Stitch away an aero cover!

[botsapper]

The idea is not new but the application serves some answers to the recent questions. The rigid aero covers make it difficult the full use of a pickup's open tub. The recent attempts of 'cleaning' the profile of pickups are admirable but some has mentioned the resultant limited use. Here's a modification of a fabric convertible top keeping the best aero-slope terminating into a (hopefully) clean Kamm-back. The frame could be made retractable or use a rigid frame profile (as shown on the idea). There has to be appropriate pre-bent crossbars to reinforce the shape. The immediate cons of a soft top aero-shape would be the excessive lift to weaken the structure & fabric materials.

Quick short cut for anyone -there are a few soft top makers with non-aero covers but with a little garage hacking could be easily converted to some desired effects.

The major themes are the aero-profile & relative ease of convertibility - completely open the back.

The donor truck I used may not be the best aero sample but it just looks damn cool to create more 'sport truck enthusiast' converts.

[my first gmc]

That is really cool! Definitely looks great on an off road vehicle, reminds me of the soft covers for the blazers and jeeps. Did broncos have soft covers too?

[COcyclist]

Great idea and super photoshop work! From the third photo it looks like your idea is to have a frame that could stay in place with a soft cover that could be removed and stowed for carrying oversize loads. In my part of the country trucks outnumber cars and this would save fuel on the highway if people would adopt this idea. I hope it catches on.

[Christ]

Dude, look at that new Nerf bar! (snicker snicker.)

It's designed with larger area to help distribute roll loads keep your chassis stiffer under off-road conditions! Oh... and when I slip this pre-fabbed fabric cover onto it, you'll get 2-3 more MPG without really trying...

[winkosmosis]

I made a polycarbonate rear window with a new vinyl panel for my Miata's soft top, and here is what I've learned... Small screws with nuts and washers are a great way to bind vinyl to vinyl.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by winkosmosis

I made a polycarbonate rear window with a new vinyl panel for my Miata's soft top, and here is what I've learned... Small screws with nuts and washers are a great way to bind vinyl to vinyl.

Do the double fold, so that you have two pieces that look like V's (like the stitching in your bluejeans) except put a thin piece of something flexible (preferably plastic) between the two pieces when you join them. Join them with some sort of glue, then punch holes and use split rivets as a fastener. It'll hold up to wind... it's how we make big tarps from small ones, etc.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by winkosmosis

I made a polycarbonate rear window with a new vinyl panel for my Miata's soft top, and here is what I've learned... Small screws with nuts and washers are a great way to bind vinyl to vinyl.

hey do you have pictures?, i´m liking the idea of building one for my fx4.

[winkosmosis]

Originally Posted by Nahum

hey do you have pictures?, i´m liking the idea of building one for my fx4.

I think it's too heavy though. It puts stress on the vinyl fabric so I don't trust it to last a long time. I ordered a Kas Glas sheet (automotive vinyl) to replace it. It will allow folding without unzipping too

Kal Glas 40 Gauge Vinyl Window Material 29" x 68"

[wagonman76]

I like it. Looks good with or without the fabric, which could attact more buyers.

I used the small screws and washers to attach the shower curtain liner to my partial boattail. I put them about 3" apart.

[Big Dave]

I like it, botsapper.

Looks to be low cost and gets around the utility barrier most aero-lids have.

I might steal it.