Plans for removable canopy comments

Egon · Jul 8, 2003

One of those big cowboy hats should work fine. Lots of coverage and easy on easy off.

Egon

StanInCalif · Jul 8, 2003

Looks good- much more sophisticated than my plan, which uses 1/2" plywood and 1 1/2" flat stock.
You may have to make your own U-bolts- I haven't found square U-bolts in that size. Also, pop rivets may be the simplest way to attach the top.

chim · Jul 8, 2003

I'm afraid I took the easy way out. When seat time comes and the sun is up and hot, it's a big white straw hat and a long-sleeved white shirt. One nice feature is the "canopy" goes up and down with my head /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif..............chim

bgott · Jul 8, 2003

You can make it as heavy as you want. Install an eyebolt in the top and when you get to that tree, run the canopy under a limb that is high enough to clear, tie the canopy to the limb, lose the canopy, mow the grass under the low limbs and then hook back up to your canopy and go about your business. If you build it too light you stand the chance of vibration cracks in the structure. A little heft can can also keep it from disintegrating from a light brush up against something solid.

bnixon · Jul 9, 2003

Whiskey,

I do plan on welding all but where it will bolt to the ROP with "U" bolts. I just plan on using mild sleet rather than aluminum since I have never welded aluminum before. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I had thought about putting a canvas top on it but thought if I used thin sheet metal it would last longer without having to mess with it. But I am still undecided at this point.

bnixon · Jul 9, 2003

Gary_in_Indiana,

That verticle piece will be 2X2 tubing. Probably 1/8 ". With the gusset it should be pretty stout...but I will not be driving down any highways with it attached /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. I don't trust the design that much /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

bnixon · Jul 9, 2003

Golfgar4,

I'll post all as this thing progresses. It might be a little while before I can actually start burning some stick though. You know the onld "Honey Do List"! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

bnixon · Jul 9, 2003

StanInCalif,
I didn't even think about not being able to get "U" bolts! I have seen others who have "U" bolted things to their ROP.

Anyone out there that has done so....Is it hard finding "U" bolts that will go around your ROP? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

If so I can just make my own.

Whiskey · Jul 9, 2003

Bnixon:

If your local hardware store dosn't carry them, I change out the "U" bolts on my boat axles every couple of years and my local marine dealer has bins loaded with them, so try a marine trailer company.

Whiskey

Gary_in_Indiana · Jul 9, 2003

You should be able to get square U bolts in 1/2" increments up to about 6". If you don't find the exact size you need, just offset your holes a bit so the U bolt will be snug on each side. Problem solved! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I've use 6" U bolts on a 3" piece that way with no problems at all. When I use two I angle them in opposite directions like / \ instead of // or \\ though I don't know that it matters.