Couldn't wait for Paki Top!

[schlaker]

Got my new cage in last week, and wasn't real happy with the way bikini tops fit with a full profile cage. I've got a full Canvas Paki top on order but was getting a little impatient.

I was at OSH picking up some spray paint on Sat morning, when I saw that the had some pretty nice, heavy (16oz) treated canvas tarps for $27... so I started thinking.....






It may have taken me almost 12 hours on my hands and knees in the driveway, but only cost about $60 in supplies. I guess I'll have to wait and see how it holds up to freeway driving!

1. Ruberized canvas tarp 6'x 8' $27

2. 10' length of 1/2" galv. electrical conduit $4.95

3. 3 lengths of 1/8" x 3/4" Aluminum flat stock 6' long $15

4. 1 box pop-rivits $3.79

5. 2 tubes contact cement $ 8

 

[schlaker]

A few more!

 

[spdwaver]

Not bad for ~$60. When you are testing it on the freeway, try and gauge the noise level.

 

[schlaker]

Its silent to about 45 mph.
Above that the aluminum bows start tapping the cage.
I slipped on the pipe insulation foam last night, but haven't had a chance to test it yet.
I'm sure I'll be working out some bugs - noise, reinforcing stress areas etc.

 

[Mtrunner]

Necessity is the mother of invention... Nice work.

 

[hicruise55]

That looks REALLY good, especially for the cost! What store is OSH? Is it similar to say Harbour Freight?

 

[3doghouse]

Very cool.

Any tips for the windshield mount?

 

[D'Animal]

Very cool Indeed!

 

[robj]

Nice top! Very nice Cruiser!

 

[K2KK]

That looks REALLY good, especially for the cost! What store is OSH? Is it similar to say Harbour Freight?

Not really, OSH is Orchard Supply and Hardware. Most home improvement stores will have the parts and pieces used.

Your top looks cool. That gives me ideas for my 40. My softtop is starting to show it's trail wear. I am wondering if I can actually sew in some patches myself. No big tears just the errant poke of a branch and the top front corners.

Thanks for the idea

 

[MarcoPolo]

Necessity is the mother of invention... Nice work.

X2 Very Cool

 

[schlaker]

Nice,

she is also very quiet....




Thank for the props.

I'm starting to really like it. Next one will be black, balistic nylon, with some stitching. I think I could get it down to 2-3 hours.

 

[schlaker]

Addwd a few more grommets.

Sorry bout the picture quality... its my phone.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Looks great. Post some detailed photos of the windshield attachment. That's the hard part, IMO.

 

[BJEC69]

Nice top! It looks like $100.00.

 

[schlaker]

Very cool.

Any tips for the windshield mount?

I already had a SOR windshield channel. I just shortened it a little. The canvas is cemented to the aluminum flat stock, folded over and riveted every 2". It just slips into the chanel like any bikini top. A semi rigid plastic strip sewed directly to the canvas would have been simpler, but I had no way to sew it.

I'll try to post up detailed photos and a write up here when I get a chance.

 

[motoloco]

dig it, want one

 

[dgangle]

Very nice.

If you get a chance, please show more on the bows, how attached to windshield frame on sides, etc. I think a Toyota Trails write up/article/how to would be the bomb.

 

[Liam]

i am really surprised how well that turned out....good job. And quiet to boot...very nice.

 

[schlaker]

i am really surprised how well that turned out....good job. And quiet to boot...very nice.

Me Too! I kinda half expected it to be a failed experiment. Especially since I couldn't sew it.