Aluminum framed slant back for S-10

[Mcbroiler]

I finally got around to posting some pics on the aerodynamic truck bed camper top I've been working on. I'm Using 1/8" 1+1/2"x1+1/2" aluminum angle for the framing. The frame will be annealed, shaped, and welded to get the proper alignment for the sides and top. Not exactly sure yet what I will use for the sheeting, but It will be fully functional with lift dampers and locks. This is just the rough draft so any and all honest criticism is appreciated.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Mcbroiler

I finally got around to posting some pics on the aerodynamic truck bed camper top I've been working on. I'm Using 1/8" 1+1/2"x1+1/2" aluminum angle for the framing. The frame will be annealed, shaped, and welded to get the proper alignment for the sides and top. Not exactly sure yet what I will use for the sheeting, but It will be fully functional with lift dampers and locks. This is just the rough draft so any and all honest criticism is appreciated.

For a shortbed,the angle looks too fast and I'm afraid you'd have separation with no chance of re-attachment.
It's better to have less slope but good flow,then you can doo even more mods later with success.
Check out the Aerodynamic Streamlining Template Part-C at Search EcoModder above.

[graydonengineering]

I would agree, the slope is too steep and you would get much better results with a much more shallow angle that comes down to a short vertical in the back. A window could be added to the flat back for a Prius style rear view.

[ChazInMT]

Here ya go.






Get it close to this here line and yer money.

[BamZipPow]

Some food fer thought...you might want to work with some cheaper materials to git yer ideal shape before you move on to more expensive materials.

My aero cap build thread...with working hatch and lifts.
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...dea-15137.html

[Mcbroiler]

Awesome feedback everyone and I couldn't agree more the departure angle is pretty steep..I think I read on one of the other ecomodder's aero cap post that were looking for around 8" raised up off the rear of the tailgate, does this sound pretty realistic? And yes I'm already way over budget with $200+ in aluminum alone, but nothing is welded so it will be an easy fix. I hope to get more done this weekend, thanks again.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Mcbroiler

$200+ in aluminum alone.

Find a metal scrap yard and pick up what you can.

Then return the new unused stuff you will not be needing back to the store.

Check out the chin spoiler link in my signature, a super cheap project.

[Big Dave]

Yup. Too steep.

I had one like that and it was sub-optimal.

That said, it was 1.5 MPG better than a flat tonneau and 3 MPG better than an open bed.

The easy way to approximate the curves they have posted is make the top pitch at what carpenter call a 2-in-12 pitch. Do the trig. That's roughly 10 degrees.

You need the back of the thing about 8 inches about the tailgate.

[botsapper]

From an old thread but may help out.

...here's a modification of a fabric convertible top keeping the best aero-slope terminating into a 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.

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.

[/QUOTE]

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...over-7060.html

[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