Hi All,
I have a Spacesailer 22 which has a pop top cabin roof. The original supports for the lid have gone to meet their maker, so I'm looking for replacements, or alternatives. The original looked like:
An elegant solution, but possibly custom made. The longer part (on the left) slid through a fixed ring on the cabin wall to provide additional support so it didn't wobble. There were two of these, one either side of the companionway. The whole roof lifts up - the aft end on these supports and the forward end on two short legs that just hinge down and slot into a fitting.
Total extent of the slide is 340mm, and that's the problem. I haven't been able to find anything similar that can manage that length, or provide the same stiffness. Any suggestions?
Whilst I've been researching alternatives I found caravan pop top mechanisms like: www.rvpartsexpress.com.au/breha-canopy-lift-mechanism-standard-tension-spring-900mm.html . Has anyone seen anything like this for a marine environment?
You could investigate something completely different. Try looking up Gas struts. Supercheap, Bunnings, Repco all have them and they're inexpensive. You would need struts of a suitable length, plus the mounting balls, which screw into the base, and the pop top. Maybe a cheaper option if you can make it work.
I made a pop-top for a Van de Stadt Black Soo in the early 80s. Cripes where has the time gone. I can't find any photos now but if I recall right the tubes and end fitting channels were all 316 grade stainless steel from Edcon Steel - you should have a similar supplier over there. What material are your original tubes and fittings? Look like maybe aluminium maybe 6061 t6 grade tubes. Edcon supply 316 ss tubes in cut to order lengths for a good price.............don't have to buy a 2.4m or 6m length.
www.edconsteel.com.au/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiArKW-BhAzEiwAZhWsIL_dRsXMM9DJw9Ey3kYbR4TzdZ1SMLi4hp3LN8QCN1jxoAya0cTM5hoC9RMQAvD_BwE
Thanks for all your replies.
Jethrow - I was looking at canopy fittings yesterday and might be able to cobble something together with a handrail and some fittings. I just need to measure the space available on the cabin wall.
MichaelR - gas struts would need to be held down with some sort of clip mechanism. Instead I have been looking at 12v linear actuators for a push button solution. But that might be over complicated
R13 - the long part is stainless, the short tube is chrome plated brass. Thanks for the tip on Edcon
