Building my sunshade

[EddieWalker]

Before I bought my Tuff Top, I found a hood for a Chevy pick up truck that I was going to use for a canopy. I thought it was the perfect size and the metal was already shaped with mounting holes. Then it sort of accidentally jumped in front of my backhoe while I was driving by it too close and I was forced to think of something else. I still think that a hood off of a car or pickup truck would work great, but I've never actually seen anybody that has tried it.

 

[sodamo]

That’s a neat idea, Eddie.

 

[sodamo]

Hope to add the remaining 2 or 3 frame pieces this weekend but depends on weather. Mowing has priority unless raining.

As I mentioned, I’d like to add a few items:

Mirrors - got a pair of golf cart mirrors. Not certain about height, but thinking eye level or higher with ability to point down as appropriate. Maybe even a different level each side.

Cameras - Both front and rear. Front to see edge of bucket, end of forks. Would be great if the edges of quick attach was in view. On my LS, the outside edges are blocked by the loader arms meaning I have to stand or lean left/right for proper alignment. Didn’t have this situation with either Kioti or Case.
Hope is to use an old ipad as camera monitor. USB port for power/charging.
Ipad would also connect to music either something like Amazon music or stored music. Most likely listen via my noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones, but not ruling out installing speakers.

Haven’t tested it yet, but have a Picostation to extend my internet. Would mount this on rear and power via ethernet cable to connected POE.

Work lights aren’t a priority as I try not to work after dark. I have gotten predawn deliveries requiring my forks. But lights for emergency use, both front and rear could be handy.

Maybe wire up a small 12vdc fan.

Need to work out location of these items, run any wiring before final assembly and installation.

Any thoughts/feedback appreciated.

 

[sodamo]

A bit of progress today as the rain short circuited my mowing plans.

Got the final 3 pieces of the frame, cut and dry fitted. No pics. Not on tractor, just in shop now before final check, possibly tomorrow.

Not having much success with my hope to have front and rear cameras using ipad as monitor. Seems any wireless configuration means I give up other wifi capability, which I don’t want to do. I mean, why shouldn’t I be able to monitor my cameras while listening to music or keeping tabs on the current game!! The other issue is not finding an app for split screen.
So, guess I have to change approach. https://www.amazon.com/Recording-Mo...07VP1XFWJ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 is my current favorite. About the budget I’ve set, 2 cameras, 1080 resolution. I like that it is a 9 in monitor. No point if I can’t see. Probably need to order soon so I can figure out my wiring.

Will post updated pics once back on tractor.

 

[sodamo]

Pic with frame in place.


May add gussetts at rear top. Don’t think I need a center brace.

Very happy with height, a non factor getting in and out.

 

[BukitCase]

Rain vs. mowing - we lived on Oahu a couple years in the mid-70's, out at Hauula - dumped buckets of rain every afternoon from 2:15 to 2:45 - typically there'd be a couple Wahines walking to/from the store past our house, got lots of free "wet T shirt contests" (Only on weekends for me ).

I usually didn't get home from work (Honolulu) til around 6, grass was plenty dry by then... Steve

 

[sodamo]

Rain vs. mowing - we lived on Oahu a couple years in the mid-70's, out at Hauula - dumped buckets of rain every afternoon from 2:15 to 2:45 - typically there'd be a couple Wahines walking to/from the store past our house, got lots of free "wet T shirt contests" (Only on weekends for me ).

I usually didn't get home from work (Honolulu) til around 6, grass was plenty dry by then... Steve

Lived on Oahu 77-81, Wahiawa and Ewa Beach, worked most of the time East Range off California Ave.
Loved it. Main reason we live BI now.

 

[sodamo]

UPS delivered my camera last night.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VP1XFWJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Not ready to install, but could resist playing. Mounted cameras with zip ties and ran power from battery. Really like the picture quality and screen size.

Will be interesting finding best mounting points and adjusting.

The DVR and pic taking functions are likely overkill, but hey, never know.

 

[kthompson]

If going this route I would have the shop bend short sides with a formed lip for rain water. The bends would also provide rigidity and hamper vibration.

Totally agree and we did that. However you are dealing with thin metal which is easy to cut human skin and scalp with accident. Then maybe I am the only MALE who has just forgotten the height of the top banging my head getting on, now you know why I always wear a cap and long pants. lol

 

[KevinThatcher]

Make the proper planning before starting any project or the construction.

 

[sodamo]

Scored a golf cart canopy off CL and by luck able to pickup while in town today. Not as good a deal as Ted, but think I can make it work as my tractor canopy. $40 just the canopy, no hardware. A sheet of polycarbonate roofing is $35, so still close to budget but better solution.

View attachment 655695
View attachment 655696

Wife convinced me painting it white might be better than blue. Picked up semi gloss white at HD.

Will have to tweak my original frame design, but can do. Club Car model.

Powerwashed when I got it home, decent shape.

I’ll be using Ted (LS mt125 owner) as inspiration.

 

[sodamo]

A bit of progress. After today’s bit of cleanup, trip to transfer station, meal with wife, I figured I could give the canopy some attention.
Placed the Clubcar canopy on the tractor just to get better idea what I had to do to frame. Doable, but...

Only 4 bolts hold the canopy on my old Ezgo, so figured it wouldn’t be a major time waster to give it a try. Not perfect, but it would be a much easier fit. Much cleaner on inside as for moldings too.

So how much effort would it take to mount the Clubcar canopy on my Ezgo? Surprisingly not much.
View attachment 656018

Lined it up, drilled 6 holes, 4 screws and 2bolts later - done. Might repaint it, but maybe not. Good chance I might try to upgrade next year. This GC is a ‘96 and running a bit rough.

Ezgo top is tied to tractor right now awaiting next step. Will take off tomorrow and figure approach for the frame.

 

[sodamo]

Think I got my canopy figured out
Test fit
View attachment 656482

Simpler than my original design, don’t think I need the frame along sides, just front and rear. Top will fasten with 4 bolts using the factory holes and easily removable. The whole frame is also removable, 2 bolts each front leg and rear has removable pin to ROPS.

Not much a metal fabricator so a challenge for me. Frame components are aluminum square tube, 1/8th I believe, 11/2x 1/12 and 2x3. Joints for the front cross members - 5/16th all thread and I will attempt to weld using the Map torch/ Al rod method. My first try. If strong enough I might remove the all thread.

 

[Big Barn]

No pic David. I just get an invalid attachment.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Me too, just invalid attachment. Eagerly awaiting pics....

 

[sodamo]

Progress on frame.
Front cross members “welded” in place. Could have used a better torch tip. I think mine is something like a pencil flame. Took significant time to get the aluminum up to the required 750° for rod to flow, especially the middle member where all that aluminum was a big heat sink. Obviously those on You Tube have practiced more than I. Not a welder by any stretch, but happy with my results. My only practice was a test joint, seems quite strong.
A bit of prep and frame is now primed, using a self etching primer.


Pretty much decided I will leave the all thread for added strength, no real need to remove. Likely will replace nuts with nyloks, maybe even find some of the plastic caps.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Looking good David! Whenever you want to visit the high desert, give me a holler.... we can build a 4 point frame like that for mine!

 

[sodamo]

Thanks Ted.
No immediate travel plans

 

[sodamo]

Today was a paint day.

Scrubbed off the mildew and pressure washed the EZGO top.
I had painted red a few years ago and held up well.


3 cans of plastic primer, 4 cans semi gloss


I’ll call it acceptable.

Some how thought I had more gloss black than I found.
I think there are 4 different varieties. Just wasn’t going to make a special trip to town today.

I think it will do.

 

[sodamo]

Slow start today
Got the rear support mounted and camera wire fed to front