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Inexpensive Roof
Topic Started: Oct 17 2009, 04:39 PM (819 Views)
mytwojeeps
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I use my Jeep just to run around in the woods. I am looking at designing some sort of cheap roof as the sun is sometimes getting to me. I really don't want to spend $$ putting on new canvas, and since I have no rollbar, some of the smaller covers won't work. Has anyone ever experimented with PVC as a frame with a simple tarp as a cover?

John
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John in NC
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My '54 had a similar setup to what you're describing. My grandfather used the original frame for the skeleton, then he anchored a piece of plywood to each side in the back. The plywood overlapped the body by almost 1 inch. Over that, he then placed a heavy plastic tarp. It was fastened at the windshield by a strip of metal screwed in above the windshield channel, and to the plywood at the bottom of the sides. The back was usually open with the flap held in place along the "roof" with bungee cords. The original door frames had a heavy gauge clear plastic on them. The plastic was held in place by being wrapped around the door frame, and stapled to a small strip of wood (approx. 1/2 inch square). The staples were on both the insite and outside to help hold the wood in place. There were no provisions for opening windows.
It's a Jeep ... we'll make it.
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jyotin
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For supports I would NOT use PVC. When that stuff breaks (in the event of a roll over) it splinters and generates shards that could be fatal.

If you could find the aluminum bows from a soft top you could modify those for a half cab or even a full cab frame.

NOW, as far as the top material goes -- here's an idea that would be "cool"

A nursery supply house will have shade material that is used in growing plants in either high tunnels or in rows in the ground. Many plants, like ginseng and ferns require 60 - 80% shade, and this material is used for artifical shade. It can be obtained in various degrees of shading, usually expressed in a percentage. It comes in fairly wide swaths, and lets some light through.

Think of the sunroof on many cars --- it has a sunscreen that, while on the glass, looks identical to the effect you will get by using this shading material.

It is fairly tough since it is used to stretch across high tunnels and won't tear or rip easily.

And if you do rip it -- a scissors and an hour or so and you have a "new top".

I have seen this shading material used very successfully in ginseng applications.

good luck

j
It's just my luck that something good is going to happen to me today.
54 - 3B - down on the farm
67 - cj6 - former state of Alabama vehicle
?? - cj5 T98a - made from spare parts - Ford tractor blue
?? - cj5 T98a - made from spare parts - Jeep green
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mytwojeeps
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John in NC & J:

Thanks for your ides! I had never thought of the PVC in an accident! :o I may just have to have a look at the shade material; afterall, if it works for ginseng it just might work for me...

All best
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Brian's 58 3b
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I have a set of stock Cj7 top bows that will fit the 3b tub with a little bit of modifications to them. I plan to run canvas from the windshield all the way back of the tub. I think I can get it done by a boat top place for less than $125.00
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Larry (TX)
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John,

Do you have a friend who has been an electrician for a long time (old hands can bend conduit all day long, usually without taking many measurements), or maybe know one? If your jeep still has the original bow pockets, get such a fellow to bend you some *3/4" conduit to fit the pockets and arc the top.

You can mount the bow (no roll bar needed) behind the seats in the fender well pockets and buy an inexpensive bikini top, and you'll be inbusiness. You'll need a footman loop on each rear corner to tighten and secure the top lashes to.

* 1" is even better, but then you may need a smaller diameter insert for the pockets).



Larry S.
Larry Steed
Pearland, Texas
'53 Willys CJ3B
'52 Willys M38
'86 Chevy M1009 CUCV (K5 4x4 Military Blazer)
M100 1/4 ton jeep trailer
M416 1/4 ton jeep trailer (2 ea.)
M101 CDN 1/4 ton jeep trailer
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mytwojeeps
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Thanks, gents, for the good ideas. Brian, the original poles are long gone but I never thought of visiting a junk yard to look around either. Parts like that off a more modern Jeep might just work. Wouldn't that be interesting?

Larry, I would never have thought of that. Very neat idea, and it gives me another idea to toss around. It just so happens I know someone who might could help me...

Mucho Gracias, y'all.
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Brian's 58 3b
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I did place the Cj7 top bows on the tub and I think they did fit side to side. The rear one may have been a little long but all I have to do is cut the rivet out and shorten it. These bows would give you a “v” style and a full bikini top. (windshield to tailgate) With modifications I am also thinking of using the door frames from my old Cj7 top to make ½ doors.
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The M38/M38A1/M606 Preservation Group has a forum.
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