Budget Soft Top Canopy

[45Kevin]

I've been wanting a canopy for my truck since I got it. Plans for it have been forming in my head for years, and I recently found a 9'6" x 11'6" brown canvas tarp at the Princess Auto that finally prompted me to move on this.

The tarp was $120 and the supports are 1/2" metal electrical conduit, EMT, for $6 per 10' length. I used hose clamps to hold the supports to my tree sliders.

So far it is looking fairly good. I'll just fold the extra around the front and the back until I can figure a way to sew the corners to form fit the head ache rack and at the back. I have some do it yourself canvas grommets I'll add as well as the tarp only has a few. I'll hold it down using cord and the factory hooks.

I have it angled at the back in hopes of it not collecting so much road dust and debris.

I welcome comments and ideas to improve it.

 

[45Kevin]

It's a little loose right now but once a get the grommets in it should snug up nicely.

 

[73fj]

I like it, your high pressure zip tie licence plate holders are doing it for me too . I've been thinking about pretty much the same thing....the canvas, not the zip ties.

 

[45Kevin]

I like it, your high pressure zip tie licence plate holders are doing it for me too . I've been thinking about pretty much the same thing....the canvas, not the zip ties.

Uhm yeah, the zip ties.

Well, they need to go. I will have to relocate the plate. I'll figure it out today. The stock place is under the frame on the PS. I don't really want to put it there as it gets trashed, and probably ripped off, off road.

 

[landcrusher909]

Looking really good, I really like the tarp was it already preformed like that or did you do some sewing ? Looks like everything is coming together on your end I just have a few mods to finish this week and I will be on the road

 

[45Kevin]

It was a standard rectangle 10x12 tarp which after the edges are doubles up to make a seam, is about 9'6 x 11'6. I built the supports so that the edges would be right at the top of the box. The front corners are folded in between the cab and the box and the back corners are folded inside so the flap looks square. I am expecting the tarp to keep water out of the box even when I am barreling down the highway at a breath taking 55 mph.

I added a grommet ever 6" so it snugs down quite well. It still needs some tweaking though. It my new BTT (bed top tent).
Still haven't got to the knuckles, but I got my HAM antenna mounted on the front PS apron (you can see it in the PS side pick) and fixed the non-locking DS door.

Unlike you, I still have next Saturday and Sunday.

 

[45Kevin]

I think I have it dialed in now. I had it on the highway and didn't flap too much.
The canvas leaked like cheese cloth the other night when it rained so I sprayed a couple of cans of waterproofing on it. We'll see.

And the new tires and rims are on now. Ready for a road trip. I'll post some better pics from that.

 

[arnott1t]

Those tires look a little aggressive for your liking too....

Looks awesome Kev!

 

[73fj]

Looks good man.