Author Topic: $100 bed cover build (Read 4184 times)

Alaska_AV · « **on:** November 14, 2010, 12:31:58 AM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 14, 2010, 12:32:58 AM »

a couple more

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #2 on:** November 14, 2010, 12:34:23 AM »

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 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 14, 2010, 04:26:21 AM »

Good job and great idea.

dnice58 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 14, 2010, 07:09:42 AM »

very nice write up and definitely a bargain

Enkei · « **Reply #5 on:** November 14, 2010, 08:00:37 AM »

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

Good Job...

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #6 on:** November 14, 2010, 08:09:56 AM »

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 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 14, 2010, 12:11:02 PM »

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 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 14, 2010, 05:57:31 PM »

Looks great

waz · « **Reply #9 on:** November 14, 2010, 06:48:36 PM »

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.

Main One · « **Reply #10 on:** November 14, 2010, 07:36:35 PM »

Nice!!!

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #11 on:** November 14, 2010, 08:11:23 PM »

Ya folding table legs are planed to make a work table

BnGBleeder · « **Reply #12 on:** November 14, 2010, 11:38:29 PM »

Looks great , but I'd expect nothing else from someone with your talents...

project black out · « **Reply #13 on:** November 21, 2010, 12:14:30 PM »

Quote from: Alaska_AV on November 14, 2010, 12:11:02 PM

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

i wonder if you can also install oil filled struts...on my old tiburon i had a carbonfiber hood and it didnt come with any hood struts or a mounting location. they were strong enough to push the 19lbs hood up after i pulled the hood relase and unlatched it. do you think this is some thing you could add to it after the latches

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #14 on:** November 21, 2010, 03:04:16 PM »

Yes struts could be added. I've stopped working on it for a bit. Sure does look good on a wrecked truck

project black out · « **Reply #15 on:** November 21, 2010, 03:56:48 PM »

Quote from: Alaska_AV on November 21, 2010, 03:04:16 PM

Yes struts could be added. I've stopped working on it for a bit. Sure does look good on a wrecked truck

jk yea i know wat you mean... do you think its going to be totaled orwill insurance pay to get it fixed? in any result deffently a nice mod.

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #16 on:** November 21, 2010, 04:26:44 PM »

I don't think it will be a total 'again' just going to be a awhile to sort out everything.

On the wife's cover I secured it down with Simpson construction tie from Lowes The top of this panel is fiberglass cut from a damaged truck topper. Thinking of warping it with tuxedo white marine vinyl.

the block in the middle was were I had a factory panel handle screwed in to hold it down when it was on my AV... um when it was all white....

ThE KiiD · « **Reply #17 on:** November 21, 2010, 08:14:45 PM »

serious question.... how much would you charge to build one and ship it to New Jersey.. myself and my father would greatly appreciate cause we dont have the time to do this considering we both just started working again.

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #18 on:** November 21, 2010, 10:00:59 PM »

Shipping anything bigger than a bread box to or from Alaska costs not just an arm or leg but both and a rib or two.

ThE KiiD · « **Reply #19 on:** November 21, 2010, 10:47:17 PM »

thats true but its cheaper then buying the 3 covers cuz i have no covers anymore

n he gets a GM Employee discount n its still 2850$

Alaska_AV · « **Reply #20 on:** November 21, 2010, 11:46:07 PM »

maybe someone closer could build it for you? I feel your pain

gameover · « **Reply #21 on:** March 07, 2011, 02:22:04 PM »

go low price stuff!!!