MCDavis

iTrader: (1)

That's a good question, and I'm addressing that via matching D-rings from Bak via their replacement parts. I will pop-rivet the D-rings to the rail on the cover at the tailgate...basically the last piece of metal before the seal that lays on the gate. A simple, short, bungee cord around the wheel will keep everything in check.

Now, onto the good stuff. The pucker factor was WAY higher than it needed to be. I used a brand new pilot-point drill bit in reverse for the holes. The weight of the drill did all of the work through the fiberglass skin. Once through the skin I put the drill in proper forward rotation to punch through the aluminum underside. The tape was nice to 1) mark holes and 2) keep the bit from walking...at all...didn't move a millimeter.

I supplied a pic below that shows just how thin the skin is...shocking really as I expected it to be a bit thicker. I followed up each hole with a decent amount of weatherproof silicone to prevent unwanted water entry into the panel's core. (yes, I'm OCD).

Onto the pics - drilling first, then finished product in a second post:











Someone on another forum had asked about clearance...yeah...it's tight but it works!!

MCDavis

iTrader: (1)

And here's the final product. I am very impressed. The entire panel moves, but not by much. It's quite stout!

RES4CUE

I like it!

Turned out great and I'm going to copy! I may deviate and just use it on the underside and also find fork mounts with through axle on them vs having to use the adapter on the regular one.

MCDavis

iTrader: (1)

I actually had, and returned, a Kuat Dirtbag 15mm fork mount but I didn't want to limit myself (thinking future purchases) and it would have been asymmetrical and my OCD just didn't like that.

MCDavis

iTrader: (1)

D-rings just showed up from Bak. Thankfully they came with two pop rivets! Score! Now I don't have to buy a package of 50. Drilling more holes tonight.

MCDavis

iTrader: (1)

Two more holes drilled; this time in the lip in the tailgate seal edge of the last panel. There is about a half inch or so of metal that the seal is adhered to. I pierced just the panel and not the rubber as to keep as much water out as possible. The Bak supplied rivets are quite stiffer than I was used to. Took more force than I had expected to pop them. I stopped by the local big-box and picked up a few adjustable bungees so that I could determine how much tension i wanted.

Very happy with the overall outcome. Here's the final product:

kidastra

iTrader: (1)

I wonder how long before bak makes this an option!


nice work MCDavis

RES4CUE

Turned out really good!

I guess with the warmer weather I need to get this started as I plan to hit several mountain bike parks this summer!

MCDavis

iTrader: (1)

Thanks! I wish I could patent it...
If I were to do it again, I think I'd make the top side aluminum bar long enough to utilize the two Bak mounting points to hold the entire panel down. Is it necessary? Probably not, but it would be really damn solid if it went out that far.

I was hoping to get out tomorrow but the trails I ride are a part of a State park and they are super sensitive to wet conditions...and there's rain in tomorrow morning's forecast.

Burnie329

Looks Good!!!