T-Top Enclosure

[kamikaze]

BuilderFL:

The largest cost for the raw materials needed is actually in the Strataglass - Very expensive and only goes to reenforce if you don't have a place to store it your wasting your money on the prodcut. You can use a lower grade (optically speaking) 40 gauge vinyl and save a bunch of money.

I have a Sailrite LS-1 sewing machine I bought for canvas work, but realistically any good used sewing machine will work. You can purchased bonded polyester threads (UV protect / all weather) in small enough diameters and prep the needle with lubricant sufficiently enough that it will sewing through the sunbrella and vinyl without a problem. The real trick is don’t pull on the thread if you get a jam - ITS NOT GOING TO BREAK and can mess up the timing of sewing machine in a heartbeat.


Checkout Rockfordsupply (http://www.rochfordsupply.com/) for materials.

Attaching strip: http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Boating_and_Marine/Awning_Rail/index.html

Vinyl Slide for canvas:
http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Boating_and_Marine/Boating_Miscellaneous/Vinyl_Beaded_Welt/index.html

I have used this vinyl in 40 gauge and have found it holds up rather well.

http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Textiles/Clear_Vinyl/index.html

I have found the cheapest place for Sunbrella is Ebay. if you keep your eye out you can get a good deal on enough fabric to make what you need.


You can also check out sailrite.com for video's on how to make/sew the pieces and parts needed to put it together. Give it a try it’s not that hard.

Kamikaze