Security cage for a soft top FFR Perentie???

[alvin]

I've had a bit of a look around and Googled the question, but nothings come up, so... a question here for some clever owners of the Perentie.

I've got an FFR and love it and enjoy the Kordux soft top, but... it's not safe to leave anything in the car if I'm out and about, or end up traveling OZ seriously.

So, any thoughts, ideas or pointers out there on how I can keep my soft top but possibly also put a security cage under it to keep my personal belongings safe and secure?

I know we're not meant to drill or weld the ROPS, so I'm just wondering if someone else has worked this problem out already and consequently saved me the effort of re-inventing the wheel.

Thanks in advance, Alvin

[AGAS 5]

It was a common in-service mod in Signal units to place mesh between the ROPS/bows and the canvas. As it wasn't structural, I think it was held in place with just pull ties. It didn't cover the tailgate area though.

From a distant memory the mesh wire was about 4 or 5 mm thick and in 10 or 15 cm squares.

I have a sneaking suspicion the mod started to dissapear as a result of MAS visits to units.....

Cheers,

Pete

[GGG]

Could I have a translation of MAS? Back in the Vietnam era we had visits from the RAEME inspection team which we christened the RAEME PROVOS. They did tend to be party poopers. They nailed us for a tyre which was purchased in PNG to replace one that was damaged on an exercise. "Get rid of that Civvy tyre." It was not army issue non directional lug.
Geoff.

[AGAS 5]

Maintenance Advisory Service (MAS) which indeed was a RAEME technical inspection/audit team. Subject matter experts from other Corps did accompany them as needed though.
Cheers,

Pete

[GGG]

Thanks Pete. I always remember that on the advice of our CQMS who was our boss in the small unit that I was in we were always nice to them including providing transport to and from home which in this case was Holsworthy village. We were in Ingleburn. No point annoying them as we could not win.
Geoff.

[Carzee]

So during your travels around Oz you call in at Cairns and want to spend all day diving out on the reef. Coming back well after dark.
Hmmm. Could be robbed of your gps or engel. What to do?
You could fit some mesh to the canopy frame, all around, using metal cable ties. Search feebay for muffler repair ties.
You could try parking in a surveilled spot.
You could set up your own surveilance using a wildlife camera.
You could ask a local REMLR member for a safe spot.

I think you'd find a way round the problem.

[AGAS 5]

I'm at a loss to understand the point of your post. A legit question was asked and real life experience shared.... yet, once again, a strange sarcastic response comes from you....  a bit late in the evening for you Ross ?

[Carzee]

Theres no sarcastic content. Not meant to be.
Re-read the OP. You'll see a point or two in my post. There are ways to do the cage. Check. There are some suggested alternatives. Check. He's not re-inventing the wheel. He's got a legit anxiety, and in some places, very legit. This topic is right up my street since i have an FFR. This topic is up my street since i am lapping Oz soon as well. I suggested the ways i will tackle my anxieties at certain places. GPS and Hema rigs are targets. Engels are targets. I think you jumped to a conclusion. Pls delete yr post so i can delete this one and we'll laugh about it later. Its not a good look for the forum. If i could pm this i would but i'm on my little phone.

[Carzee]

I think some mesh panels would flat pack on the roof rack just fine. When you are in a situation such as a day trip whale watching or whatever you could set up the panels with metal cable ties. I already have a few packets of the black ones for muffler repairs sold on feebay. You need cheap tin snips to trim them.

[Hot Rover]

Hi Alvin this is what I did for mine
http://remlr.com/forum/index.php?topic=2092.30
Cheers
Rod

[alvin]

Morning all,
Well thanks for all the ideas and suggestions so far and yeah... I must admit, I just happened to flick through this forum before hitting the sack and Carzee, I wondered at first where you were coming from.

I thought either being sarcastic, or hopefully/possibly a very dry sense of humour, so I thought the same as AGAS 5 at first, but ok... thanks, I get it and all ideas are taken with respect.

In my case, I've traveled reasonably extensively and grew up in Melb/Syd and although living down here in Tas for some time, I'm very aware of how little it takes these days for some a#$@hole to just take something from you because they can.
I originally wanted a hard top, but saw they were not only hard to get, but expensive to, so having an amateur licence the FFR seemed the way to go and I really love the vehicle, it's just fun to drive, but, I want security.
Even going into town to do shopping I normally carry and expensive camera and pro lenses all the time, but at the moment I can't/won't do that until I can feel it's  safe to leave the car unattended. Even having something like your coat nicked would really tick me off.

So, ok and great work Rod, what a lovely job you've done and with all the other stuff too!

I'm thinking down this path then...

• A series of panels, not unlike Rod's setup that are basically modular in construction, so mirror image on the sides, roof, etc
• A material that's strongish and would deter only someone who comes with proper cutting equipment
• Most importantly apart from strong, it has to be light! Maybe something in a security door mesh/alloy, or whatever, etc
• And apart form the other suggestions like metal straps/cable ties, might there be something more elegant out there? I'm fine on Rods welded tabs, but just wonder if it can be done another way

Right that's about it, and also wonder if anyone has any thoughts also of maybe doing this in the drivers cabin area. In my case I would have some electronic gear up front that would be a pain to have to remove every time you pull up somewhere, so other than door locks, could the drivers area be possibly secured too?

Alvin (;->

[Hot Rover]

Hi Alvin
Another idea that would not as heavy as mesh would be to use polycarbonate sheet it is very strong bullet proof in fact, good luck trying to smash trough it. I can be easily formed & bent. Anything you do will only keep out the honest thief if you want a super secure vehicle a PERENTIE is not the right vehicle.
Cheers
Rod

[Carzee]

Sarcasm does have an icon:  as does taking the p : 
Insults and personal attacks are definitely a no no: we have the PM function for that.

I have a battery switch for everyday parking and a proper "club" for long parking.
If i go bushwalking and leave the truck all day I have a wildlife camera cable tied to a tree: perhaps I'll get a face or a number plate if its triggered. These things are good insurance for $69.

I have looked at bunnings for mesh. I expect the aluminium type are easy to 'trim to shape' to fit on the inside of the canopy. Cable ties are a quick set up, quick removable option. It would slow down the bad guy looking for something to takeaway.

I have become expert at vacking out smashed glass from family cars and fitting door windows, even electric ones. Barina, Jazz, falcon (3), commydore. Ipads, gps, toolsets and handbags are the targets so far, assuming all modern civvy vehicles like Agas' have immobilizers.

[alvin]

Thanks Rod,
Yes, good suggestion re the polycarbonate and worth a look. I've had stuff heat molded years ago in ordinary plastic, so just a question, how stable is polycarbonate under a hot canvas in 47 deg temp?

And fully understand about keeping honest people out... ha. I just want to make it difficult plus with a few surprises so they consider the hassles out weigh the rewards and move on if you know what I mean.

Regards, Alvin

[alvin]

Thanks Carzee,
Yes, battery/engine isolaters and other stuff is the way to go and I would employ a mixed bag if traveling interstate.
And yes, cheap surveillance @ $69.

I'm going to talk to a couple of fabricating places in town and just see the possibilities and economics of using some sort of mesh, but thought I should look for some inspiration here first (;->

Understand your making the point that anything in the front is going to get taken via the glass whether it's 'secure' or not, is that correct?
Yes, agree, but again, just wanted to make it more difficult.
I might need to set up a lock box to just drop small stuff into in the front when leaving the vehicle.

Regards, Alvin