I was wondering what is the best way to mount a top like this. will not be able to tack it because of the aluminum. opinions and advice would be appreciated.
Since you mention tack welding it I assume you want a semi-permanent way to mount the top. I would use rivets in that case- cheap, easy, strong, and shouldn't rattle.
The OEM ROPS clamps are not that expensive. Like $7 each. It would be removable then.
But I like the rivet idea.
I dream of a low profile top that does not extent past the ROPS. I tend to scrape trees a lot and will rip anything else off.
Id go ⅛" to give some strength. You could go 1/16 if you could find a sheet metal company to run some beads in it to give it some rigidity.
You could use threaded inserts or even drill and tap the ROPS if you're going to drill into it anyway. (I'd go with the clamps myself) that way it'd be easily removable but secure.
i believe i go with clamps. and later fab me up a set of doors and a back window. would like to have the honda factory enclose cab but $$$ is to high for me