2011 Tundra Aero Cap: ZZ Topper

[Xist]

I like it! Good job!

[Flatstalker]

Thanks for the feedback and to the photo coaching from kir_kenix and Metro MPG. I may have some build photos but didn't take many. I built it over OSB form frames which I drew somewhat intuitively. Admittedly it would be great to be able to craft a design via computer but you have seen my challenges with photos. The Plascore comes in flat and kerfed panels. The kerfed product will take extra filling and fairing and the flat ones don't yield to complex curves well as you would expect with plywoods. Overall the result was not as lightweight as I would have liked ~130 pounds because as light as the panels are, one must reinforce with a lot of glass and resin. I could have made it much lighter and cheaper if strip planked like a kayak: 1/4" thick cedar with 6 oz. fabric in/out. But I wanted to test the new to me Plascore characteristics. Any suggestions for a free and easy t learn CAD program? I plan to draw a flats boat hull in the next couple of winters. Too soon to tell if my MPG improved I have no instrument and I rarely drive long distances.. It certainly got quiet though. Cudos to the Monstaliner bedliner a product of Magna/Chassis Saver manufacturer.

[BamZipPow]

Here yah go...

[ecomodded]

Pat. pending (should be )

A great execution of a great plan - I bet it quiets things down as far as wind noise is concerned, not to mention shave a few mpg's

[freebeard]

I could have made it much lighter and cheaper if strip planked like a kayak: 1/4" thick cedar with 6 oz. fabric in/out. But I wanted to test the new to me Plascore characteristics. Any suggestions for a free and easy t learn CAD program? I plan to draw a flats boat hull in the next couple of winters.

Would you use Plascore again?

There's a subject both deep and broad. What is your desired output? Print on paper, computer graphic animation and output files for 3D printing would have different toolchains and workflows. Here is an article that recommends 5 different programs for various uses.

Best Free CAD Computer Aided Design Programs

Good bets would be Sketchup or Blender. Personally I struggle with Wings 3D v1.41. Sample output:


"Flats boat"?

[mikeyjd]

Originally Posted by BamZipPow

Here yah go...

Quote this and edit them into your first post

[JRMichler]

Very nice job. What did you do for the hinge? And how do you hold it shut?

[freebeard]

Well. I got up 'early' to swap out that picture, but decided not to edit the earlier post.



This was done using a downloaded truck and a handmade aerocap. You can pick dimensions off the eyeballed model. The program will give the distance between any two vertexes. Would that be adequate to your need?

Or were you going to model the boat?
_________

Where are you going to mount the gas struts? Is that the reason for the sail panel at the front?

[ChazInMT]

Flatstalker, AMAZING Job!!!!



I know you are getting some positive results with this.

Do tell, It quiets down the ride at highway speeds doesn't it? And, have you noticed that it just seems more "Planted" like the wind does not buffet you around as much and it feels more like it wants to go straight down the road? You have really dropped your lift coefficient I'm certain.

What kind of feedback does the man on the street give it? Do people like the way it looks?

When I built mine, I thought it was ugly, and when I realized it wasn't an optimal design, I really didn't like it. The reactions I got from people were mixed to it.

Yours is as close to optimal as a topper can be, I like how you've made the open back with the little awning extended out to keep out 90% of the weather while maintaining a line of sight out the back.

How did you know to keep the back 8 inches or so off the gate? This is counter-intuitive, most people would put the rear on the tailgate thinking they were making the smallest wake possible that way.

Kinda what this guy did....What was he THINKING?



If you just want to draw things, I use the "Insert Shape" feature in my MS WORD program to great effect in creating 2D pictures. There are a few tricks that make it very simple to use and you can tweak a curved line to the Nth degree. It does not give you a drawing that can be used in a proper CAD program, it just gives you a JPG picture for the most part. Let me know if you have MS Word & want to learn more & I'll talk you through how to use it.

Again, Perfect job on your design!

[Flatstalker]

I got distracted by boat season. The hinge I found is ingenious. It is polypro and Gougeon Bros.has developed an epoxy that bonds plastics even UHMW. It is continuous which is necessary as it is the leading edge and is good to -40 F which I need up here. I installed gas struts and I have been very pleased with the function, especially as it is my first attempt at weatherproofing/stripping a vehicle that travels at high speed. The overhang at the rear helps keep the window clear and protects it from water and snow. Next I will be building a slide out cargo storage and bed arrangement for it. I will build it as a cartridge which can be easily removed for hauling a boat or firewood, etc. Below please find a link to the hinge.
Continuous Hinges, Plastic On Moore Industrial Hardware