Soft Top Mini

After taking my new LLF out for a test run it became apparent that I was going to need a seat belt and cockpit if I was going to say attached to the craft in the turns. I have been toying with the idea of making a soft shell cockpit, something snug fitting, light weight, easily transported and simple to make.

I had and old soft sided car top carrier that was just begging me to cut it up and make something out of it, so this is what I came up with. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet as I am waiting for new wheel bearings but it does feel right to sit in.

I always welcome any suggestions, ideas, constructive criticism.

Bob

Next addition will be the foot trough. Still working that part out. The name is the "Spruce Spartan" even though I hope to replace the spruce mast with a windsurfing mast eventually. There is not a lot of wind surfers up here so I am improvising for now. A couple friends of mine and I tested it out in a dirt parking lot on the Homer spit. We had about 12 mph winds. I was really happy with the first go and am looking forward to making improvements. We ran the wheel bearings right out of it and it's a shame too because we have had great wind all week and my bearings are in the mail.

You can see the video on the "General" section under "first run" topic

I'm diggin it!

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BobMc said..

Got the foot trough installed. Took it out for a spin today, really like the new cockpit.

That's the go Bob but it is out of character for Alaska. It should all be made out of bear skin.

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gibberjoe said..



I like it,but to me there needs to be a peg to stop the feet sliding sideways on a turn and getting bent back under the chassi

and a seat belt. cheap insurance, hurt a leg bad and you could develop old mans limp.......cheers gibber

I hear ya Gibber, I am not really all that happy with the foot protection here. I think that I might scrap it and try some simple heal hangers instead. I also hear ya about the old man limp. my knees are pretty well shot as it is, don't need anymore old man's limp than I already have

If you look close at the cockpit you can see that there is a seat belt sewn in, really holds you in nicely. The only thing that I might do differently is to sew the seat belt as one continuous strap from one side of the cockpit to the other all the way under the seat.

Bob

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Hiko said..

I also like it Would it be possible to extend the soft seat sides all the way to the foot pegs ?
They dont move much forward and back and doing this would solve the foot well problem maybe?
I think something to deflect the rubbish from the front wheel is a good thing anyway

I think this is a good idea. I would have to construct some kind framing in front of the foot peddals in order to help hold the shape of the fabric. Kinda form a trough shape. I am short on fabric right now but will soon be messing around with some more designs.

Then it would be an 'ard top eh

Thought about adding a plywood trough but wanted to stick with the soft material.
I like the way it breaks down and it also seems to be a bit easier on the ankles.

I think that I am going to do a combination of some of the comments you all have made and essentially bend up the existing flaps at the forward-most point (welding the framing in place) to form a trough shape that spans the width of the foot pedals and run it all the way back to the existing cockpit.

This should keep all surfaces soft and simi flexible in the event of a collision and provide a clean tight fit for the seat.

looks to have great possibility's bob, your on the right track

I second that.

Wish I could join you

Looks perfect