Making a fiberglass T-top

[Curapa]

I am beginning to plan the details of my fiberglass t-top build. I am tired of replacing the canvas.

My t-top is 59" x 75"

I would like some advice on how to build this. Should I encapsulate some ply or just do multiple layers of cloth until it is rigid enough to hold up?

I had thought about using 1/8" luan for the top wrapped in a few layers of cloth.

I am still in the brainstorming phase of the project and I could use some suggestions. The dimensions are shown in the attached pic.

[Skools Out]

the 1/8" luanis what i'd do with 2 layers of heavy glass and 3rd / last layer light glass. that would give you mounting meat.

[spareparts]

a friend of mine does T-tops for a living, he gets fiberglass sheets with two sides gel coated to do a hard top, he orders them what ever thickness he needs, usually not more than a 1/4 inch, some times 3/8 on bigger tops. You might want to check around and see whats available from glass suppliers. I've heard of people using the glass sheets from Lowes that you use in a shower stall. Its a rippled non skid on one side, flat gel on the other side

[nymack66]

Here is a link on a project, the material is found at Lowes or HD is light yet when use as a coring material and laminated is as strong as it gets ..I will use this foam when and if I ever embark on a pilot house on my V.
Be sure to browse through it he did a great job testing and documenting everything.
http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/imageDetail,p,386,i,7971,00.html

[Curapa]

Here is a link on a project, the material is found at Lowes or HD is light yet when use as a coring material and laminated is as strong as it gets ..I will use this foam when and if I ever embark on a pilot house on my V.
Be sure to browse through it he did a great job testing and documenting everything.
http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/imageDetail,p,386,i,7971,00.html

Thanks, that was an interesting read. A lot of work for a Bayliner though:head:.

[kamikaze]

Interesting project and very detailed photos

Just goes to show what a individual can do with...


1.) Lots of time!

2.) Some basic skills and materials

3.) Absoultely no common sense...


Kamikaze

[Destroyer]

That was a great project.I have to give the guy A+ marks on his project and his detailing of same. The only thing I see that is a problem is it's still a 16' Bayliner. :head: