Lexan Roof on my roll cage top

DaveTM

Ok guys....here's the deal. I have an outback roll cage on my EZ-GO TXT and when I ordered the cage I got the grab bars and the windshield front tabs welded onto it. And those are great options to have.

But the roof I let alone as I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Outback had optional Bimi tops but I thought they were a bit pricy....and for a hunting buggy, I was a little unsure how long they would hold up under hunting conditions.

So, my next "buy" was simply a camo UTV top that fit fairly well, and I held it on with some heavy duty velcro and it was tight....but not tight enough to withstand the 80mph back of the truck rides to my hunting spots. The UTV top whipped up 'n down just enough to bust up the waterproofing...and what good is that? Plus the UTV top did not "reach over" the windshield. So, when raining, and you stop....all water build up was now on your legs. Not so much fun.

So, I good friend of mine owns a glass business and he cut me a piece of Lexan that hangs over the front of my windshield....and over the back of the roll cage about 4" so water won't get on my back, and about 2" on each side for the same reason.

For those of you who are not Lexan savy, Lexan is the trade name for a polycarbonate. It (if I remember right) is 600 times (or maybe 800 times...does 200 times more really matter in my application?) stronger than the Plexiglass that our cart windshields are made of.

So, I am going to mount this on the roof, then either paint it (likely not) or more likely affix (via glue) a cammo material to the top so it will not squelch when hitting tree limbs, plus provide shade (and not be like a magnifying glass and me be the ant) to me and any passenger.

Now, the whole point of this blathering is I found these mounts (yes...you have to click the link) http://www.jpcycles.com/product/331-..._l7AodNigAFg#! that I believe will work to attach the Lexan to the roll cage. I think if I buy 2 sets of these, it should be sturdy enough to do the job.

Plus if I put a rubber grommet, with stainless washer (big flat washer) in between the Lexan and this mount, it should hold up to my 85mph highway driving...plus provide some give for any tree branches. Not that the Lexan needs additional give....but it shouldn't hurt. After all, Lexan is bullet proof stuff.

Thoughts?

Thanks guys...you are a great and powerful asset!!

Dave

BGW

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DOOmsman

Maybe some of these as well? You can find them cheaper.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/270662065333?lpid=82

DaveTM

Thanks for the link Doomsman.....but that product doesn't come close to what I need. I don't want to drill holes into my Outback Fab roll cage and then begin the process of rust starting from the inside and working out. So....I ordered two set's from the link in my first post for the mounting of the lexan, along with a piece of 3M Camo wrap that will be big enough to stick, slap, apply to the top of the lexan, and then I will bolt the camo covered lexan to the top of the Outback Fab roll cage.

I'm currently waiting for the Camo wrap to come in, as I have the mounts ready and I have already cut the "needed" spacers and "acquired" the stainless steel bolts\washer's and nuts to assemble it.

I will post some pic's when I get it ready to assemble, and during the assembly process. I think it will work out very well, keep the rain from drooling all over me...be tough enough to keep the branches from ripping a "regular" cloth or Bimi top, and keep the sun from toasting me.

More to come.

Dave

PAPABEAR1

will you have to wrap the camo wrap over and under the front lip for the 85 mph or will it stick without wrapping it around the lex.

DaveTM

PB.....you raise a flapping good point!! I (frankly) didn't think of this....so I'm glad you posted it. My camo wrap (it's good stuff....3M sticky backing) is suppose to arrive tomorrow....but I'm headed to a fishing weekend, so likely I'll get to it next week.

But, I'll have enough to give the front a good over-wrap to prevent such a thing from occurring. I zoom down the highways in the summer at 85+ degrees and in the winter at 12 degrees or even lower.....so that cammo wrap is subject to a wide variety of temps. I think the wrap suggestion you just made may save me from "flying cammo" during a drive.

And really...do I EVER go 85mph when the max posted is 65? Me? Come on now.

Dave

hookm

Dave ,having had several boats I just loop a dock line from one side to the other in the front & back on my top,the top is attached to my roll cage with wire ties.I go 70 to 75 on my way to CAW ,150 miles, no problemhookm

PAPABEAR1

Was thinking out loud, hope it helps.

DaveTM

Ok, my pics are not the best....but here's what I got. The install will not be complete until tomorrow as the Lexan had to be washed with an industrial cleaner, then rubbing alcohol, and then let to dry for 24 hours before applying the camo 3-M covering.:

Here is the mounting brackets that I used. I just got finished applying Lock-tite to all of the bracket bolts:



Here are the mounting bolts that will go from the brackets to the Lexan roof. Yes....not the way they will be when mounted.....but you should get the idea....



Here is the Lexan with the side that will be 3-M Camo "wrapped" or applied. The Lexan is actually completely clear, but I just didn't take the white shipping paper off of the other side yet. The droplets you see are the rinse water before I dried it and applied the rubbing alcohol.


And just for fun...here's a pic of one of the hole's I drilled in the Lexan. Easy stuff to work with:


I'll post the finished product when done.

Dave

DaveTM

All Done!!

Assassin

looks good--should serve it's purpose fine