Suburban soft-top

Heya! I have a '89 Chevy Suburban 4x4, and I am going to chop off the rear end behind the rear doors ( right before the long back windows ) Because a family friend crashed it a few years back and it would be expensive to replace the panels and windows,etc.
ANYWAY. My question IS ..
I am planning on using 40-gauge vinyl to cover the back, but should I use snaps or zippers, or both?
Which would be more practical and/or efficient?
My friend who is a welder is going to cut the back for 200, and he said for a little more he'll install snaps, too.
...So, zippers or snaps?

[stump runner]

First a disclaimer- I've never done this! A shop that sew's costom boat tops and convertable tops would likely have better experiance than anyone.

I would plan for snaps and velcro to seal up the along sides and top. For the tail gate, zippers on the side and snaps at the bottom. How will your welder friend be treating the (sharp) cut edge? I would want a hem at least and prefer some structural reinforcement. 1/2 inch box tubing should be easy to work with.

Sweet that is a great idea! And another thing, will a rollbar from an old Blazer fit? or are blazers too narrow?

[Subsrule]

There is a company that makes soft tops for pickup beds. Check the dimensions before you cut.

[SWSLATON]

Let us know how it gose. I wanna do my pick-up like that.

[texas sub]

the rollbar should fit. as long as the body styles are similar.
mike