building a cab? you can do it!

donet · Jan 18, 2012

I just finished a cab for my 2011 Polaris Ranger 400.Basically I built the sides and doors.The top and back panel are the soft top type that I already had bought.I figure if the top and back wear out I can still add it later.

The framework for the doors is 1"x1" square tube covered by 16 gauge sheet metal.I estimate I have approximately $200.00 in the project.

galaxie428 · Jan 19, 2012

I just finished a cab for my 2011 Polaris Ranger 400.Basically I built the sides and doors.The top and back panel are the soft top type that I already had bought.I figure if the top and back wear out I can still add it later.

The framework for the doors is 1"x1" square tube covered by 16 gauge sheet metal.I estimate I have approximately $200.00 in the project.

You wouldn't happen to have a few pics of your build or some plans that you used do you? I have a 2012 500 Ranger that I was going to try to build some doors for this summer. I have the EMP front windshield, Polaris plastic top and a Polaris rear windshield on mine. I am just missing the doors and a HEATER right now.

4bangdan · Jan 19, 2012

rawinok2 said:
What they said plus... what a truely professional looking job! I do have a question though.... in the one photo you show the sheet metal being spot welded flat onto the square tubing. On the photos showing the finished product, all of the outside corners appear to be smooth and perfectly rounded. How was that done? Did you use body filler?

thanks for the great compliments, everyone thank you. yes on the body filler. i used fiberstrand, then used finish body filler. first though i grinded the corners deep then put down a deep penetrating bead the whole seam across. i did this to avoid cracking on edges. the spot welds are actually 3/8" holes i drilled in the top panel then it allowed me to mig weld onto the tubbing. i do the same when welding on new car parts in the colision repair world. this stuff is way easier to weld than the thin sheet metal i work with on cars, 18-22 ga. thickness and galvinized on both sides. nightmare, really. this project was enjoyable. now i enjoy it even more when it snows and blows at 35 mph and 27 below zero.

HagsTractor · Oct 21, 2013

I realize this thread is old.....But....I just bought a new Bobcat CT122 FEL. I am also getting a snowblower attachment. I have been looking for a cab and have been blown away at the prices. Although I am a good at tinkering, your cab looks professionally made! Congrats on that! Do you happen to have made any plans or step by step instructions? Better yet, would you consider building one?

aczlan · Oct 21, 2013

HagsTractor said:
I realize this thread is old.....But....I just bought a new Bobcat CT122 FEL. I am also getting a snowblower attachment. I have been looking for a cab and have been blown away at the prices. Although I am a good at tinkering, your cab looks professionally made! Congrats on that! Do you happen to have made any plans or step by step instructions? Better yet, would you consider building one?

For a basic cab, try Original Tractor Cab they are under $1500 for most of their cabs and are fairly well built.

Aaron Z

HagsTractor · Oct 21, 2013

Thanks Aaron but I am leaning toward a hard sided cab.

Bill

4bangdan · Dec 24, 2014

sorry it took so long to respond, I forgot about this thread. I did not make any plans just winged it all the way. the only way to build another cab for someone is having their tractor for a whole summer.[spare time only] funny how easy it goes once you get started. nothing is really symmetrical or level. you have to customize as you build. you just need a welder, chop saw, jig saw, a few basic tools and patience.

4bangdan · Dec 24, 2014

4bangdan said:
check out my cab build in the bobcat tractor forum. hope it gives you some ideas for yours. i got a bunch of great ideas on here from other people who built their own cab as well. was alot of fun to build and very happy with it.

I have more build pictures in other forums. look in my profile under "recent posts or threads started" and click on anything that mentions a cab. Good luck with your builds and I hope my pictures can give you some good ideas.

skyhook · Dec 25, 2014

I'm glad you re-posted, 4bangdan ( by the way, Merry Xmas ) that was a nice job you did.
One thing that caught my eye was, "the computer fan" you used. How did this work out for you,
did it have enough power to blow out hot air for you?, or would you have done it differently?