2 part epoxy to hold lights on ROPS???

Bob_Skurka · Nov 3, 2003

I'm looking for a permenant install, not something that I will take off. I could use worm style clamps to hold my bracket, and then paint those to match the ROPS but if epoxy or JB Weld will give me a solid attachment that seems like a better idea to me. I don't sell tractors very often but I do keep them a long time and this one is a new unit so I figure when my 8 year old graduates from college it might be time to trade this one in, then if someone doesn't like my lights they can knock off the bracket!!!

I want to add the angle iron bracket to mount the lights so that if I need to swap out the lights, change their configuration or add some, that is the point of adding the angle iron bracket and simply attaching the lights to the angle iron. I can drill into the angle iron without worrying about reducing the structural integrety of the ROPS. And, if I painted the bracket to match the ROPS it should visually blend into the ROPS and be a very solid mounting point for the lights.

super7 · Nov 3, 2003

Bob, you might want to look at 3M marine adhesives 5200 is quite permenent (chisle it off) 4200 might have a chance to remove it /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. on My BX I have a height problem so I made brakes and used 3M thick (foam) double sided tape. For the tape I would make sure you have a fare amount of surface area. So heres a link to my solution to the lighting (sorry can't post a attachment work firewall)

kubota light bracket

Cheers
Tony

Bob_Skurka · Nov 3, 2003

I like your brackets. You must have the same height issue I do! I never considered side brackets like you designed becuase I was afraid of snagging trees, but you have full protection, or as full as can be expected, with the housing you build around the lights. Your design is very clean and compliments the tractor.

But I have a couple questions.

#1, I noticed you ran your wires inside the ROPS (your picture #13), does the BX come with holes in the ROPS or did you drill them?

#2, You used doubled sided foam and I wonder how long you have had the light brackets attached. Also is the foam waterproof? I attached an XM Satellite Radio faceplate to the dashboard of one of my convertibles with 3M double sided foam and found that it lasted about 6 months. It never got rained on, but the sun would soften the adhesive enough to drop the faceplate. The faceplate only weighs about 3 or 4 OUNCES and still it would fall off on sunny days. I ended up using SuperGlue to hold it on.

#3, Have you hit anything with your bracket yet? I am curious what the shear strength is on the 3M foam. I would expect that if you hit a house or deck it would tear right off, but if you hit a branch, what happens???

#4, In one of your pictures you have a box on the back of the tractor (picture #15) is that a weight box or is it some sort of a spreader for salt/sand?

#5, I love that Jeepster Commando, this summer I almost bought a Commando Pick-Up, I had never seen one before. It had an integrated cab and box but the owner had redone the interior is red crushed velvet and getting closer to stock, or even putting in some nice seats would have required more work/expense than I wanted. Somehow I just couldn't bring myself to driving something with a red crushed velvet interior!

MikePA · Nov 3, 2003

Tony, your lights look fantastic!

FWIW, I installed a pair of KC Hilites driving lights to my ROPS using the double sided tape that came with the lights. The tape lasted about a year before I found the lights hanging from their wires. My tractor is kept in a garage. I've since switched to using U-bolts.

super7 · Nov 3, 2003

Thanks for the comps guys

Foam has been on over a year and the only problem was when my wife went to mow the yard next door and whacked a large branch the foam sheared bracket was ok and so were the lights so a quick scrape and some new tape back in biz, small branches no problem but she cut the corner on a 4-5" dia willow, glad she only hit the bracket if she hit the ROPS I think the tree would have really won /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I drilled the ROPS and repainted and used gromits for the thru holes so I don't have chaffing. If the size hole that I drilled cause a problem with the ROPS then I think I'm already
in alot bigger problem at that point. (but do you like the "custom" Homie Depotie electric switch box /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif?)

The box is the standard Kubota weight box I have four bags of paver block base (pulverized granit) and now is has shrink wrap over it to keep out the rain/snow but is vented to let the moisture out.

My parents bought the Commando new from the factory its a 67' they picked it up in 68' she was one of the factory test jeeps (fashion bar,different front to the soft top,extra hood latch). Its a fun Jeep soft ride and easy to drive mom still drives it and she just turned 75 last thursday.
Red crushed velvet?? sure it wasn't from Detroit /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif??

End of the Day at work..
Cheers
Tony

Kevin_in_VA · Nov 4, 2003

( I am EX golfer

So you're smarter than most /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

Hey, wait a minute!!!

I'm using my TC30 to cleanup my private driving range and put in a putting green.

Bob_Skurka · Nov 4, 2003

( I am EX golfer

So you're smarter than most )

Hey, wait a minute!!! 

The last time I golfed was in Jr. High School. I won the tournament I was in. I hated the game and quit. Much to the dismay of my family. Dad was an avid golfer. Brother golfed on several teams. Mom had a seniors tournament named in her honor at the local country club. I gave up the clubs to play with guns, tractors, gardens and dogs. Never felt like it was much of a trade because I have yet to wrap a dog around a tree in frustration or toss a gun in a pond because my shot hit some sand. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

All that aside, I've settled on JB Weld as my adhesive of choice after looking over the properties of several different ones. A 19" long piece of angle iron will be JB Welded to the cross bar of the ROPS, and will be set flush with the bottom edge of the ROPS. My switches are on order (waterproof and illuminated and matching the NH switch . . . thanks to LAGeorge for posting a source). I still have to purchase some suitable wire chase but I should be able to find that locally.

So the next time I have some free time I will start the project.

hazmat · Nov 5, 2003

For epoxy, one word fusor

In my last job we used it to build some parts of ambulances (where welding was a cosmetic problem).

We tested it by joining two peices of 1/4" web 3" channel together & then putting it on a shop press. The aluminum permanently deformed, but the epoxy didn't break.

Check out the website

NoMoreToys · Nov 5, 2003

I formed this bracket from 2x1/8" aluminum and covered it w/ heat shink. The lamp bolts tie it together.

Soundguy · Nov 6, 2003

VERY NICE. As imitation is the sincerest form of flatery... the next time I add something to my rops..consider your idea stolen... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Soundguy