Stryker T-top Installation

Bygracealone · #1 03-30-2011, 05:01 PM

Hey guys, I decided to bite the bullet and purchase a t-top for my Hydra...

Have any of you ever installed a Stryker T-top? I've watched their installation video and it looks pretty straightforward, but I thought I'd check to see if there were any tricks, tips, or warnings others might have.

http://www.strykerttops.com/

I bought the non-folding model (SG300). They had an outdated advertisement banner over at the Hull Truth which they honored. The ad included a free electronics box (normally $300+) with purchase of any top.

Anyway, just thought I'd check in with those who might have experience with these tops.

macojoe · #2 03-30-2011, 07:54 PM

I am not sure I like the bolts to the floor?? I think I would use seat bolts that have the backs that go under the deck, it would be much stronger. I have a cuddy so I was able to get tomine under with washers and bolts
Not sure how yours will ne but I had alot of side to side wobble to mine after install and called Co. for a brace kit that put a brace on each side to the console and it is solid as a rock now! Ask them about that
I got mine as a pre built unit from Alantic Towers, all i had to do was cut legs to height and a big pipe cutter made the best cuts anyone could ask for!

Good Luck I am sure you will love it!! I don't really ever were a hat anymore and no sun burn!

Bygracealone · #3 03-30-2011, 08:29 PM

Thanks for the advice MJ. Much appreciated!

As you mentioned, I'm a little uneasy about screwing to the floor as well and I'll look into what my options might be, but I don't think I'll be able to use the seat bolts as I think the only way I'd be able to get under the floor is by removing the console and the fuel cover... Maybe I could install a couple of access plates under the console, which is where the fuel cover is???

It does come with standoffs that attach to each side of the console to give more stability...

csvencer · #4 03-31-2011, 09:54 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Toggler-Stainl.../dp/B0000AZ73L

Should help you on the thrubolting to the floor. Not as good as true washers and nuts but will give you a little bigger bite into the backside.

-Svence

Bygracealone · #5 03-31-2011, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csvencer

http://www.amazon.com/Toggler-Stainl.../dp/B0000AZ73L

Should help you on the thrubolting to the floor. Not as good as true washers and nuts but will give you a little bigger bite into the backside.

-Svence

Thank you Svence! That's the ticket right there. As you said, not as good as a nice metal backing plate or large washers and nuts, but this will surely be better than mere screws.

Would it be wise to use two of these per leg or for all four holes on all four legs? I've never used these before, but seems to me it would be good to use these toggles in conjunction with the screws as the screws would make the leg secure (at least initially) and the toggles would then offer some added reinforcement...

reelapeelin · #6 03-31-2011, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bygracealone

Thank you Svence! That's the ticket right there. As you said, not as good as a nice metal backing plate or large washers and nuts, but this will surely be better than mere screws.

Would it be wise to use two of these per leg or for all four holes on all four legs? I've never used these before, but seems to me it would be good to use these toggles in conjunction with the screws as the screws would make the leg secure (at least initially) and the toggles would then offer some added reinforcement...

I like your thinking...if your fasteners are 1/4" (I wouldn't be confident using anything less), you may have to remove as much as 5/8 to 3/4" to allow the toggle to pass thru the deck...times 4 could weaken the deck...measure it off and see...combo fasteners might be the best route...either way, be sure you SEAL the deck edges in the holes good....

PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES ...

macojoe · #7 03-31-2011, 01:16 PM

thats the ones i was talking about but forgot the name!! i would use 4 per leg if it was me

csvencer · #8 03-31-2011, 02:17 PM

2 or 4 per leg, either way, if you are drilling in the deck make sure you seal it up good with 5200 or caulk or something. You don't want that wood getting wet and rotting out.

-Svence

Bygracealone · #9 04-01-2011, 01:47 PM

Man, those toggles are expensive. Amazon has them for $5 each, I found another site that has them for $4 each, but then came across this site which has them for about $2.70 each here:

http://www.fastenmsc.com/Anchors+and...ners/MPBAS10F3

I'm going to use two on each leg and since I'll have two leftover, I'll maybe use one on each standoff where it attaches to the console.

I'll take pics once I get started. Weather is out of control cold and wet and looking to snow!

chumbucket · #10 04-02-2011, 06:07 AM

I installed a Taco Neptune T-Top on my Scout. I used the togglers for my T-Top as I had no access at all to the area it was to be bolted into. I used two per leg on the outside screws. The inside screws were able to go into the stringers.
Being that my deck is foam cored, I had to remove foam below the deck in order to allow the toggler to expand. I ended up drilling the correct size hole for the toggler to go through the deck, then to clear away the foam, I attached an Allen wrench into the chuck of my cordless drill. Poked the Allen wrench through the hole and gave it a spin. It shredded the foam real nice and the togglers worked perfectly. Feels pretty solid to me.