T-top

[jonesg]

20' center console, I wanted a T-top, after reading other DIY versions I jumped in.

1 1/4inch conduit tube from home depot, cheap.

I've mig welded up one side frame,
the other side is all cut and ready for welding.

I placed the frame against the console and placed a 10' plastic pipe on the top of the pipe notches to check the angle of attack for the top.

Visually I think it looks ok but could probably use a bit more negative angle of attack on the leading edge.


I've welded the Top frame up, its quite solid.
During the process I found I didn't need the notch drilling jig, just a hole saw in a drill is fine.

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: T-top

Thats gonna look sweet!

 

[chrishayes]

Re: T-top

way to go Jonesy! I knew you would end up making one. You seemed so excited by the DIY post a while back. Looks good man. What did you end up using to bend the EMT?

 

[erikgreen]

Re: T-top

Nice work so far!

My top is gonna be supported with 11 gauge steel tubing, painted white. I'll be able to walk on top of it if I want to. But I like the silver galvanized look... maybe I should use some of that cold galvanizing paint on mine.

Next time I think I'll bite the bullet and go with stainless though. Maybe after I pick up a new tubing bender that can handle 1.5 inch tubing.

Erik

 

[jonesg]

Re: T-top

You guys are just eggin me on, I'll give you 45 minutes to quit that, starting on Saturday. (should be done).

Now I can actually lay down a decent weld, yeh now that they're all done.

Anyway, all the sub-assemblies are made up, each part is getting heavier with each weld, so I have to give thought and ideas on how to get it in the boat and erected without a crane.

I'm thinking to mount the verticals and try sliding the top frame up there for visual inspection, then remove top frame and attach the roof , heres where its starting to get heavy and awkward. Then the whole thing has to go back up and get welded. Paint is last.

I took more pics today, I'll load em up later.

 

[jonesg]

Re: T-top

more pics. Hard to believe the deck is fresh painted, parking under a tree is no good but cooler to work under.

1.Top seems to be level enough viewing from upstairs.

2.Whiteboard with blue racing stripe covering the seam, might paint it.

3.Backside of top, urethane foam , matting and poly resin. Its rigid.

4.Closeup of scored foam, resin soaks in and firms it right up.

Its 7' x 5'.

 

[jonesg]

Re: T-top

Got some hardware pics of footers and headers for mounting.

Bolts and T nuts are 5/16th

Footers are designed to mount on breaker panels to accept the EMT tubes, not sure if its weldable, mine is just drilled and bolted.

Strip of nylon is used to lock the clamp to the small pipe, its just cove base vinyl $2.

http://s261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/jonesg_photos/T-Top/?albumview=slideshow

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: T-top

Good looking work. Curious, why didn't you use stainless? Obviously, you believe the painted steel tubing will hold up to the elements. But, given all the labor, I would think the added expense would be well worth the looks and secure knowledge that it will withstand the elements.

 

[jonesg]

Re: T-top

uh several reasons,
home depot doesn't sell it.
cost, trying to keep it under $300 total.
can stainless be mig'd ?
I thought you needed TIG for stainless. no?

from what I've read stainless is tricky to weld but I'd have a go if I can source it and if it can be mig welded.

I've been looking at reviews of the harbour freight TIG welder, everyone seems to like it for $200, I know it will not do alum due to polarity.

 

[Tiwaz]

Re: T-top

Jonesg, yes you can MIG stainless you will need different wire and possibly a different gas than you are now using. On the good side you won't need a spool gun like for aluminum.

 

[chrishayes]

Re: T-top

hey Jonesg, remember I am a commercial electrician. I order all the material for my jobs and have been doing so for the past 4 years. If there is a fitting available, I have used it! I have catalogs over an inch thick so if you ever need any special piece feel free to ask and I will get you something that will work AND its manufacturer and part number.

Its looking good! That is totally going to transform your boat. It seems that it just NEEDS to be on there.

What are you bending with?

 

[jonesg]

Re: T-top

The top definately balances the appearance of the boat in general, my fishin buddy says it looks like the boat was designed for it, CC's just look unfinished without some sort of top, a bimini.... anything.

I'll have to have a chat with the welding supply folks about stainless wire, I have the guage and fittings but never bothered to get a gas tank yet, theres a welder gas supply biz opposite me at work. doh!

EMT is so easy to bend I just brace it and pull, for short bends I insert a crowbar and lock the tube where ever.

My partners husband is an elect too, he gave me a pipe vice but turns out I don't need it to drill the fishmouth ends, just hold the tube over the end of the table and drill, and its more manly.

I have a grizzly horiz metal bandsaw, now thats handy for chopping lengths.
But considering a tube come with 2 ends already, carefull planning would obviate any need for the metal saw.

 

[chrishayes]

Re: T-top

Ok, I get it, you are using rigid or GRC not EMT. That is the only conduit that I know of that comes with both ends threaded and a coupling screwed on. Boy that IS gonna get heavy! I hate rigid! it will certainly stand up to some beating not to mention probably be good for 10 years left untouched. It does rust though, dont be fooled. It also rust inside mainly where ever you cut it. I suggest deburring well due to that being the most likely spot to start the rusting process then spray some etching primer. It will be covered by your connection anyways. Also, they sell threadless fittings for it as well if you dont want to deal with threading your cuts.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: T-top

You ccan Mig stainless you will need stainless wire and a trimix gas but it is almost the same as migging regular steel and not near as much fun as doing aluminum .


Rick

 

[jonesg]

Re: T-top

You ccan Mig stainless you will need stainless wire and a trimix gas but it is almost the same as migging regular steel and not near as much fun as doing aluminum .
Rick

but then you have another kettle of a different fish, how to treat the aluminum? if painting I might just as well stick with what I have.

Have to get some gas and try stainless, maybe a leaning post!

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: T-top

Jones I wasnt infering you should have made it out of Aluminum . I think it will be just fine the way you have done it as long as you keep up on the paint .

Rick

 

[jonesg]

Re: T-top

Ok, I get it, you are using rigid or GRC not EMT. That is the only conduit that I know of that comes with both ends threaded and a coupling screwed on. Boy that IS gonna get heavy! I hate rigid! it will certainly stand up to some beating not to mention probably be good for 10 years left untouched. It does rust though, dont be fooled. It also rust inside mainly where ever you cut it. I suggest deburring well due to that being the most likely spot to start the rusting process then spray some etching primer. It will be covered by your connection anyways. Also, they sell threadless fittings for it as well if you dont want to deal with threading your cuts.

no its not threaded at all, it cost under $9 per 10 foot 1 1/4" dia.
I'd say its less than 1/8th" wall. It doesn't strike me as heavy.
Its tube , not pipe.
I've sprayed all the welds.
Its been outside in almost constant rain, no more rust.Raining again here.
The weak point is the feet , my plan is to drill and cotter pin ,then seal.
Its been a very enjoyable project or a diversion from sandglasspaint.

 

[berry79]

Re: T-top

jonesg MIG welding stainless is just as easy as steel. I'd use argon for the gas, and if you welder is capable of welding aluminum, thats the the same gas you would use for it. I've been a welder for going on 8 years now, and always use argon for my stainless and aluminum work. And at the house I use argon for everything on my TIG machine. Here are some pics of it on my tig machine.

 

[berry79]

Re: T-top

Oh and if you need stainless wire cyberweld.com has excellent prices and good people to deal with.

 

[4runneradam]

Re: T-top

Cant you weld stainless with regular carbon steel wire, then the weld wont be stainless but it will hold?