Plywood Topper?

[Rinn69]

I bet, when this is finished, you'll get TONS of "Where'd ya buy that ?" And quite a few "What would ya charge to cut a kit for me ?"....other than just @SafetyDan . Clear fiberglass would look sweet for showing off the construction of it, IMO.

Anxiously waiting for more pics

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[HenryMac]

That little slant on the rear side window really makes it look so much better. Well done!

I just love it when folks build there own stuff instead of buying.

 

[RedlandRanger]

I'm really interested to see the final product. This is WAY cool.

I think you should consider selling kits if it turns out well. It certainly looks good and would be significantly cheaper than a fiberglass cap.

 

[myothercarizahearse]

+1 for a kit. i like the cedar strip/glass idea

 

[tugger50]

That topper is awesome!

 

[Deleted member 773]

Next up.. can you CNC a kit for a camper like this?

https://www.scoutcampers.com/scoutyoho

 

[Tinkerer]

Thanks again for all the support, its been really encouraging!

I considered building some kind of kit but it would require a lot more R&D, I really like the ideas you all have about the cedar strip style design - I'll put my thinking cap on.

Some more progress recently, the herculiner coating went on, here's the first coat

It's weird stuff to use, quite a bit more gritty then I expected, the particles are quite large and it makes for quite an aggressive texture. Applied (with brush / roller) about 3 coats overall and had about a quart left over, I recommend a fresh roller for each coat - I had a third roller, but it wasn't the same texture and didn't work, so the windows and rear hatch were just done with a paintbrush.

Next up was fitting the hinges and testing the windows

All the hinges were painted and finally installed with carriage bolts and polyurethane adhesive sealant to further seal any places where the coated was penetrated.

 

[RedlandRanger]

This is simply amazing. I can't wait to see the finished product on your truck.

 

[ParkerAzJeff]

True craftsmanship at it's best. You have done a fantastic job on your project.

 

[myothercarizahearse]

the hurculiner fades to flat black after couple months in the sun. i think it will look good in the end. best part about that stuff is if you get dings and scratches you just go back to wally world and buy another quart.

i was thinking oak frame for the front and back that would be exposed and cedar strip for the rest with a gentle curve over the whole length. maybe put a rack on top to carry a cedar strip canoe now that would be epic!

 

[Tinkerer]

if you get dings and scratches you just go back to wally world and buy another quart.

Yes, it's nice that this stuff can be touched-up like you say.

 

[Tinkerer]

It's mostly done, there's a list of things still to do which include:
- Hook up brake light (I think I should be able to tap into the trailer harness)
- Install gas struts for rear hatch
- Re-do front center window, its not quite finished, but it functions.
- Add some arms to the Windoors to keep them positioned
- Fly screens on the windoors
- T handles on the rear hatch

But its good enough for a test camping trip!

excuse the t-towel for curtains!

So far everything works wonderfully! I am really happy with the results. Time will tell how well it endures the weather, but for now I have a functioning topper! Had some pretty good rain over the weekend and so far no leaks!

 

[Tracy Bowman]

It's mostly done, there's a list of things still to do which include:
- Hook up brake light (I think I should be able to tap into the trailer harness)
- Install gas struts for rear hatch
- Re-do front center window, its not quite finished, but it functions.
- Add some arms to the Windoors to keep them positioned
- Fly screens on the windoors
- T handles on the rear hatch

But its good enough for a test camping trip!

excuse the t-towel for curtains!

So far everything works wonderfully! I am really happy with the results. Time will tell how well it endures the weather, but for now I have a functioning topper! Had some pretty good rain over the weekend and so far no leaks!

Just.....WOW!!!!

 

[myothercarizahearse]

EPIC!

roughly how much in parts?

 

[Tinkerer]

EPIC!

roughly how much in parts?

Baltic birch sheets (4) $280, Herculiner ($130), Lexan (free), other hardware (glues, sealant, foam tape, hinges) about $100?
Total about $500 CDN.

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