Roof Raise Question

[PNW_Steve]

I used "C" channel on mine.

I had it bent from 1/8" steel. They are 30" long. I have a 10" raise and 10" overlap top and bottom.

It is solid.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I'd skip the "hat" and just have some SNUG fitting C channel made.
That would give you more flexibility.
The way those guys are making and selling that hat channel in Colorado makes no sense to me. But I understand why they're just cashing in.
I'd use hot rolled if its cheaper.

If using "C" channel, what is used for a flange to rivet to? It would be much cheaper I'm sure to make "c" channel, instead of hat.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by o1marc

If using "C" channel, what is used for a flange to rivet to? It would be much cheaper I'm sure to make "c" channel, instead of hat.

You can rivet right to the C channel if you mount it backward or come up with some 18 ga angle made from scrap.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

You can rivet right to the C channel if you mount it backward or come up with some 18 ga angle made from scrap.

Riveting to the "C" would not match the double row spacing the rest has.

[GWRider]

Regarding Hat Channel, I gave up as it is much more expensive and lead times around here are several weeks. I also tried leaving messages at Colorado Custom Coachworks but no reply. I am going to try using 1.5x.75x.125 U-channel over the web of the rib and perhaps flat bar on the opposite (leg) side.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Riveting to the "C" would not match the double row spacing the rest has.

Yeah but it would be barely noticeable and wouldn't look too bad if the whole bus was done the same.
That's what I'd do if doing it again.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Yeah but it would be barely noticeable and wouldn't look too bad if the whole bus was done the same.
That's what I'd do if doing it again.

I guess it will depend on the price diffeence between hat and C channel

[Gdog 5651]

I used rectangle tubing and overlapped 8" top and bottom on my 14" raise since I was reskining mine I really did not care about previous rivet placement and I did another no-no and skinned it with prepainted aluminum tractor trailer repair panels came out great used auto panel adhesive and 1 rivet every 10" (5 per run).

[Doktari]

I’m 6’6” and went with a 16” roof raise. I also wasted little material going with 16”. I’m considering floor insulation and radiant floor heat so extra headroom is good. A lower raise would have looked better imho.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Doktari

I’m 6’6” and went with a 16” roof raise. I also wasted little material going with 16”. I’m considering floor insulation and radiant floor heat so extra headroom is good. A lower raise would have looked better imho.

I keep hearing folks say this....
Just hope folks know it usually costs little to nothing to have the plates sheared to size.

[bridg73988]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Any fab shop with a press brake should be able to make em.

I have been to several metal shops and they all said the same thing, it's too tall in relation to the width. The channel part is 1-1/4 wide and 1-3/4 tall. They say they can't bend it because the first side will fold over and hit the bending machine before it can complete the 90degree bend on the second side. Two of them told me I would have to make 2 z channels and weld them together or find a place to "roll form" them and cut them to length.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by bridg73988

I have been to several metal shops and they all said the same thing, it's too tall in relation to the width. The channel part is 1-1/4 wide and 1-3/4 tall. They say they can't bend it because the first side will fold over and hit the bending machine before it can complete the 90degree bend on the second side. Two of them told me I would have to make 2 z channels and weld them together or find a place to "roll form" them and cut them to length.

It's a shame you aren't closer. Shop here did it without pause. Out of 1/8" material as well.

Colorado Custom sells them ready made but very expensive.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by bridg73988

I have been to several metal shops and they all said the same thing, it's too tall in relation to the width. The channel part is 1-1/4 wide and 1-3/4 tall. They say they can't bend it because the first side will fold over and hit the bending machine before it can complete the 90degree bend on the second side. Two of them told me I would have to make 2 z channels and weld them together or find a place to "roll form" them and cut them to length.

I had the custom C channel made by a local shop that does mostly DOT work. Parts of bridges and stuff. So they have every kind of big equipment one could dream of.
Try a BIG fab shop, not a mom n pop.

[Native]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I had the custom C channel made by a local shop that does mostly DOT work. Parts of bridges and stuff. So they have every kind of big equipment one could dream of.
Try a BIG fab shop, not a mom n pop.

I had some "hat channel" made by a metal supply shop. You buy the sheets needed and they will form it for you. I can not remember the cost, but it was *almost* done by the weight, not much more than the sheet. At least that is what I recall.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Native

I had some "hat channel" made by a metal supply shop. You buy the sheets needed and they will form it for you. I can not remember the cost, but it was *almost* done by the weight, not much more than the sheet. At least that is what I recall.

YES that's the kind of shop!
I also pay about what the weight is for the steel.

[Frogpondfoug]

This is with 12 inch raise behind the driver seat.. Don't think it looks to humpy

[Sp6saz]

If you go higher you can put storage at floor level like the class A jobs and bunks up top. Also gives more room for pipes, wires, insulation, and propane storage.

[2po2watch]

Originally Posted by Frogpondfoug

This is with 12 inch raise behind the driver seat.. Don't think it looks to humpy

Was your bus a “tall roof” before the raise? What is the inside height now?