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Mike's Expedition Topper... [tack'd steel, no pics yet.]

Well...

I intend to get my stuff, and mock up the lid, tomoro.
Then I can get the top trimmed, and measure for the hinge mechanism.

Then it's freaking fiberglass time.
Im gonna pick up the tent in the next couple days.

I'm hoping to have this done within the next 2-3 weeks.
 
Thats is how my projects usually go!:haha:

From Aaron's Dictionary Of Manspeak:

Project, n.: An activity which occupies 150% of the allotted time, space, and budget -- even when this fact is taken into account.

Pretty sure my projects take 150% of 150% of 150% of their budget anyway :haha:

-- A
 
This is the steel plate, in the pillar out back.
IMG_8853.jpg


Thanks for this picture. I've been curious about where the steel was in the back of the topper. I've had a crazy idea about trying to build a lift up hatch to do away with my power window and switch to a PU tail gate, but didn't know what there might be back there to fasten to. Can you see up into the top far enough to make a reasonable assumption that the steel above the back glass might be similar? I could maybe see cutting away the outside of the glass channel to leave a stop for hatch to shut against.

Sorry for the hijack.
 
This is the steel plate, in the pillar out back.
IMG_8853.jpg


Thanks for this picture. I've been curious about where the steel was in the back of the topper. I've had a crazy idea about trying to build a lift up hatch to do away with my power window and switch to a PU tail gate, but didn't know what there might be back there to fasten to. Can you see up into the top far enough to make a reasonable assumption that the steel above the back glass might be similar? I could maybe see cutting away the outside of the glass channel to leave a stop for hatch to shut against.

Sorry for the hijack.


thought about this myself
 
No problem... That's why I took the pic...
For other peoples reference.


The metal reenforcement stays the same shape, as it curves around the TOP glass channel.
IMG_8910.jpg



The reenforcement follows this curved line....
(If you imagine that my Index finger is the edge of the steel.)
IMG_8912.jpg



It butt's up to this lip.... The outer 'lip' is just plastic.
And, could easily be removed, in favor of a 'drop window'. :waytogo:
IMG_8913.jpg
 
No problemo.... :D
-------------------------------


Just wanted to prove that there's forward progress.... :waytogo:

IMG_8914.jpg



That's a lot of dust...
IMG_8915.jpg



Safety first! :D
IMG_8916.jpg
 
I have to make the lid even.

I'm gonna fill the front mounting panel in, with plate steel.
Beefy place to mount the bracket to... :dunno:

Same goes for the sides, in the remaining window gaps.
I'll use angle iron below the plates.
Like a solid frame, to provide as much support for the lid, as possible.

The rear latches will also tie into said frame.
As well as (over the lid) crossbars, and the "luggage rack".
Might even make a place to hook a removable ladder... :dunno:

Should be a pretty rigid lid. :waytogo:
IMG_8918.jpg



Still needs trimming...
IMG_8920.jpg



The lid will be square when done.
IMG_8921.jpg



At this point, I can't decide whether I want to raise the lid 6",
Or, just make the people in the back suffah! :haha:
 
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I just got an idea. Why not use a hood cowl. That would be sick!
A hood cowl that you can stow yer gear in. It would also make the Beast faster too.

:thinking:

Thisbeast.jpg Plus this CowlHood.jpg

Is Beastly.

Nice progress mike! :waytogo:

beast.jpg

CowlHood.jpg
 
Great idea on this!
I was thinking of doing something similar since I want my Jimmy to be a expedition gtfov.

I kinda wanted to fab an offroad trailer so I was trolling the aussie sites seeing as they have some pimp rigs for that kinda thing.

Subbed
 
Wait what happened. I thought nothing till Friday. It was supposed to be rambling and burritos talk. This may have hurt my feelers and I don't know if I want to watch anymore....

























Just messing. Looks good keep moving forward.
 
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