home-made bed cover

spebsqsa · 04-28-2004, 01:12 PM

I am thinking of sliding two pieces of 3/4" plywood into my utiltrac slot as a box cover,one 4ft wide and the other 21/2 ft wide. that way I could take them out and lay them on the floor and have an open box.This would be more secure than a soft tonneau but maybe not as pretty. Do you think the plywood would sag? Does anyone have any alternate ideas along this line?

juma · 04-28-2004, 03:28 PM

I was thinking of building a rough frame of 2x4's and use i/4 inch or thinner plywood, painted black, just to see if it made any difference in mileage. I'd go thinner wood to add the least weight. that track makes it easier for you. if foldacover ever comes out, that's what I want. till then, I might try the plywood. juma

bestatchess · 04-28-2004, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spebsqsa

I am thinking of sliding two pieces of 3/4" plywood into my utiltrac slot as a box cover,one 4ft wide and the other 21/2 ft wide. that way I could take them out and lay them on the floor and have an open box.This would be more secure than a soft tonneau but maybe not as pretty. Do you think the plywood would sag? Does anyone have any alternate ideas along this line?

I dunno, plywood is kind of heavy and subject to water damage. Maybe fiberglass or plexiglass sheet would be lighter and more water resistant.

LI Titan · 04-28-2004, 07:23 PM

I would install nothing until I could save for a real cover. I think you will make the truck look cheesy with a home made cover.

Nothing personal.

TITE-N · 04-28-2004, 09:36 PM

Ok guys, this works. I went to Lowes and picked up some cosmetic damaged Vinyl Fence, outdoor boat carpet, aluminum carpet strips and waterproof caulk. Get the picture. The vinyl fence i cut the top and bottom off to match the width of the truck to fit in the tracks.I used two separate fences in the bed so it was easier to remove them.The best part is it will never rot. The excess fence i used to slide underneath the cover to help prop it up. It fit perfect, i can even lay on top of it!
I can give better desrciption on how i built it.
email bcmatt75@fidnet.com

NorCalTitan · 04-28-2004, 10:14 PM

I've seen home made bed covers made of plywood, covered with foam and black vinyl, and hinged to allow access. They actually looked good, but over time, especially because it rained alot where I lived it eventually sagged.

Post pics of the fencing material you are using and we'll give you our unbiased opinions

BearBrawn · 04-29-2004, 01:29 AM

I have a homemade cover on my old Dakota.

(Built it 10 years ago)

Used a 2 X 4 frame, plywood joists, and black indoor/outdoor carpet coated with Scotchguard.

Rain ruined the plywood - and now the carpet sags a little - but it does hide stuff so I can stop at different places and not have to worry about someone seeing something they want to steal...

Out of sight - out of mind