Hi all from Kiwi in central Canada (pickup aero cap / topper - pictures)

[MetroMPG]

Sounds like you're having fun. Not knowing my actual fuel economy would drive me nuts though (hole in tank preventing fill-ups).

What year is it? Thinking: ScanGauge or equivalent...

[rumdog]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Sounds like you're having fun. Not knowing my actual fuel economy would drive me nuts though (hole in tank preventing fill-ups).

What year is it? Thinking: ScanGauge or equivalent...

Its a 95 with efi... i was thinking the same thing today! I am data curious! The topper can come off easy with 2 guys, it would be nice to know a base line mpg for my daily 20 min highway commute.
Hey metrompg i think you are right - that tranny is abit too sharp from the topper top to side, next model will be smoother. This is a quick and rough proof of concept for me, thanks for the input. The second one will be way easier!

Ive been doing lots of brainstorming and image surfing for air dams and side skirts, i would like to lower the bottom edge of the truck to reduce underbody flow - more so on the sides. Medium airdam up front, lowest in front of the wheels.

Think ill use Plastic sheets, as coroplast doesnt like -30 C, gets super brittle. Hope i can find black! Hmmn conveyor belts are black, i like what dave did to his F 350

Youll have to excuse my mix of units, i went to school in metric but now work in inches and feet.i use Kms and litres, until a recent roadtrip down into the States. Where gas is CHEAP man - $1.69 a Gallon! Sheesh. In NZ its about that for a liter!

The Magnum did great on the recent trip to california... ie. didnt breakdown, and avoided a collision nicely. It was a big winter trip for the family and we were lucky with clear weather throught the mountains most of the time. 6555 kms all up. Around 10.3 l/100km or 23mpg doing 80\85 mph and 9.7 l/100 or 24mpg doing 65\70mph. Both using mild truckdriver technics of looking ahead and minimising breaking, slowing on climbs a bit, timing lights. Car was FULL! Not great figures but good to know a starting point. Its my wifes vehicle! So mods will have to be a step up from my truck (with 590,000kms) - where i can slap on some panels to cover the rust.

[elhigh]

Subbed. I love your cap. It looks like a canoe.

[aerohead]

Cap looks great.Thanks for doing that!
As to the tank leak,if you can get access to it and locate the offending spot:cleaned,scuffed,and dried,it can be cold-sealed with JB-Weld 2-part epoxy.
I've done a few.
Then you could top that puppy off and finally know what the cap is doing.

[freebeard]

I just found the thread too.

Hey metrompg i think you are right - that tranny is abit too sharp from the topper top to side, next model will be smoother. This is a quick and rough proof of concept for me, thanks for the input. The second one will be way easier!

If you're set on another round, just cut a softer curve in the ribs, position the stringers so there is a continuous 3 or 4 inch gap, roll a roll of flashing metal, cut lengths and roll them (on a cyclone fence or with a skate board in a gutter), then bend it to fit your already-finished frame and rivet or staple it. Or little screws.

Try pulling the rear side tight first and pull the wrinkles toward the front corner.

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by rumdog

Ahh right, it is not as sharp a tranny as it looks in the side photos, i will take a pic when im back. But i hear you... smooth is good!
Next is rear wheel covers and side skirts, will look up the site for mounting ideas. I like the look of bamzippows

Woohoo! I got mentioned!

Welcome to the forums! Sorry fer being late to the party...

My builds have started from a simple idea to try something and learn from them. Hopefully you will find the time and enjoyment from learning and applying the skills from everything you do. The rear wheel skirts came after my belly pan and side skirt builds. If I can help you out, just holler!

[rumdog]

Hey thanks people for the feedback and ideas. (And thanks for moving this thread)

Originally Posted by elhigh

Subbed. I love your cap. It looks like a canoe.

Ha, cheers elhigh, i am pretty happy with it so far. Not much to report here, as deep winter makes it hard to do any large projects. But, i have been looking for two gas struts just the right specs to lift her up... cant wait! Also drew some pics on the tablet of side skirts/rear treatment (massive diffuser!) Will try to upload for a laugh.
I did score some cedar strips at work this week, which may turn into side skirt structure.

[rumdog]

Originally Posted by aerohead

Cap looks great.Thanks for doing that!
As to the tank leak,if you can get access to it and locate the offending spot:cleaned,scuffed,and dried,it can be cold-sealed with JB-Weld 2-part epoxy.
I've done a few.
Then you could top that puppy off and finally know what the cap is doing.

Thanks aerohead, i gotta say your yota is part of the inspiration for this build.
Hmmn i do have some JB weld... and it sure would be nice to get a handle on how much the topper helps. It will be a spring project for sure. Minus 30C here today ouch!
I have been doing a lot more neutral coasting up to intersections, learning my route, and the truck sure coasts nice!

[rumdog]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I just found the thread too.


If you're set on another round, just cut a softer curve in the ribs, position the stringers so there is a continuous 3 or 4 inch gap, roll a roll of flashing metal, cut lengths and roll them (on a cyclone fence or with a skate board in a gutter), then bend it to fit your already-finished frame and rivet or staple it. Or little screws.

Try pulling the rear side tight first and pull the wrinkles toward the front corner.

Another round or prob just tweak this topper until i have to get another truck. I will be restretching the rubber onto the frame when its warm out, which may be a good time to soften the transition. Really i dont loose any useable space, and it should help the flow along the side which moves onto the back, and crosswind flow. My buddy suggested trying rubber cement to weld the seams. Im down. And i would like to cut the tail corners a bit.
Anyways thanks for the input freebeard. Man i need a shop!

[rumdog]

Here is drawing of my vision! The business end!