Need Help re-designing canopy!

[wiszmaster]

I Need help re-designing/re-engineering my canopy.

On thursday the cable to the winch tore, and the canopy came falling down, slammed onto the tank. 15 seconds later my head would've been under the canopy & over the tank ... i think we all get the picture of what the outcome would've been.


I do NOT want to use a winch setup again!
I'd prefer a linear actuator, or some sort of screw setup - like the screw driven garage door opener motors.


This is the current setup - the winch is on the other side of the wall (in the garage)








I'd probably prefer to use a stick frame this time around, instead of solid plywood construction, as i will be covering it with the same wood sheeting material. (1/8" thickness)



Any help, ideas, suggestions or drawings would be appreciated.

I will post up dimentions shortly.


Thanks,

marco

[VWD]

If it was me, I would just make it come off, Just lift off and set aside when I want to work on the tank,

[motorslave]

Clam shell. Attach the back of the canopy to the wall use a piano hinge on the front hlf with the hinge being on the top so the front portion opens up and over then leans aganst the back wall or can be latched with a hook or something.

[wiszmaster]

Originally Posted by VWD

If it was me, I would just make it come off, Just lift off and set aside when I want to work on the tank,

considering the canopy will be 7ft wide, and 2 1/2 ft deep ... i doubt this to be a viable option.

Originally Posted by motorslave

Clam shell. Attach the back of the canopy to the wall use a piano hinge on the front hlf with the hinge being on the top so the front portion opens up and over then leans aganst the back wall or can be latched with a hook or something.

Unless i hinge the canopy in the middle, it won't open up fully since it site in a niche, and the canopy will hit the top arch of the wall.

[motorslave]

In the middle is what I was thinking. Looking at the pics I think it would work. That would simplify and prevent having to move the whole thing. Something else you may be able to incorporate into it is something VWD has done, using drawer slides for the lights to move on for access.

[Mrs Smith]

Wow. I don't really have anything to add, but what you already had set up is pretty impressive to me. My current system is to lift the canopy and jam a 2x4 (or at the moment, a 4" piece of PVC pipe) underneath so I don't get smooshed while rooting around.

[crvz]

Yeah, I intend to just use a stick to hold my hood up as well. You can see more detail than you care if you click the link in my signature.

[wiszmaster]

I've thought about that same way as well - my biggest issue so far has been with the crown molding ontop - have not quiet figured out how i'd cut it to make it work properly.