Homemade bed cover plans

[77c10]

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?

[JCampbell]

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.

[S10Fan]

Originally Posted by 77c10

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?

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

[gchemist]

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.

[Corts60]

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.





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.

[JCampbell]

Originally Posted by S10Fan

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.

That's a great idea!

[77c10]

Originally Posted by Corts60

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.





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.

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.

[Metalshapes]

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

[77c10]

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

[88Jimmy4x4]

That looks great Corts60
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[rs72z]

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