Let's Build a Solar Powered Tiki!
The parts I have used may not work with all solar light sets, but these plans can be easily modified.
Tiki Patio Lights
Here are some of the pieces you'll need to put this together. The blue thing on the left is an "ABS Test Cap" We'll be using it to create a large plastic washer, but any semi-rigid cuttable plastic would do.
We used metal washers, but another one made from plastic might be better, since the metal rusts.
The PVC fitting is a '1/2" Liquidtight Straight Fitting'. It's important that the fitting friction fits inside the metal post that holds the tiki above the ground.
The post is threaded inside on one end. It's important that you pound the fitting into the non-threaded end, since you will be screwing the pointy ground stake into the threaded end.
This is the set of lights I used. Any set will do, provided the light unit will fit inside the plastic tikis.
Remove and throw away the rubber o-ring. Remove the plastic nut, we will be using it later.
We will be inserting the non-threaded end of the PVC fitting into the non-threaded end of the metal tube.
Find a surface you don't mind mucking up(ie a block of wood) and pound that sucker in! You won't need to use a hammer, just take out a little frustration.
You'll need to make a washer out of the plastic, and a 3/4" wood spade bit made the right size hole.(use the end of the PVC fitting to figure out the size) It depends on your post size, so you might need to tweak it a bit(we used scissors to scrape it out a bit)
It doesn't have to be pretty, it will be hidden inside, but it should be a snug fit.
Like this.
Now put the washer on the bottom of the tiki, and insert the fitting.
Like this.
Holding the tiki and the parts on the bottom, insert the plastic washer through the top.
You will need some long pliers(at least 11"). We used chopsticks the first time, but it was very frustrating.
Using the pliers, push the plastic washer all the way down the threads on the PVC fitting.
Holding the plastic nut(flat side down) with the pliers, insert them both through the top of the tiki. Try to thread the nut onto the fitting. To tighten the nut, twist the post rather than turning the pliers. It's much easier.
Place the light on the top
All Done!
If you don't feel like going to all this trouble, I can make up some more and sell them for $20US each, plus whatever the shipping is. (will also swap for tiki art)
[ Edited by: Tikiwahine 2005-08-29 12:28 ]
