Homemade bed cover plans
 

I have searched the board but can't really find any specific intructions. I am planning to go on the Hot Rod Power Tour in June and would love to have one built for the trip. Anyone have any?

Re: Homemade bed cover plans
 

Years ago I built one for my Mazda Pickup. 3/4" ply w/a 2x2 frame underneath it. Thing was so stinking heavy it stayed put just from under it's own weight. It looked like butt, but I was just a dumb kid. A very broke dumb kid.

Keep your eye on CraigsList. You never know what might pop up.

Re: Homemade bed cover plans
 

What do you want to carry on the trip other than suitcase, spare parts etc? Another option I've used in the past was a cheap car top carrier. They're pretty easy to secure in the bed and don't stick up much past the bed rails. You can get a lot of stuff in one of those things.

Check craig's list for used covers or carriers.

Here's one similar to mine, does the job for a once a year trip.

http://www.target.com/p/highland-car...i_sku=13293322

Re: Homemade bed cover plans
 

I made one for a 91 Dodge Dakota. 3/4 plywood and braced across bottom to keep from warping. I mounted angle iron on the bed rails. The wood was nearly flat along bed rails for a flat smooth look. To top it off, I used artificial turf to match the paint. The truck was two tone, blue and gray. The turf was blue with black. It looked nice mounted. I received compliments at gas stations all the time. Since it was an 8 ft bed, I made two 4 feet sections. With a little cocking and rubber seals, I could have made it rain proof.

Re: Homemade bed cover plans
 

Here is my homemade unit. It is made from 5/8" underlay board, firring strips, foam padding and marine grade vinyl. In the end I used a thick piece of 1 1/2" aluminum angle iron across the center section of the top to keep it from sagging (not in the pics). It has been 2 1/2 years now and the top is still in great shape. Even in all the rain, the way I wrapped the foam and vinyl has protected the bare wood just fine. I think I spent a total of $90 to make it.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/e...1/SDC16060.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/e...1/SDC16061.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/e...0907001926.jpg
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/e...1/SDC16058.jpg
I used two 1" aluminum angle iron runs along the insides of the top of the bed for the top to slide in on. I just riveted them to the inner lip.
http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/e...1/SDC16066.jpg

Re: Homemade bed cover plans
 

That's a great idea!

Re: Homemade bed cover plans
 

That looks good. I am wanting to hinge mine in the front and maybe add gas struts to it as well. Not sure if I want it flush fit or setting on the bed rails though.

Re: Homemade bed cover plans
 

Flush is better doesn't look quite as grandpa-ish.

Re: Homemade bed cover plans
 

My main concern with flush mount is how watertight is it?

Re: Homemade bed cover plans
 

That looks great Corts60
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Re: Homemade bed cover plans
 

Corts60, do you have any pics of the angle mounted on your bed?

Cover looks nice. I am wanting to do this on my crew.
Thanks
Paul