Argo exo-skeleton / hardtop ideas

[KBSAK]

I've seached the 'net, seached this site, the gallery for all pictures and info on hardtops.

I got an Argosoft soft top / windshield off Craigslist for cheap.

I'm thinking of doing an exoskeleton of sorts over the factory soft top/ windshield sturdy enough for a glassing platform.

I'd like to hear your thoughts and experiences on material gauges (steel or aluminum) for the project.

Want to keep the top as light as possible, but structurally sound to get on top of to glass.

Thanks guys!

Ken

[inspcalahan]

Jumping in on this for ideas as well. I'm in the exact same spot wanting to build something that can carry a load if needed, but be light and stable - also able to carry the long 7' ramps I like to use for short and steep creek crossings.

[KBSAK]

The base, being the belly band, body band or whatever you'd like to call it, I'm seeing anywhere from 1/8" - 1/4" angle being used.

Pick the happy medium and go with 3/16"? I dunno.

I do know I tend to overbuild and this isn't a good place for a lot of extra and unneeded weight.

[Bazooo guy]

Ive been planning a bodyband with 1/8 angle and rops like the factory argo design.
I want it to be removable and bolted to the bodyband.
1-1/4 inch tube for the cage should be good. Like this one but not as tall.

[spookum]

use 1/4 inch on the front of the argo and run 1/8 inch every where else for the belly band.

this is your best bet for the cheapest ROPS (roll over protection system... good quailty and light weight.) You can cut it down with a hack saw and a drill and adapt it to fit the argo chasisi

Full Size Truck Rack - 800 Lb. Capacity

[KBSAK]

Ive been planning a bodyband with 1/8 angle and rops like the factory argo design.
I want it to be removable and bolted to the bodyband.
1-1/4 inch tube for the cage should be good. Like this one but not as tall.

Was planning either 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 tube, but what gauge?

I'm planning to avoid plywood for the top. It'll absorb rain and get heavy.Even pressure treated absords some rain.

[KBSAK]

use 1/4 inch on the front of the argo and run 1/8 inch every where else for the belly band.

this is your best bet for the cheapest ROPS (roll over protection system... good quailty and light weight.) You can cut it down with a hack saw and a drill and adapt it to fit the argo chasisi

Full Size Truck Rack - 800 Lb. Capacity

Yep, saw the posts where guys had done that. I'd like to go lighter than 161 lbs though.

[amphibious drew]

I know some members that use exhaust tubing for their ROP and it seems to work very well. I don't know what gauge it is but I thinks its all pretty standard.

[jpswift1]

This is probably a bit overkill, but Recreatives uses schedule 40 pipe for the factory Max IV roll cages.

[spookum]

Yep, saw the posts where guys had done that. I'd like to go lighter than 161 lbs though.

Argo feels like they need 170 lbs for the standard ROPS system..... so long as steel is steel you need a certian gauge for structual inegratity. You could go lighter, but it could bend if you roll the argo.... if that isnt a problem than you should be ok.

ROPS (Roll Cage) for 8x8Avenger Vehicles 4-Passenger


Aluminum is an option... but expensive !

Exhaust tubing has me scared... it was never, ever designed on a metallurgical level to hold a load. If you and your hunting buddy are up on top of the argo glassing, that is what? 300 to 400+ pounds??? Put that on a not flat surface and you could have an issue....

Im super interested in seeing what you come up with though!!!!

[KBSAK]

Check out Anchorage Craigslist. Search '07 Argo with 16' trailer.

Nice glassing set up.

[Bazooo guy]

Looks like 1" tube with cross braces.
I dont think it would survive a rollover.
07 Argo with 16' trailer