I need to install a Tonneau cover on my pick-up bed so that I can store things without "losing" them. I'm not too concerned about rain etc. but do want to be able to lock it up. I'm thinking about building an aluminum frame, covering the frame with an aluminum skin then setting it on L shaped brackets that I would cover with weatherstripping. I'd hinge the front and use a gear drive to open and close it. If anyone has another idea that would still keep everything relatively safe I'd appreciate your comments. http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab322/wide34/34fordbuild022.jpg http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab322/wide34/34fordbuild025.jpg
If you're going to cover the pretty wood anyway, why don't you build a box that fits the inside of the bed and put a hinged & lockable lid on it?
You can buy the alunimum skin from a truck body parts store. 96" or 102" wide. It sells by the foot, any length you want. You can also buy curved roof bows, really cheap!
I made mine out of steel square tubing with 1/2 plywood on top so i could sit on it at car shows, and strap a cooler and chairs to the top of it etc. I tried to have it hinged at first but it was hitting the back of my cab, so i just ended up making it removable I think the trick will be to find some hinges that come up and out..
theres a guy on here who has a cool one. Its a canary yellow hotrod pickup I think it has tweety bird painted on it or something, but i think he even did a thread on it..
A friend made an all aluminum cover for my truck. You might find the pix helpful. We had a SS piano hinge at the back and Z shapped metal trim on the sides to act as a water drain / seal that has a rubber gasket, too. Two linear activators raise and lower it and a 90 over the tail gate keeps it shut without a lock. The tail gate locks from the inside. Gary There are 4 parts to my build thread, but I think these two are the ones with the good pix. Gary http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355854 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=387590
Many thanks for your thoughts, for me this is what makes the HAMB great. My son agrees that covering up the bed is crazy but I'm planning to do a lot of road trips with my wife and this is the only area I have to store things and I want it to be as safe as I can make it. Can I make this stiff enough not to flex by just braking the edges? I know that is pretty thick but I've got an approx. 52" x 58" area to cover. Thanks for the pictures and I like what you've done, this is pretty close to what I was thinking about. I do have another question, when you weld the skin to the frame (assuming this is aluminum) how long of a weld bead can you run before worrying about warping? I don't intend to run a full weld beam but rather every 10 to 12 inches.
Sorry Gary, I meant to Thank you for the pictures and I like what you did- it is very close to what I was thinking of doing. I'll re-ask the question about welding aluminum, how long a weld bead can you run before you worry about warping? Thanks, Tom
if your feeling crafty give this a try,, no welding! I know its not a truck bed but can easily be translated. Its really light and strong enough for me to stand on.
The depth of the flange will add strength, I'd make it about an 1" and weld or rivet the corners . If you add a bit of crown to the panel it will stiffen it up quite a bit. If you're wanting the flat look, I'd add an X brace (bead roll out a piece of sheet aluminum)and use the foam stuff for hood and roof braces, but it probably won't be necessary it would just make it more stout.
Tom, The guy who did my cover welded the frame together first and then drilled holes in the cover. The holes allowed him to weld the cover and frame together from above. There are no continuous seams and no welds show from either side. BTW, the cover is about 1/8 inch thick! I wanted it to be more resistant to prying hands. The bottom was powdercoated silver and the painter dressed / filled the welds in the top before the red went on. Gary
That is a great piece of fabricating, I don't think my talents are even close to yours! thanks for showing it. tom
Thanks Gary, I like the idea of drilling and welding, hadn't thought about it. Really appreciate the response. Tom
Thanks for the idea, I'm going to try a small piece to see if it is as stiff as I want, I do want the flat look.
Saw a nice T- Cover made of Aluminum. Guy " machine turned " the entire top and gave it a couple of coats of clear with a slight red tint. Piano type hinge at front with electric actuators.
...I like the storage box idea myself, here's mine in my 47 AD; it's big enuf for a full-size spare tire; still room to haul stuff in bed.
I made a cover out of 3/4" conduit, a sheet of 1/4 Luon and some marine grade vinyl. It sits on some small tabs welded into the sides of the bed. could be made lockable with out too much fuss
I had thought about a box but unfortunately I've mounted tha gas tank in the front of the bed and don't want to move it. You've got a really neat truck, I'll bet it's a lot of fun. Again Thanks to everyone for your ideas, obviously some very creative people on this board!