DIY T-Top

[erikgreen]

Re: DIY T-Top

Since you're feeling ambitious, how about an anodized finish? You can do it at home with a few tools, and you'd have a mirrored black look. Or you could do colors.

Check out the how-to here:

http://www.focuser.com/atm/anodize/anodize.html

The same guy sells supplies, although I'd bet you can get 'em cheaper if you do the legwork.

Otherwise, HF sells a powdercoat gun for under $100, that'd be really durable, but you'd need a couple big IR lamps to do your whole frame one section at a time.

I'd personally recommend just polishing the aluminum... you can get a near-mirror finish, it can be renewed by re-polishing, and once the oxide re-forms it's very corrosion resistant.

Erik

 

[Off-Peak]

Re: DIY T-Top

I'd personally recommend just polishing the aluminum... you can get a near-mirror finish, it can be renewed by re-polishing, and once the oxide re-forms it's very corrosion resistant.

Erik

I agree... I am new to the metal polishing world so a knee-jerk reaction is to paint it and reduce the retouches.... I looked to DIY anadizing, but the tanks to dunk these tubes would have to be a tray 15" wide and 91" long. I have no idea of the volume of acids that would require me to buy - not to mention where to get a tray that size (most use a cooler)...

I think I will try the polish, BUT one tube was scratched pretty good when I bought it. Another reason to paint... Time will tell. On a side note: Love to get into powder coating, but dont have an oven or heat source to get it done...
-OP-

 

[drewpster]

Re: DIY T-Top

The main reason I am making a new handrail for my boat is because the original one is bare aluminum. I have polished it several times. The best product I have found to bring up a good shine is called Mothers Billet metal polish. It works great by hand or with polishing buffers. I have used it on several sets of aluminum wheels as well as parts on the boats I have owned.
It works well and is common at auto parts stores.
The problem is that it will dull over time. I have used waxes to try to keep the shine longer but there is still allot of maintenance. I boat in fresh water, I bet the finish will dull even faster on salt water near the coast. In some cases I have lost the finish in as little as a week!
I would recommend looking for a local powdercoater. I use one here in town. He has a small shop and is very reasonable. Having my handrail coated is my next move if I cannot make the new one happen. But I prefer stainless. The initial cost is worth not having to do all that polishing in my opinion.
I think a good gloss powder coat would look great on your T-top. If you go the polishing route I suggest find a small buffer to do the tight work. The buffing balls and gimmick polishes you see on TV are a waste of time and money. I once found a product for clear coating polished aluminum. I cannot remember the name of it but it seemed like good stuff. It was not a spray on product. It was an epoxy coating if memory serves. It was kinda pricey but it was supposed to be durable stuff. I will keep looking for it and let you know.

 

[Off-Peak]

Re: DIY T-Top

Tiny Update:
Its now mounted to the console... I have tried (long story) to order the fabric for the top and we should be in business soon.... Still have fine tuning to do, but for the most part the hard work is over. I will wire it for lighting and tunes on Sunday....

Few new pics that look nearly the same (same old boat & same homemade t-top)...
-OP-

 

[drewpster]

Re: DIY T-Top

It looks great. I am very impressed. I like the fact that you pay attention to details. The pan head Allen fasteners are a nice touch. That is the kind of detail that is almost never noticed except in the overall look. I am looking forward to lots of pics of the finished product!

 

[Off-Peak]

Re: DIY T-Top

It looks great. I am very impressed. I like the fact that you pay attention to details. The pan head Allen fasteners are a nice touch. That is the kind of detail that is almost never noticed except in the overall look. I am looking forward to lots of pics of the finished product!

Thank you!!! I am happy with it - Just pulled it off the boat... The screws are 5/16 SS that are thru-bolted with over sized SS fender & lock washers. I have 2 areas that thru-bolt isnt possible... I will look at options to overcome that today... With H'cane FAY on the way to FL & my daughters 1st Bday coming up, my Honey-Do List is getting backed up...!!
-OP

 

[Off-Peak]

Re: DIY T-Top

yeah-yeah-yeah.... its been a while on this, but i am back in action this week. I got the sunbrella black fabric for the top and the rope and decided to put it on tonight. Rain or shine i plan to have this up this week. Sorry guys, life just keeps taking time away from these projects!!!

Here are a few pics in the garage with my phone... both sides.
-OP-

 

[ufm82]

Re: DIY T-Top

Did you just spiral wrap that material? If so, you may find it shifts and/or bunches once the wind hits it. While that is the easiest way to lace the top, it won't stay even and that would drive me crazy. (I'm very symmetrical. LOL) Instead, lace it this way. Bring the lace through the top of the grommet on the fabric, go around the tube from the top and then bring the lace back up through the grommet from the bottom. Then move on to the next grommet, continuing this pattern. The laces will stay evenly spaced and the top won't shift on you at all. Part of a nice T-Top is the aesthetics and this definitely helps the top look nice. Just a suggestion. Overall I'd say the thing looks great. I am also building my own top out of 1" Schedule 40 aluminum pipe and can do all but the welding myself. That and the finishing are my two roadblocks. However, for less than $300 for materials, not including the canvas, I'll have a functional top that may not be a work of art but won't be an eyesore either.

UFM82

 

[Mark42]

Re: DIY T-Top

Fantastic! You really tackled this project and are making it come out looking so very OEM I can't beleive you did this will budget priced tools. I give you a big hand for ingenuity, design and fabrication skills. Keep up the great work. I have gotten so many great tips from this project. Thanks for taking the time to document what you are doing.

Mark.

 

[i386]

Re: DIY T-Top

Awesome work. Hats off to you.

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: DIY T-Top

MAn ohhh Man Off-Peak , I dont know how i have missed this thread, Very well done , I just read the hole thing , and now you done it !!! you got me thinking of a ski tube for mine !! thanks a lot !! hahhaha but really you do some fine work , and for 59 bucks I am getting one !! think you said you can bend up to 2 1/2 inch , that plenty big enough for just about any job !! again great job !! john