cab building ?

[NH-Rob]

I am in the process of building a cab for my kubota b3200 and so far it is coming together nicely. I am how ever at a road block on the door. I don't know what I should use for a door latch. I was going to use a screen door latch but was not impressed when I put it up next to my door frame. What is every one else using and where do you buy it. I will try to take some pictures if we get a day that is not raining (my work shop is too small and dark for good pictures)
Thanks,
Robbie

 

[Jim in ICT]

What is the frame built out of and what are you covering it with?

 

[jpm]

it really depends on what you are building with.a basic z type is normally the easest

 

[PILOON]

When I built my cab I simply welded a bushing to the door frame and with matching shaft added a 1/8 X 1" flat inside to serves as latch and handle and a similar flat to the outside.
Outside one has a fancy plastic knob for looks.
Only trick was having it weight balanced so that it stayed in latched position.
So inside is horizontal while outer is vertical with knob at bottom for weight.

 

[NH-Rob]

Thanks for the replys so far. I am building the frame out of 1x1x1/8" tubing with the exception of the front witch is 1x1.5x1/8". I am planing on glueing the glass right to the frame. I have convinced my self to use lexan on the door and safty glass on the windshield and rear window. I would like to have a latch that will be able to click shut when I close the door and look some what factory. the other side of the tractor will only have a upper window and I think the bushing welded in the door with a rotating shaft will work great there.
Robbie

 

[rswyan]

I don't know what I should use for a door latch. I was going to use a screen door latch but was not impressed when I put it up next to my door frame. What is every one else using and where do you buy it.

I'm considering using these when I build mine - flush-mount, lockable, and pretty cheap @ $4 each - but would require some fabrication for the inside handle/release:

LOCKING PADDLE LATCH

 

[o2batsea]

A magnet? They have 'em with a hole in the middle you just screw it down.
McMaster-Carr

 

[firefighter9208]

How about one of these. RV Door Locks for Trailers on Sale This is the style latch that is on our fifth wheel camper. It's a paddle latch that can be opened from the inside or outside and has a lock.

Chris

 

[rswyan]

How about one of these.

Alot more pricey than what I was looking .... but sure alot nicer .... bookmarked for the future :thumbsup:

 

[NH-Rob]

How about one of these. RV Door Locks for Trailers on Sale This is the style latch that is on our fifth wheel camper. It's a paddle latch that can be opened from the inside or outside and has a lock.

Chris

I like this set up. Do you have pictures of the inside?
Robbie

 

[firefighter9208]

It basically looks the same on the inside. The one in our camper doesn't have the frame around it on the inside, just a paddle you move. I did a search for double sided paddle handles, but didn't have time to sort through them. You can probably find one cheaper online, that's not meant for an RV ($$$).

Chris

 

[NH-Rob]

Ok here is a few shots of the cab. When I get it all done I will start a thread with as many pictures as I can.
Robbie

 

[Jim in ICT]

Very nice. I'm working on a similar frame off of a B7200 that I purchased from a driving range, It was used to pick up golf balls and had expanded metal welded to the frame for security and safety from the golfer's drives. After cutting and grinding down a couple hundred welds, I'm finally getting down to making mounts. Mine has the same "suicide" doors as yours does. They just used some bushings and a simple slidebolt for a latch. A bit crude, but seems to do the job.

I'm considering using an orange colored lexan for the lower half of the cab so I don't have to be so concerned with scratches;about $100 for a 4'x8' x 1/8" sheet with a $20 cut charge. I'm thinking that 20 bucks may be worth it to let someone else cut it by my patterns.

 

[Jim in ICT]

What are you using to cover the area on the front of the cab below the windshield and over the pedals?

 

[mjncad]

I'd consider adding a right hand door in case you tip the tractor on its left side like in photo 2. That way you have a way to crawl out without having to try and kick windows out.

Looking good!

 

[NH-Rob]

What are you using to cover the area on the front of the cab below the windshield and over the pedals?

I am going to use laminated safty glass on the lower section and the windshield. I would love to use it around the entire cab but I think the curves around the fenders would be hard to cut.

 

[NH-Rob]

I'd consider adding a right hand door in case you tip the tractor on its left side like in photo 2. That way you have a way to crawl out without having to try and kick windows out.

Looking good!

I will have a window that opens on the top section of the right side. A door would be nice but I figured the cab would be much stronger with out it. It would not take a lot to convert it over to a door though.

 

[Jay4200]

Ok here is a few shots of the cab. When I get it all done I will start a thread with as many pictures as I can.
Robbie

OK - I'm convinced. Please whip me up a spare one when you're done and swing it by next time you head south. Thankya soooo much.

Nice work so far.

JayC

 

[NH-Rob]

OK - I'm convinced. Please whip me up a spare one when you're done and swing it by next time you head south. Thankya soooo much.

Nice work so far.

JayC

I hope I to take it off in the summer to mow the lawn do you want to barrow it then?

 

[RetBFDLtE22]

Hello Rob...nice work so far on your cab. I was wondering if you could tell me how you got the nice curved edge on your door where it follows the contour of your fender? Also, could you show a close up of your door hinges and how you constructed them? Thanks.