Homemade vinyl bed cover idea

[firedog]

So been throwing the idea around for awhile about building a bedcover. I have searched on the board and seen some nice fiberglass ones homemade and aluminum but I was thinking for the price I could take a vinyl one from another truck and " repurpose" it for my 68 swb fleet. So I have kept my eyes open when at swapsmeets and craigslist. Then today there it was, a used cover but missing the side rail pieces. Only $25! That was a price I could work with. It came off a 2003 chevy with 8' bed and the reason the side rails were missing is because he always took the cover off durring the week and only used it when goin out of town and he left the rails on the truck when he traded it in.

So on to my idea, I like the slim line idea and my stake pockets are shaved so an inside the bed rails and flush style cover is the look. I have the tailgate frame and all 3 of the cross supports. So thinking I could make a 2x2 frame to fit inside the bed and essentially wrap the vinyl cover around that frame. I have a piano hinge for the front and would make a couple L- shaped brackets attached to the bed sides, and if the cross supports are not too long attach then into the frame also. Then a couple gas struts to lift with ease.

So I realize it will not be weather tight, that is not a worry for me. I also know the rear of the bed where the stake pockets are will probably be challenging with the shape there. Is there any other obsticals that anyone can think of?

I will take some pics when I get going on it, however the garage at dads is full of project "oddball" at the moment. So not sure how soon it will be but please I need some input!
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[special-K]

Sounds like a good idea. I think 2x2 will be a bit flimsy and weak. I'd consider getting some square aluminum tube to build the frame with. If you can't do the welding,I'd think if you mocked it all up and paid someone to weld,they wouldn't charge much.
That was awfully lame of that person to leave the rails on the truck. It only detracted from it's value. Now they want to sell the fabric part? It's perfect for you,but how lame? Either you let it all go with the truck or you keep it all to sell or use on the next truck. Who would want it but you? That's how I'd approach it and try to get it for as close to nothing as I could.

[Pop's C-10]

here a post from tha 73-77 side where he used wood & covered it in vinyl

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=420014

[big_al_71]

Sounds that you are making something similar to what i have on y truck.. Looking forward to some progress with yours...

[kieth]

Try these guys, the prices are good, I wanted one but they do not make one for my swb fleetside 66 due to the rear inside brace. but they do make one for other trucks.....Kieth

http://www.craftecinc.com/index.php


about 249.00 not too bad. Kieth

[solar649]

I built one for my truck. just something easy to make the truck look sleeker.

[my_bucket]

I have made these for all of my trucks I used wood, 2x4 frame with plywood top
& put 3 inch egg crate Foam, then the black fabric on top from local fabric shop,
The reason I make mine this way is its sturdy, I like to lay on it & look at the stars at night have done other stuff on it as well....
it looks good and its not hard to take off if you need to haul something

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