Interest in HDPE (plastic) tailgate cover

[SHAGGY101]

Wow, great ideas guys! I was not aware that it would be that slippery. I'll make a prototype and post it up. I am still waiting on the material. I am guessing I'll have it done in 2-3 weeks but we'll see. Any other suggested cut outs?

 

[SHAGGY101]

100% want one:

?

Maybe:

1LoudLX
2000UZJ
3D FJ

 

[nakman]

Any other suggested cut outs?

How about a little secret (or not so secret) panel? Not trying to replace the functionality of Wagon Gear storage by any means, but how about one or two cut-outs that could be unbolted, so you could have a little long-term storage for items like coil packs, headlight bulbs, spare belts, other stuff you want to have along but don't expect to need to get at more than once a year or so, and don't want taking up more readily-accessible storage space.

 

[3D FJ]

You've caught my interest but i'd like to see what the final product is first after all the brainstorming that goes on.

 

[SHAGGY101]

I was looking for more plug and play installs. Judging by the reaction to the wagon gear tailgate, most users don't want to cut into their tailgate for an install, they just want to take the old tailgate cover off and install a new one. Good idea, but that would require much more fitment and parts.

 

[bamabrock]

what other materials would make for a good cover to reduce costs? Could low profile bolts be used instead of countersinking the bolts to save costs be worth it? I'd love to do this because my stock carpet cover is barely hanging on and is a piss poor design IMO.

 

[TrekboxX]

Another idea. I used a 1/8 inch sheet of black abs. Drilled holes similar to the existing particle board I removed. Used the existing fasteners and then glued heavy duty truck bedmat material to it. Very durable and washable, and stuff doesn't slide off. 80 bucks for a bed mat (without the wheelwell cutouts) was enough to cover the tailgate and entire cargo area.

 

[SupraTuRD]

I don't think the plastic flap would work with the 1/2" thickness. 1/4" might work... and prices could be kept reasonable.

 

[bamabrock]

Another idea. I used a 1/8 inch sheet of black abs. Drilled holes similar to the existing particle board I removed. Used the existing fasteners and then glued heavy duty truck bedmat material to it. Very durable and washable, and stuff doesn't slide off. 80 bucks for a bed mat (without the wheelwell cutouts) was enough to cover the tailgate and entire cargo area.

Pics?

 

[TrekboxX]

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii574/1407driver/6c1b52bcd9657a4c5c4aac2c2283fd11.jpg


Hope that worked. Never posted pics before....

Trying again

Sorry, no pics of in progress...

 

[bamabrock]

looks good.

 

[Manhattan]

[/QUOTE]

^That^ looks perfect! The cargo area too.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

^That^ looks perfect! The cargo area too.

I agree!

 

[barrypt5]

Water-jet is way overkill...I think you could use a router...there is a shop that does this stuff close to where i work...could get a second opinion

http://powerplasticscorp.com/home.html

I have not worked with these guys before so anyone can feel free to call too.

barrypt5

 

[TrekboxX]

Thanks, guys. If you go this route, I would recommend new fasteners. The rubber is heavy enough if you slam the gate too hard one pops loose. No biggie, you just slap the mat back in, but if you are OCD like me...

Oh, and carpet tape will not hold it to the plastic in the heat. Tried that first. No bueno

 

[TrekboxX]

Here is an overall of the cargo area with sleeping/ cargo platform. I'm bummed I didn't get to use it. Wife got pregnant and also had a major surgery, so we stayed in cushy hotels on our outings. I really enjoy the platform. You just pop the hatch and throw your stuff in. No need to drop the gate most times.

Legs and floor pad stow underneath

 

[bamabrock]

Here is an overall of the cargo area with sleeping/ cargo platform. I'm bummed I didn't get to use it. Wife got pregnant and also had a major surgery, so we stayed in cushy hotels on our outings. I really enjoy the platform. You just pop the hatch and throw your stuff in. No need to drop the gate most times.

Legs and floor pad stow underneath

Might be time for you to do a writeup with measurements and plenty of photos so we can steal your ideas

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Might be time for you to do a writeup with measurements and plenty of photos so we can steal your ideas

x2. That is pretty much exactly what I had planned in my head

 

[jonharis]

Pics?

Hope that worked. Never posted pics before....

Trying again
]
Sorry, no pics of in progress...

looks good.

^That^ looks perfect! The cargo area too.

I agree!

Water-jet is way overkill...I think you could use a router...there is a shop that does this stuff close to where i work...could get a second opinion

http://powerplasticscorp.com/home.html

I have not worked with these guys before so anyone can feel free to call too.

barrypt5

Thanks, guys. If you go this route, I would recommend new fasteners. The rubber is heavy enough if you slam the gate too hard one pops loose. No biggie, you just slap the mat back in, but if you are OCD like me...

Oh, and carpet tape will not hold it to the plastic in the heat. Tried that first. No bueno

Here is an overall of the cargo area with sleeping/ cargo platform. I'm bummed I didn't get to use it. Wife got pregnant and also had a major surgery, so we stayed in cushy hotels on our outings. I really enjoy the platform. You just pop the hatch and throw your stuff in. No need to drop the gate most times.


Legs and floor pad stow underneath

Might be time for you to do a writeup with measurements and plenty of photos so we can steal your ideas

x2. That is pretty much exactly what I had planned in my head

Nice Thread Hijack

WTF?

 

[TrekboxX]

OMG- what have I done? So sorry. Punishable by guillotine, I'm sure...

Sorry, but I was trying to stay on topic by saying that there are others ways than paying 300+ dollars for a plastic tailgate cover. For that price you could buy the materials, plunge router, and bits to make it yourself. My mistake.