Topic: $100 bed cover build

[Alaska_AV]

like it said, $100 budget to build a custom bed panel replacement

I got my 2500 AV but it was missing the bed covers. The weather is getting bad an I'm tired of having a tarp on my tools. I decided to do a wright up on a cover peeps could replicate in an afternoon like the $75 buck bed slide


 1 sheet 1/2 plywood                      $20
 1 bundle 1"x3" pine trim boards        $20
 2 1/3 yard 4' 6" wide marine vinyl     $52
 1 can general spray adhesive         $10
 screws glue stapler


I built a frame  out of the 1by  1" smaller than the width between the saddle bag doors  and 1/2 inch shorter than the bed length. About 50 1/2 x 62 1/2 , if memory serves


I set the trimmed plywood on the frame, centered. With the smooth side down for a nice look from the bottom. Then added filler strips along the sides.  [Plywood doesn't need to be laid out like that, may try side ways with the seam across a spar] Then beveled the edges to add some style and remove the bulky look.

Filled the knot holes and defects with putty then sanded smooth with a grinder.

applied adhesive to the top and the fabric bottom. waited a few minuets, applied the fabric, smoothing it out one end to the other.

flipped it over tucking the corners and stapling all around.

reinstalled some guide strips that are just narrower than the bed width.

Removed all the brackets and drains off the bed edges

slide in the new topper. Once I find my end gasket material I'll put that on also.

[Alaska_AV]

a couple more

[Alaska_AV]

My daughter is just like me, couldn't just be normal, she convinced me to go with the Basketball type covering verses the black stuff.

[Donnie1]

Good job and great idea.

[dnice58]

very nice write up and definitely a bargain

[Enkei]

Well worth the $100 and then some.....    Good Job...

[oHIobellboy]

Once again, very creative    How does it stay on? It's just heavy enough that you don't need to secure it down?

[Alaska_AV]

Right now it's a friction fit. It's not heavy at all. I do plan a latch just haven't got that far yet

[cadboy1]

Looks great 

[waz]

Nice lid. 

I'll have to remember that if I ever have trouble with any of my panels.


Just had a thought.  If you make legs for it, that could double as a picnic table.