Aluminum framed slant back for S-10

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by swede

It's been a while since I've posted here, but I'm still using my AeroLid to this very day, and it makes an unquestionable 10-15% difference on fuel economy. I agree with the others that you need to raise the profile of the rear of the shell. If you look at how I did it, I used a separate rear profile to raise the separation line above the origional tailgate line.

Good on you for using top quality materials too, the cover will last a long time if you do it right. I'm glad that I skinned mine in coroplast rather than plywood or building wrap plastic, it's stood up well in over a year and a half.

Here's pics of my build http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1272764200

Hope this helps,

Swede

Here's Swede's build thread...
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ead-13092.html

[Mcbroiler]

Update: Final design was changed to a much more friendly slope today and got it into the welder before he closed up shop.

Botsapper: I am still on the fence about doing a fabric cover, mainly because the desert sun is so brutal. But it does look very H1 which is the part of the look I'm going for.

Swede: Sweet design, I was wondering how to build one out of light weight steel so that i could have welded it myself. If I build a fabric top it will definitely be framed with emt.

I will post new pics once I receive it back from the welder.

[LUVMY02CREW]

I've got the same model truck as you, so I'm really looking forward to seeing the final product.

[Mcbroiler]

Yeah, we love our '02 crew too! Get's the mpg's around town that the full size can't match among other things. Well, got the frame back from the welder and it's a solid piece now. Purchased some impact resistant plexi and rivets, I'm going to use silicon as a vibration/weather deterrent. And we are still shopping for the top piece, thinking about aluminum diamond plate, thought the ridges in the diamond plate might help ease the air over (kinda like golf ball dimples). Looking for a solid sheet that is cheap, light, and stiff. Any suggestions and comments are again gladly welcomed.

[LUVMY02CREW]

Looking good!!!

I can't wait to see pics of the finished product!!

Are you gonna try some A-B-A testing to see how much difference it makes???

[graydonengineering]

Looks great! Have you considered using polycarbonate for the top? You can get clear or pre-tined in whatever thickness you want and it would provide rear visibility.