Canvas Canopy

oxydog · Post by **oxydog** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 7:58 am

I just had this brain wave of replacing the fibreglass canopy on my D/C SFA with a canvas canopy. The main reason we never did this before, was purely for security reasons - a canvas canopy is just too inviting for a would-be thief. However, since we bought the 4.0 V6 for holidays - which inherently rendered the "Bees" a TOY - I can't think of a reason for it to have a solid canopy anymore. We do still, however, need something to keep the Luna and other stuff covered for the 100 odd km's to Rust de Winter where our club's camp site is.

So....

I need some advice/criticism on canvas canopies. Are the guys that use them happy with them? Any downside to fitting them? And lastly (but probably most importantly), could I sell the fibreglass canopy (no-name made by a canopy company in Silverton) for enough to fit the canvas canopy?

Waiting in anticip..............................ation.

Stef · Post by **Stef** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 8:18 am

Jarus,

There are a thread or 2 on Canvas pro's/cons...

viewtopic.php?f=41&t=10081&hilit=canvas+canopies
viewtopic.php?f=41&t=13609&hilit=canvas+canopies

oxydog · Post by **oxydog** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 8:23 am

Thanx Stefan, I'll check them out.

Post by **Mud Dog** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 8:51 am

Personally I don't see the benefit of canvas over glass-fibre, unless maybe cost, but you already have a glass-fibre one so that's a moot point. Weight difference can't be too significant, so that only leaves the load capacity on top. Here the glass-fibre is limited, but can be internally braced. Again I don't like too much weight up there anyway because of the severe negative effect on COG.

Stay with the glass-fibre .. as you say, it's more secure as well.

oxydog · Post by **oxydog** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 9:19 am

My main pain is removing and refitting it. The canvas can be removed much more easily when necessary. The security isn't really a problem for me anymore, as I won't be using this truck for long trips anymore and it won't be parked at unsafe places (like shopping centres) with valuables inside.

oxydog · Post by **oxydog** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 9:25 am

OK, I've read the two suggested threads (thanks again, Stefan). I don't believe the cons apply to my application of the truck, so I reckon I'll take the plunge. Look out for posts in "Wanted" and "For Sale"!

Rieks · Post by **Rieks** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 2:26 pm

Oxy - are going to fit canvas with cattle rails? I'm also interested in the cattle rails, with a canvas cover.

The cattle rails just give so much more transport options. But - they are not cheap. I looked at Mr Bullbar (http://www.mrbullbar.co.za/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) options, they go for about R14000 for the Vigo D/C with the canvas top. I'm not sure what canopies go for, but I think the African Outback is also around that price - which makes the decision harder.

I would like to see other options for cattle rails and canvas - if anyone have pics - please load 'em

oxydog · Post by **oxydog** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 2:45 pm

Well, that wasn't necessarily the plan, but if it comes with cattle rails, that's what I'll fit!

oxydog · Post by **oxydog** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 2:48 pm

Rian, how do you 11.6 l/100km on your 4.0 V6? Best I got, was 15.2. Mostly, I get 6.0 km/l (16.7 l/100 km).

Rieks · Post by **Rieks** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 2:49 pm

Those stats are a bit skewed. It was mostly for a trip to Namibia. I haven't uploaded any town driving since. I will try and do that tonight.

oxydog · Post by **oxydog** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 2:56 pm

I still think that's pretty good, even for open road.

Rieks · Post by **Rieks** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 4:47 pm

OK I've updated Fuelly - starting to look more like the truth now

oxydog · Post by **oxydog** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 6:59 am

Still pretty good!

Hilux 4x4 Forum

Canvas Canopy

Canvas Canopy

Re: Canvas Canopy

Re: Canvas Canopy

Re: Canvas Canopy

Re: Canvas Canopy

Re: Canvas Canopy

Re: Canvas Canopy

Re: Canvas Canopy

Re: Canvas Canopy

Re: Canvas Canopy

Re: Canvas Canopy

Re: Canvas Canopy

Re: Canvas Canopy