Making a top for 8x8

[pcs800]

Since the tops for these machines are more expensive than what i paid for the machine itself, I am hoping to build one.
One person mentioned using the soft top from an old jeep, but what would I use for frame/roll bar?
Accepting all ideas :-)

[fmints]

Since the tops for these machines are more expensive than what i paid for the machine itself, I am hoping to build one.
One person mentioned using the soft top from an old jeep, but what would I use for frame/roll bar?
Accepting all ideas :-)

Idea: regular steel tubing, 1.25-1.50 inches for the main roll bars, front and back and support beams,,,,, conduit pipe for the rest of the framing for the canvas.. HDPE would look good if you could mold it to the top, but if it was me,, regular waterproof vanvas will do cause it's cheaper..

weld everything to a half or full body band, 1-1.5x 1-1.5 angle

I would also scope out the photo gallery at other members rollcages and body bands to get more ideas. That's what i do anyhow. Most of them don't mind you using their idea,,, i've even PMed or left remarks to a few of them about my use of thier idea and they didn't mind one bit... A swell group of AATV lovers, I say!!!!!

[pcs800]

Thanks for the reply and idea, I will check out some others as you mentioned. I guess deciding on the soft top would be first, then build the frame to suite it.

[spookum]

Hi buddy! I think that since you have 3 bolt hubs, and probably one inch axle shafts and no bearing extensions i would run it the way it is NO TOP.... If you decide to do it any way, please get stronger bearings. Trade out those puney 60 MM bearins for 72 MM bearings.

If i cant talk you out of it do you want to stand on top of your top for hunting? That is the bomb! Go down to your local industrial hard ware store, or look in Norther tool for contractor racks. Alot of members have cut down the wood racks on contractor's trucks for toppers. I would recomend a hard top from metal, wood or alumanum, with soft sides. It gets hot inside of argos with no way to vent the heat FAST

man i know it is here some place! somone already made a ROPS (roll over protection system) out of a contractors rack on an argo 6x6 (they had to cut it down). IT would be SO SO easy to put wood or stuff on top, and candvas around it. I bet all said and done you could have a trick top for under 300 or 500 bucks!!

[MAX IV Mark]

man i know it is here some place! somone already made a ROPS (roll over protection system) out of a contractors rack on an argo 6x6 (they had to cut it down). IT would be SO SO easy to put wood or stuff on top, and candvas around it. I bet all said and done you could have a trick top for under 300 or 500 bucks!!

Here is one of the ROPS threads

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/argo-atvs/19438-low-cost-rop.html

[pcs800]

I probably do have the smaller axles and bearings, the local dealer said that argo only made a few different size bearings so I can probably put the bigger ones in. As far as the rack, I don't need to get on top of it, just want a windshield and cover to keep the winter off me. I guess I will need to start with the windshield since that is going to need to be the actual argo part, then build around that.

[spookum]

I probably do have the smaller axles and bearings, the local dealer said that argo only made a few different size bearings so I can probably put the bigger ones in. As far as the rack, I don't need to get on top of it, just want a windshield and cover to keep the winter off me. I guess I will need to start with the windshield since that is going to need to be the actual argo part, then build around that.

NOt true. Just get some safety glass cut, and sandwich it between two pieces of aluminum with some rubber gasket materiel. then a piano hinge (weather proof one) some alumanum on your argo, then two rods to keep it upright, prefeably able to lay it down. What is your intended use for the argo? hunting fishing camping or just joy riding? Good luck

on the outboard of your tub is it a 3 hole bearing flange or four?

[pcs800]

Hey great idea! Sounds like the new plan to me :-)
Intended use is just joy riding, winter fun on a lake, etc.

[BW3]

I am not sure you want to use safety glass ,... Lexan plastic might be a bit more forgiving to that first hit of a branch etc. etc ... I agree the ask price was way to much out of my budget so after getting a few measurements I made one. It might not be as fancy but it is custom fitted to my machine and even using new materials it was less than a third the cost and was a fun project to boot ...Check out the gallery I am sure you will find ideas and how to make something that will work for you. My winter soft top is constructed out of PVC Plastic Pipe and fittings it is not a full roll cage but it is light and strong. I use snaps to hold the tarps in place and is forgiving enough that any hits from the brush and branches will limit the chance of damages due to the give it has to such hits ...

Bill G.

[pcs800]

Thanks Bill, I'll look in the gallery, I am hoping to find close up pics of both the windshield and the top.

[BW3]

I will snap a few pictures of what I have done so far, I have a light summer top I have made for that quick passing shower and to get out of the sun , ...still a bit to hot to run with from all the heat from the B&S works better for the fall .... I will also try to get one of the winter frame also ..having to much fun right now running the lil' beast to work on something we see very little of late around here that being ....snow ....

[pcs800]

Yeah some "how-to" pictures would be great, much appreciated.

[BW3]

Ok , I was able to get out tonight for a much needed ride ... had to clear what little mind I have from stresses of life .... Pictures can be found in the members Gallery under my Forum Name and Album Name of "Homemade Argo Windshield and Soft Top" just a bit of Aluminum Angle and Square tubing around a sheet of Lexan from the local Glass Shop. Measure and measure again It took me a couple of fittings and a design change before it fell in to place , but given I have lost a bit of my hand skills due to Spinal Stenosis it's not to bad .... ask here if you need more details or PM me ....
Bill G.

[pcs800]

Thanks for posting these pics, I think I can make the windshield pretty easily, but I don't really see any pics of the soft top, unless I am missing it. I guess my idea was to (after reading other peoples suggestions) build something out of pvc pipe that fits under a small jeep top, or is this way out in left field?

[BW3]

yup , that is what my friend has done with his Bigfoot, the soft top frame is the one that looks like a roll bar (It is the one with the second Argo in the back ground ) and the front on view of the tarp is a bit hard to see as it is a flat roof with very little slope to it ...See p1000596