with the EXT, but also with later Avs using the EXT brake light. I found these pics from a Caddy owner who said the camper shell fits because at the top it fits in front of the brake light, so there is not supposed to be an issue with that. However, the sail panel windows are slightly changed and require using something different than the standard Snugtop porthole covers.

Here is the link to the discussion thread in the Caddy forum:

No SnugTop Camper for Escalade EXT?

www.cadillacforums.com

Tom

 

[MS03 2500]

Wow I wonder how much wind noise does it make driving down the road.

 

[TXBlackDiamond]

Wow I wonder how much wind noise does it make driving down the road.

haha

 

[netdoctored]

The snugtop I put on my 2006 was awesome, and I am tired of leaking panels on the used 2013 I bought, so I wanted to put a Snugtop on that one. I went to the Snugtop dealer and he called them. My understanding is that GM was just using up leftover Caddy parts for the 2013.

Apparently, the problem is not just with the EXT, but also with later Avs using the EXT brake light. I found these pics from a Caddy owner who said the camper shell fits because at the top it fits in front of the brake light, so there is not supposed to be an issue with that. However, the sail panel windows are slightly changed and require using something different than the standard Snugtop porthole covers.

Here is the link to the discussion thread in the Caddy forum:

No SnugTop Camper for Escalade EXT?

www.cadillacforums.com

Tom

I know this is an old thread but I wanted to share some first hand information from 2021 that might be useful for someone. A Snugtop will fit on an Avalanche with smooth cladding if you perform a few minor changes and a mods.

What fits out of the crate:
- The Snugtop with the 2nd generation glass door.
- Wiring harness for third break light and Snugtop dome light
- Bolts for rear grab handle Snugtop attachment point (the triangle shaped thing in the corner of the bed)
- Bolts for the two roof center panel screws to secure the Snugtop to the Avalanche roof

What needs to be changed or modded:
- Two outer bolts for the roof panel - Supplied bolts are M6 x 1.0 x 70mm replace with M6 x 1.0 x 80mm to correct
- Inner brake light cover panel must be removed and two new holes drilled 1" closer to the panel edge to allow more room for the longer Cadillac style 3rd brake light
- Sail plugs provided by Snugtop do not fit - the smooth cladding sails have a much smaller hole. The Avy Glass plexiglass mod or a similar pothole cover will easily correct this issue and provide a similar look. (Pity the supplied covers are dark smoked tempered glass and look really nice!)

After doing the above mods and tightening everything down the truck is water tight and does not have increased wind or road noise. Overall an excellent addition to the truck.

 

[SasquatchUK]

Good info. I’m thinking of going the snug top route at some point if I ever find one.

maybe even make something like the Go fast camper with the roof tent.
they don’t make anything like that for the Avalanche so it would have to be custom built.


Post some pictures

 

[Godsgrace07ava]

Lol. It is a 2007 Avalanche LTZ. Read the above post again. Are your sail panels shaped different then standard avy sails?

nice southern comfort. not to get off topic but any idea how many were made ? i have an 07 LT Olympic white i believe is the color

 

[Vaeagleav]

I have never seen production figures on Southern Comfort Conversion AVs, I'm sure GM did not keep info on them. Best bet would be to contact the conversion company directly but they may not have figures since I believe they were bought out years ago.

https://southerncomfortparts.com/

 

[Mtnbikr933]

I know this is an old thread but I wanted to share some first hand information from 2021 that might be useful for someone. A Snugtop will fit on an Avalanche with smooth cladding if you perform a few minor changes and a mods.

What fits out of the crate:
- The Snugtop with the 2nd generation glass door.
- Wiring harness for third break light and Snugtop dome light
- Bolts for rear grab handle Snugtop attachment point (the triangle shaped thing in the corner of the bed)
- Bolts for the two roof center panel screws to secure the Snugtop to the Avalanche roof

What needs to be changed or modded:
- Two outer bolts for the roof panel - Supplied bolts are M6 x 1.0 x 70mm replace with M6 x 1.0 x 80mm to correct
- Inner brake light cover panel must be removed and two new holes drilled 1" closer to the panel edge to allow more room for the longer Cadillac style 3rd brake light
- Sail plugs provided by Snugtop do not fit - the smooth cladding sails have a much smaller hole. The Avy Glass plexiglass mod or a similar pothole cover will easily correct this issue and provide a similar look. (Pity the supplied covers are dark smoked tempered glass and look really nice!)

After doing the above mods and tightening everything down the truck is water tight and does not have increased wind or road noise. Overall an excellent addition to the truck.

Was wondering did you have pics of where the holes were drilled in the third brake light panel?

 

[Range Rider]

Seriously searching for a camper shell for my 2003 AV 2500 4x4 and will pursue any solid contacts with understanding that i may have to pay shipping etc... If anyone can shine me on to one please contact me at jamcooper@aol.com. i have funds available. jim