Project Extended Pop-Top Aerodynamic Camper Shell ('99 Tacoma)

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by a8ksh4

I topped off my tank earlier today to follow mileage for the weekend. So far, I've driven 178mi on I-5 and have averaged 54mph and 37.5mpg, per the scangauge. My previous best was ~34mpg on this route. This is exciting...

Would like to see you update the fuel log, maybe as BamZipPow does by using calendar year logs. The average is where the money is . . and your newest numbers have real promise!

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[aktacoma]

how many sheets of foam did you use total?

[aktacoma]

so did you figure out how you are going to make it secure when it is in the up position? I ask because I figured out how I will do mine (Im copying you) I plan to make outriggers so to speak and will make them out of small steel tubing then when I park I will slide them into 4 receivers so to speak 1 on each corner (mounted to frame) I will then make up ropes with a small portion of bungee so they are taut and caribiners on each end and clip one end to the shell and the other end will clip to the outrigger , kinda like you stake out your tent..
if its windy out you just put in the outriggers and secure the lines before you pop the shell into its upright positon.
i will use a combo of lifter shocks (like for the hood) and sliders made out of metal to lock it into the upright position and help with lifting!
anybody think this will work/not work for this?

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by slowmover

Would like to see you update the fuel log, maybe as BamZipPow does by using calendar year logs. The average is where the money is . . and your newest numbers have real promise!

.

Did someone say my name?

[a8ksh4]

No big changes recently. I got moved into the new apartment, got the new garage mostly organized, and went on a backpacking trip last week in the Marble Mountains. Today I have a hot date (wish me luck) and some parts for the backup camera coming in the mail. I'm stuck home this weekend with the pager for work, so I'll be getting some work done!

@slowmover - I'm such a lazy ecomodder, I haven't been keeping any fuel logs or trying very hard to drive well. I'll see about getting an injector cutoff switch installed this weekend and start paying more attention. I'd be nice to have some good fuel data.

@aktacoma - I think I used about 6 sheets of the foam. Most of it went into the supports during construction and was gutted out.

I've been thinking a bit about how to do the lift, too... I went on a backpacking trip last week and, after loading and unloading gear from the back and having to crawl through the small opening, I really want to figure out how to integrate some gas charged shocks so I can pop a release and the back comes up so I can move stuff around.

For the small steel tube supports, I've been thinking that I would buy some casters and remove the wheels. The casters would be affixed to the shell and the tubes bolted to them so that they would just swing down/around and into the receivers in the bed.

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by a8ksh4

I've been thinking a bit about how to do the lift, too... I went on a backpacking trip last week and, after loading and unloading gear from the back and having to crawl through the small opening, I really want to figure out how to integrate some gas charged shocks so I can pop a release and the back comes up so I can move stuff around.

I had fun coming up with various ideas fer my aero cap and hatch. Were you looking to integrate a hatch or lift the entire cap? If you were looking to do the entire cap, you could put in some front rails so the hatch could slide back a little before you started lifting it. If you don't the front part of the cap will hit the cab while pivoting.

When I made my first attempt at my aero cap, it only took one time to crawl under the cap to start formulating a hatch design like Bondo's aero cap.

The key to the gas shocks is to know the weight that you are gonna lift with them. With that information, you will be able to determine the proper lifting shocks. You might be able to source a tonneau lid lifting mechanism that would git you started in the right direction fer lifting yer aero cap.

[slowmover]

I haven't been keeping any fuel logs or trying very hard to drive well.

Just record all fuel burned and miles covered. Let numbers fall where they may. Percentage changes to that baseline is what all this about. Better vehicle and better driving come along when they will.

[a8ksh4]

Sooo... does anyone with a standard cab, first gen, tacoma want to adopt my project? It's all bolt-on! Not much has changed form the last time I posted photos, except for a bit of reinforcement in a couple areas, loads of sanding, and some epoxy/microsphere filler to start smoothing it out for paint.

I'm just wanting to cut costs (get rid of garage), simplify life a bit, and recover some free time out side of work. Anyone interested, send a PM!

[MetroMPG]

Bummer!

Can't fault you for wanting to simplify, though. That's generally a good goal.

Want me to change the thread title? Add "for sale/adoption"?

[a8ksh4]

Yah, that'd be great. Thanks. I'd probably ask for $100 or $200 for it, since I have backup camera hardware, extra resin/fiberglass, and some other newish stuff to go with it. I'm not sure if that makes this a sale or an adoption.