48 feet of 1/2" for the topper, pics

[photogod]

Started the welding project for the topper tonight and finished the frame. I used 1/2" 16 ga square tube and bent it by hand using a jig I made from a 2x8 and the groves in the cast iron plate on my drill press. Took me a long time to bend the stuff and pound the bajesus out of it to get it to form the radius of the wood. Not quite perfect but I got all five within an 1/8" of right on. I'm planning on hinging it all along the front and using gas struts for the hold open. Haven't decided what to cover it with yey. Maybe 18ga sheet steel, have a canvas made or a couple sheets of marine Luan with West epoxy. Have to give it some thought. I like the Luan idea but I don't want to look like a Hippy.

Started using CO2 and Argon in the welder also and I am kicking myself for not having done it sooner. I couldn't beleive the difference in the ease of drawing a good bead and the neatness of the welds. Huge difference. Never look back. Give me your thoughts

 

[sirenmoses]

Beautimus!!

I vote for the steel -- security dontcha know? If that doesn't matter, then marine grade vinyl, like boat covers?

What's w/ the plywood flooring? Just nosy.

Great job!

 

[davegonz]

Very nice Photogod...I take it you are going to use the curved sections of the top for storage? Maybe use some netting?

I also vote for the thin gage sheetmetal lid.

 

[photogod]

Beautimus!!

I vote for the steel -- security dontcha know? If that doesn't matter, then marine grade vinyl, like boat covers?

What's w/ the plywood flooring? Just nosy.

Great job!

Ply is there so I don't totally bash the floor sliding things in and out. It just sits there and is easy to take out. I got tired of it sitting against the wall in the garage so I tossed it in there for the winter.

 

[photogod]

Very nice Photogod...I take it you are going to use the curved sections of the top for storage? Maybe use some netting?

I also vote for the thin gage sheetmetal lid.

Storage for sure in the top. Folding chairs and slat tables are going in there. Everything in the trailer will be camp kitchen related so I will be able to pull into camp and open her up and start cooking. I have to find a spot for the kegerator!

 

[cbmontgo]

That really looks cool! Good work.

 

[sirenmoses]

Kegerator goes on the tongue: beer before opening trailer!! Tap stays in rig to prevent opportunistic imbibing. Tell the cops it's a water tank...

 

[e9999]

nice as usual!

(why not a flat top for easier storage on top, or was that too easy? )

 

[spressomon]

nice as usual!

(why not a flat top for easier storage on top, or was that too easy? )

Same question: The flat bar stock found at the base of each radius will limit the height of whatever you are putting inside the box anyway...maybe I just can't see the 'big' picture. By the way: It looks nice/different...but if you are planning to carry a tent atop the radiused top...

 

[photogod]

nice as usual!

(why not a flat top for easier storage on top, or was that too easy? )

I was thinking of putting a flat or a very shallow peak on top but I liked the retro look of a rounded top and I will not have a tent to put on top. No dough and I like to sleep in the cruiser or in a big tent with cots outside. I have a kitchen set up that I'm putting inside the trailer with a slide box to put other things in. All my other stuff goes on top of the rig. I really use a trailer very seldome so I really didnt need a top that was really functional. I will prolly find a great deal on a tent now and then I will build another top wit a slight peak to it. This was really easy except for the bending and the tube only cost $24.00 so making a sloped topper will actually be easier because of no arches needed.

And, yes, I needed a project that would tax my abilities. And this did, with no bender. Did it all by eye.

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

Good job Lad, very nice radius by eye. and I assuume the kitchen setup you showed earlier is the one being installed? I have the hinge if you need it, 72 inch alum continuous, no holes drilled. you can always call Jim 818 355 7986

 

[photogod]

Good job Lad, very nice radius by eye. and I assuume the kitchen setup you showed earlier is the one being installed? I have the hinge if you need it, 72 inch alum continuous, no holes drilled. you can always call Jim 818 355 7986

Yes to the kitchen set up. We designed the kitchen to sit in there with 1/4" clearance on the top and 1" on either end.
I would like more info on the hinge. I am puting it on the front end so the back lifts up to access the goods.

firstlightphoto@comcast.net is my email if you want to send info.

Thanks!

PS. Lad indeed! I'm over 50

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

Hey, the lad was only a starter, arent we all over 50, and I will email you with info. Jim

 

[photogod]

Fabtabulous

Most of the welding done except for the gas struts and bolting on the hinge, then to apply some sort of weather seal gasket stuff and we are set. I'm thinking of putting some bondo in the low spots where the weld scars warped the sheet stock a wee bit but it won't take much. I am really happy with the shape and the size. I was a bit unsure at first when I got the arches made but I am happy with the way it turned out. I tried to use .030 on the 20ga but it was just too much for the thin stuff so I went to .025 and , man, did I get some nice beads. .I think the 20ga. CR was the right call. A good compromise for weight and streingth and still easy to work with. The color is off because of the reflection in the metal from the wood in the ceiling. The edges in the photo look really sloppy but that is just the grinder grain. I havent sanded it yet. I wraped the sides around the L channel and that will be the most important lesson for this project. Take the sheet stock to a bender and have good bends put in. That is the weak spot with this project . Live and learn. I'm guessing the weight coomes in at under 60lbs and is easily handled by me alone. I think the gas struts form a Cruiser rear hatch should handle the weight if placed in the proper spots. We shall see as I have two on hand. Let me know what you think.

 

[BC_FJC]

looks good

 

[inthewall]

Looks really good. The snow and rain should run right off. Also you could add a handle to the lid and make a bad a** BBQ

 

[photogod]

I had to clean up my mess after the build and move it outside again. I put three coats of primer and three coats of sealer on last night and left the heat on 75F in the garage all night to really dry it out. I put three heavy tarps on it and secured them good and wheeled it out before the snow started comming down. I really wanted to get the paint on it but I need to decide on a color and the wife needed a space for the 4Runner.. Thanks for the input.

 

[Exiled]

May I suggest a bit of "Cruiserabilia" for the handle? OEM FJ25 passenger side grab handle!:

 

[photogod]

I like the tie in to LC's! Did you paint your trailer your self? Looks great.

 

[Exiled]

Yes, three times! It's a 20-footer!