pandatrooper Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 This is kind of those “This is so simple, why didn’t I think of this sooner” kind of things. Not sure if anyone has done it this way before, but regardless I thought I should document it to help others. I had wanted to install my upper seed trays to the lowers seamlessly, with a few key features: I didn’t want to glue the trays together (I’m paranoid of them falling off) The trays need to be easily removable for future mods No obvious fasteners on the outside (no screws visible, etc.) Parts / tools used: Small metal L brackets (holes should be the same size as the bolts you use to attach parts to the top trays Drill 14” or longer zip ties Step 1: when attaching the various pack items to the outer trays, I also installed some simple metal “L” shaped brackets on the inside. For whatever reason, I had a small box of these and put them to use. I basically installed one on each corner, using the bolt or rivet from attaching an external part. This means the rivet or bolt not only holds the part on the upper tray, but it also holds the L bracket in place to create a mounting point to hold the seed trays together using zip ties. Attach an L bracket to the following points (for the Move Along pack, simply adjust the mounting points on other packs). Upper tray: Top outside corner of tool box Lower outside corner of tool box Outer 2 points on the exhaust port (On my pack, I simply installed 2 rivets under the exhaust port before I bolted the port in place) Lower tray: Top outside corner of radio Lower outside corner of radio Upper cistern attachment point Lower cistern attachment point Step 2: drill some holes in the lower seed trays where they attach your cross bars. I used 2 aluminum cross bars per tray. Simply drill a hole above and below each cross bar at each corner. Step 3: Thread a zip tie starting on the underside of the pack (where your back is) through the tray, through the hole in the L bracket, back through the second hole in the tray. Make sure to pass the end of the zip tie through the “tightening slot” on the other end of the zip tie. Do this for all 4 connection points on 1 tray. Step 4: Simply align the seed tray top to the bottom tray, and tighten the zip ties. Snip off of the ends, and you’re done! Step 5: Repeat the same procedure with the other tray. If you ever need to change something, just use some side cutter pliers to snip the zip ties, and separate the trays. Do what you need to, then re-zip tie them back together. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quartermaster Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 Great idea Terry! I will be sure to try this method on my next build. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TD2802 Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 Genius Terry! I'd like to redo my pack with all these new ideas. Finding the time is the real challenge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIVE Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 Genius is right! I loves this idea! You can also "open" the seed trays again if needed, then just 'zip tie' them back down. Love that feature. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyBoy Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 excellent idea....sure beats extra weathering over the rivets or screws great job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordonator Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 I love zip ties. I fasten almost all parts of my pack together with them. An idea I got from Rick Dirtyboy. All but the seed trays that is. Should have thought of that sooner. It's a great idea! Btw Terry, are u planning to cover up the stinger with a lid? I know it's not visible from the back view, but it can be seen from the side if one get real close. Consistent with the overall look as well without white Styrofoam showing. Just a friendly suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pandatrooper Posted July 26, 2010 Author Share Posted July 26, 2010 Hey Gordon. Yes, I’ll do the cover, just haven’t gotten to it yet. I’m actually going to extend the bottom cross bar on the frame out a bit, as it’s too low and makes the stinger “stick out” and hits my butt, and the pack doesn’t sit right. I’m going to drill out the rivets and reposition / reinstall it. I’ll do the black cover at that point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIVE Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Hey Gordon. Yes, I’ll do the cover, just haven’t gotten to it yet.I wondered the same thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthChridan Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Hey Terry... great work on it. From this awesome idea I will be able to profit in any case Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iconoclasta_88 Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Man! This is awesome! Congrats Terry. I wish I had your skills! Very good job. It is inspiring. Now, Im thinking about making a new pack! Saludos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoCKo Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 that´s a nice idea, indeed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Voorhees Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 “This is so simple, why didn’t I think of this sooner” Yup my thoughts exactly. Love this idea Terry! nice one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dirty Trooper Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 I have just noticed that the back pack doesn't have the tape on the bottom trays. Doh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyBoy Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 I have just noticed that the back pack doesn't have the tape on the bottom trays. Doh! only the "move Along" pack has tape silly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dirty Trooper Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Doh! I feel so stupid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyBoy Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Doh! I feel so stupid lol...its ok man....its early Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P3laton3 Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 Very good hint indeed!!! I was just looking around for something like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m-a-s-a Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I was able to understand a mystery I see! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulldog44 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Great idea indeed! there are reusable zip ties so you don't have to keep cut & replacing. http://www.actfs.com/CatalogProducts.asp?nProductsID=102 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airborne Trooper Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Terry, hope all is well. I know this thread is 6 years old but it's still relevant and useful. Is there anyway you would be able to fix some of your broken image links? I know it's a long shot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TD42115 Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Awesome thread, im so doing this.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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