Bolt on canopy using a golf cart top onto an old standard L2800

[old and tired]

Sorry the photos uploaded backwards....

So when I started this project I thought I would be welding up brackets. As I progress and figured out how to fabricate and assemble it, bolting it all together was simpler and easier. I did cut and drilled metal to attach it all together. Will see how long it takes to break it with our trees branches.

10 years ago, I got the top for free when we bought 16 deep cycle batteries for a Volkswagen Rabbit. One issue I had was very close clearance between the ROPS and my tractor shed, < 2". So, This whole project was only possible since I was able to fit the top in between the ROP arms,

It took a little bending to get it stuffed under the ROPS but it went. There was a section of the top that had handles and was a little thinner. Next up was figuring out the main hook up point. I used a 1/2" bolts through the fold down bracket section of the ROPS. I never folded it down and never expect to... Then I just bolted one thing to another... really just piecing it together as I went.

Holding the top in place while I was thinking was a big issue, manipulating it to see if I wanted the top to be higher or lower. I used "C" clamps on my deck joists to attach ratchet straps to; and held it up that way. I put it under load so when I removed the straps it would compress together better. Not sure I needed to do that but it's very tight to the tractor.

I'm sure I skipped a photo or two. Let me know if you don't understand how it was done.

 

[Peter 315]

What no radio....:laughing: Looks good nice job....:thumbsup:

 

[jwstewar]

I would think as low as those diagonal braces are they would be annoying. I would constantly be hitting my head on them getting on and off or on rough terrain and the tractor gets to rocking.

 

[old and tired]

We'll see how it works... ain't the first thing I've done that didn't go as planned. I'm in the sun too much as it is and this cost me nothing but time. Couple of things I wanted, was more sun protection behind me and less view obstruction in front of me. I can still stand up on the platform.

. . . . .

 

[sodamo]

Nice
Curious how you fitted canopy between ROPS verticles.

 

[old and tired]

Nice
Curious how you fitted canopy between ROPS verticles.

Somewhat lucky... So, I had to bend and shove it up in between them, laid it in there sideways to start with...

Then using the ratchet straps on the all 4 corners, I pull the top up, very tightly against the ROPS cross member. Then bolted everything in that position, when I released the straps, (very suprised) everything held in place!!!

 

[old and tired]

Not sure of the measurements of the top when I started (verse whether it's in compression now). The top is a Club Car top from 2000's-ish

Sorry for the small photo View attachment 662314

You can see the "Hand Grips" in the top of the roof, it's slightly narrower. That's where the ROPS posts fit snugly into.

One thing for sure, it's much NOISIER under the canopy. I do wear ear protection so we'll see if that's a problem.

 

[sodamo]

I wear my noise cancelling earphones and listen to Amazon Prime Music.

I like my top the more I use it.

 

[6string]

I installed one on my 5105 about three years ago. I got the top for $20.

 

[old and tired]

10 years ago, the golf cart place was selling used tops for $10 and they had several dozen stacked against the wall - No idea what they charge now...