Behemoth_F-150

Ok, so here’s what I’m thinking:
I have a smaller toolbox than most, so I need about a 5.5 ft by 5.5 ft (rough estimate) bed cover.
Take 2 sheets of plywood, cut it into 3 sections all being 5.5 ft on one side, and the other sides
One 23 in
One 22 in
One 21 in
Take some aluminum angle iron, and cut 2 23 in, 2 22 in, and 2 21 in pieces, then another 3 that are 5.5 ft
Two piano hinges, 5.5 ft
Some plastidip (to protect the wood and the bed of the truck
And 2 to 4 locks
Attach the angle irons to the corresponding wood so that the angle iron would sit on the top of the bed rail rather than drilling holes into the bed.
Line the bottom of each piece of plywood with another piece of angle iron for strength and to prevent bowing
Paint all of the boards with the plastidip
Attach all three of the boards together with the hinges so that you can have a tri-fold design
Paint the hinges
Insert the locks on the 4 corners and paint as desired.

What do ya’ll think? Should be around $125 or less to complete the whole thing.

gillysmi

angle iron and plywood... going to be heavy!

f3rm1n

Check out this project from the MySportTrac website (I used to own a Sport Trac, mind you):
http://www.mysporttrac.com/MySportTr...nneauCover.htm

Behemoth_F-150

Aluminum angle (I'm navy, just used to calling it angle iron)

Behemoth_F-150

I had seen that one already, I liked it except that it requred the drilling into the bed. That's why I was thinking about the over the rail design.

05FX4-

If you want a cleaner finish you can always buy weather proof vinyl from a fabric store. A huge piece like that will cost about 50 bucks ( it cost me 35 for a 8x5 piece for my poker table). Put then it would look real professional!! Also if you weather proof the plywood and just spend the money for a quality piece you shouldnt have to worry about bowing and the need for the angle iron.