Truck Aero, Bed cover DIY tonneau?

[HJC]

Looking good! I imagined building of those when i first got my truck. But I was too lazy and was without good tools, so I bought a tonneau instead. Can't wait to see the final results.

[Chris D.]

I went out and checked, the resin is good and cured...

One thing that sucks tho, I left it on the back of my truck so it drys right and wont warp..
well, it was really windy last night and now I have all these little leaves and flowers in the resin.. Looks *****in! lol



another thing I'd like to add is that this 1/8" thick panel I used for the top half absorbed that resin like a champ, I guess I went a bet heavy on it and the board soaked in and sagged a little within the larger frame sections..

I mite have to get 2 more pieces of wood to place in there temporarely
for support so that theoretically then when I do my next layer it should hold form just right

if not, no biggie, I'm chalkin it up as an experiene learning deal..

[Otto]

What kind of resin? Approx. cost per square foot of cover?

[Chris D.]

Bondo resin from Home Depot..

so far I'm about $110 into the project total!

[ankit]

Looks really nice, subscribed for the progress and results.

Also I think the MPG on the window is a great idea so when the others are passing you on the highway wasting fuel, they will know why you are driving like you do. It might make others change their driving habits like neighbors that see the writing on the windows as you pass by.

Edit: I just saw that you have those plastic window shade/visor things, do you think that they help aero or hurt? J/W

[aerohead]

Funny what can happen at as low as 12-mph! I did the same thing with the hood of my '61 Rambler.The thing took off,did a full-gainer,and I saw it land behind me in the rearview.It was one of my Darwinian moments!

[Chris D.]

Originally Posted by ankit

Looks really nice, subscribed for the progress and results.

Also I think the MPG on the window is a great idea so when the others are passing you on the highway wasting fuel, they will know why you are driving like you do. It might make others change their driving habits like neighbors that see the writing on the windows as you pass by.

Edit: I just saw that you have those plastic window shade/visor things, do you think that they help aero or hurt? J/W

Thanks for the words!

as for the vent visors, I'm not sure.. I don't know of a way to test em, but their definatly staying because I like the shade for those sunset hours fron the side, I crack the window so its jsut above the bottom edge of the visor for fresh air and it keeps the rain out with the ability for cool air

Originally Posted by aerohead

Funny what can happen at as low as 12-mph! I did the same thing with the hood of my '61 Rambler.The thing took off,did a full-gainer,and I saw it land behind me in the rearview.It was one of my Darwinian moments!

We're in the Murphys Law club it seems

[MetroMPG]

Any news on the DIY hard tonneau? Was it in place for your recent record tank?

[Chris D.]

last mileage was all me baby!

I had an issue with the first layer of fiberglass..
I think I went a little heavy on the resin so the 1/8 thick panel sagged a little..
Just got it figured out today tho..

I placed the tonneau on its top on the driveway then used some spare 2x4's to add the extra framing to kill off the sagging.. I still only have the first layer, so it moved back into place easily.. I put my weight on the 2x4's then secured them temporarely with screws..

those 2x4's doubeled the weight lol

I'm planning on jumping back into it tomorrow afternoon after I do a few things around the house..

Heres what (little) I did today..

[bestmapman]

WOW, the top is coming along nicely. Where do you get the fiberglass and resin?