Roof rigidity, roof racks and tropical roofs

**isuzutoo-eh** · 16th January 2013, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by cal415

Hi Mark, Just stumbled across this, i am looking doing a similar thing to my county too, but adding some extra ribbing to the outside of the roof for some 3mm checker plate to sit on, also adding some additional bracing to the under side of the roof supported off the gal roof base/gutter. I also plan to follow the slope in the front of the roof similar to the perentie style roof platform. For tie down points i will probobly use some small diameter ally or steel tube following the roof line also acting as a roof slider if i lean it into a tree, i also plan on making a basic roll cage up around the windscreen so the sliders will likely mount to this and act as support back to a rear hoop behind the rear doors and again at the very rear of the vehicle.

My plan is a little more involved then what you have described but should give me a very solid roof rack adding only 5mm to the roof height also doubling as a safari roof.

Have you got anywhere with yours yet?

G'day Mick,
I've taken measurements and sketched my ideas but that's about all. I'd love a roll cage of sorts too. You are making two sets of parts aren't you?

I have a centre diff issue to deal with before this modification happens. Too many ideas not enough time or money!

ReignCKD · 26th July 2015, 06:05 AM

Originally Posted by inside

The Perentie wagons have a fibreglass tropical roof that is mounted to the three ribs down the roof and it has no flex at all so I think mounting aluminium there wouldn't be too much of an issue. Mounting a RTT to it though without support from the gutters may be an issue though. It's a lot of weight directly on the roof.

Sorry for pulling this old thread up, but do we have any additional info or part number on the tropical top? Was there vents in it like the series has? Does it mount on the ribs? Is there a template available to make a custom one?

I am attempting to buy a perentie gs or FFR and would love a way to get a hardtop on the cheap for winter while keeping the proper look. And yes I understand the FFR has half height fixed tailgate.

**I Love My Landy!** · 29th July 2015, 09:46 AM

Hi Mark,

I have a full length steel roof rack on my 110. Since adding it i have noticed that the doors move around a lot more when flexing or cornering hard. There is now some movement between the roof and windscreen surround. I get more water leaks now too, in weird areas (the passenger seat gets wet!). I had a 3/4 length roof rack before and didn't have any of the above problems.

Cheers,

Edward

**Landybitz** · 29th July 2015, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by ReignCKD

Sorry for pulling this old thread up, but do we have any additional info or part number on the tropical top? Was there vents in it like the series has? Does it mount on the ribs? Is there a template available to make a custom one?

I am attempting to buy a perentie gs or FFR and would love a way to get a hardtop on the cheap for winter while keeping the proper look. And yes I understand the FFR has half height fixed tailgate.

The fibreglass Perentie roof, is $2661.00 GST

**dingsy** · 29th July 2015, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by ReignCKD

Sorry for pulling this old thread up, but do we have any additional info or part number on the tropical top? Was there vents in it like the series has? Does it mount on the ribs? Is there a template available to make a custom one? I am attempting to buy a perentie gs or FFR and would love a way to get a hardtop on the cheap for winter while keeping the proper look. And yes I understand the FFR has half height fixed tailgate.

Hey mate, Prime Composites in QLD make the tropical roof for the perentie. Price was around the $1500 mark if I remember correctly. I would call them and ask - they were very helpful - I'm fairly certain there's no internal vents . I didn't go for it in the end as I couldn't justify the expense. I would be very interested in the roof if I could get one for $1k but obviously not a high quantity item!

**Landybitz** · 29th July 2015, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by dingsy

Hey mate, Prime Composites in QLD make the tropical roof for the perentie. Price was around the $1500 mark if I remember correctly. I would call them and ask - they were very helpful - I'm fairly certain there's no internal vents . I didn't go for it in the end as I couldn't justify the expense. I would be very interested in the roof if I could get one for $1k but obviously not a high quantity item!

Really? so they have dropped the price $1000+ in less than a year?

**dingsy** · 29th July 2015, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by Landybitz

Really? so they have dropped the price $1000+ in less than a year?

I asked in 2013, just checked the email date - they could well have reviewed the price since then though. This was for a white one. HYG5399

**Landybitz** · 29th July 2015, 08:31 PM

7th of May 2014 1.36pm Email, RRP price email HYG5399 ( JRAS07 ) $2661.00 + GST Drab Olive Gelcoat Finish.

**gromit** · 30th July 2015, 04:51 PM

The recommended max. roof load on a Defender isn't much (I'll have to check my manual).

Mine has a full length roof rack and the seams at the edge of the windscreen opened up.
PITA job because the roof lining has to be removed but, as mentioned, the roof is held to the windscreen frame by two large Philips head self tappers each side !
To be fair there are probably a few others but I can't remember & didn't take any pictures at the time.
The screws were loose and one had fallen out.

Many people overload them without issues. My full length roofrack is probably above the max weight and when I got the vehicle it had rubber boat rollers on it which weighed a ton plus someone had a tinny up there.

Colin

**clubagreenie** · 30th July 2015, 09:51 PM

Would there be an issue using a std roof? Gives you gutters for rack mount. Mount on screen and adapt to mount as per glass roof or own brackets to cage.

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