Build a t top

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woody20

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Has anyone come up with a good way to build a t top your self.
 
klos

klos

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Oct 18, 2005
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Re: Build a t top

What... you don't want to spend $8,000 on a new one from the manufacturerd:)d:)

We are building a T-top for a friends 25' Grady White.
He found a fiberglass topper from a long box chevy truck that is the width that he wants and cut the top 3" off it. We shortened about 6". Right now we are in the process of building up the edges to mount antenna masts and stainless rocket launcher rod holders. I'm helping him out on the fiberglass work but he will be building the stainless tube frame.
I have to admit I thought it was a little redneck when he first told me that he wanted to use the roof of a truck topper for his T-top but when its done it will look just like he spent 8 grand on it.
I will try to get some pics after the gell coat in the next couple of days.
 
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woody20

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Apr 1, 2006
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Re: Build a t top

ok, thanks can't wait to see pics. I was thinking about maybe putting a pilot house on, if the t top thing doesn't work out.
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

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Re: Build a t top

anyone thought of using 2" pcw, with a canvas top?
 
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woody20

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Re: Build a t top

Thats what I was thinking, however what sch pvc piping would you use, I would think sch 40 or sch80, however I don't think sch80 comes in 2". I think smallest is 3". Sch 80 being h20 loading. The reason why I have the concern is what about travel, I would hate to see the pvc bend with weight from other things attached to it in the wind. I would also like to see attachment to the center console part way up the sides. Perhaps two or three each side. other design considerations would be to dip the front of the ttop to act like a wing flap backwards and add down pressure and cut the air better then just flat. Also add subport to the front with a cross member or two
 
iwombat

iwombat

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Re: Build a t top

pvc also breaks down when exposed to UV. So you'd need to coat it with something.
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

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Re: Build a t top

well, i guess one of us is going to have to build a prototype. it gets warm here earlier. we're having our 3 week winter right now.
 
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woody20

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Apr 1, 2006
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132
Re: Build a t top

I will start to design one on paper and start building it in my garage this week. I have 2" laying around at my family septic business.
 
S

santa665

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Feb 5, 2007
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Re: Build a t top

woody20 said:
Has anyone come up with a good way to build a t top your self.
Click to expand...

NO, Please DO NOT use PVC Its unstable. I built my own hard top in 2004 for use on lake Michigan. It is a proven design over the past seasons.

Use schedule 40 2 inch aluminum pipe and parts from www.academyfence.com. It all works very well. The junstions MUSt be tapped, drilled and bolted however.

Again, Schedule 40 2 inch. It shines well, is corrosion resistant, and can stand up to the rigors of trailer travel and the "big lake"
 
M

ManOfwar690

Seaman
Joined
Jan 6, 2007
Messages
56
Re: Build a t top

um please ask your self this hold a pvc pipe in the middle and shake it up n down .... whats it do pvc is too flexable if its a little ruff out its going to flex back n forth driving u nuts
 
Bondo

Bondo

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71,082
Re: Build a t top

While this is a Semi-Rigid Bimini,......
It's sorta like a T-top......

I built this out of Aluminum Conduit,+ other Aluminum pieces I found laying around,..............

f14154.jpg


I Agree,...... I think PVC probably Isn't the Best Choice of Material to start with,.... Flimsy, weak,+ the UV Light Issue..........
It's Extremely Fragile in the Cold too......
 
S

santa665

Recruit
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Feb 5, 2007
Messages
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Re: Build a t top

BONDO,

Couldn't agree more, PVC isn't even suitable for rod holders. Well, just barely suitable for the storage holders, never a rod holer for any rind of running rig like a wire dipsey rig, or downriggers.

Aluminum is THE way- light, rigid, tough, takes threads and bolts.
 
M

mikesea

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 1, 2006
Messages
1,830
Re: Build a t top

I saw a PVC t top on a carolina skiff ,for about 15 min,after it shook apart ,the wind did the rest,poor guy is a neighbor just looking to hide from Fl. sun.I told him to get a big umbrella if he didnt want to spring the $$$$
 
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