Hi Guys, I have included diamensions for the D.I.Y bed lid. Firstly these are only rough measurement and I recondmend that to do a more thorough measurement oneself by measuring the inside of the bed to get your desire length and width. The length of aluminium sheet is 77 1/2" and the width is 48 1/2". The braces are also made from aluminium, they are 8" in width and folded into a V in the middle, you can choose to do a square fold if you wish. Happy building if you choose this style.

Cheers

 

what gauge metal did you use for the skin?
JML

 

Paul,

thanks for the pics and measurements... from the looks of the pics, the 'frame' of the lid is just the three V shaped alum pieces ?? right ??

so can I assume that it's just a flat piece of alum sheet with 90° bends on all three sides that rest in the angled metal attached to the bed sides and back ?? the three angled pieces strengthen the lid and prevent buckling ???

Your truck doesn't look complete in the pics (no door latches, etc) but have you had it on the road yet ?? if so, does it drum or oil can at all ?? what did you use for hinging and latching ?? is it sealed and water proof ??
How did you attach the angle to the bed sides ??



ain't I just full of questions ???

My wife has commented that we will need one to cover luggage, etc on trips so I'm planning on one.... seen nothin on the market that I like so it will probably be custom built. I'll want security and weather proofing for sure... any comments you want to make will be greatly appreciated...


I'd love to see some more detailed pics of the back end (where it meets/hits/overlaps ??? the tailgate and the cab end and the hinging mechanism...

this would make a great tech article for the site and is very "publishable" if you're interested in that...

tia
John

 

John, I don't mind you having so many questions about the bed lid, I hope I can answer them to the best of my ability.
1. The thickness of the bed lid and braces are 2mm, I am not sure what that is in inches.
2. The braces are glued on with some special strong adhesive.
3. There is no hinges at all in the front of the bed.
4. The bed lid has 90 o angles folded all around it's side with the front having a extra 90 o bend like a Z and they are around 1/4" deep.
5. The lid will have a gas strut on either side.
6. The lid will be waterproof, don't know if it will be torrential rain proof though.
7. I do have door handles on the 53 at moment. Though the front sheet metal is not fitted as yet, as we have some internal fittings to do like, electric thermo fan, condensor for the A/C, etc,
8. The 53 has not seen the road as yet, hopefully that will come in the next few weeks. fingers crossed.
Have I left anything out just give me a buzz.
Cheers Paul