Thread: any ideas on how to build ute lid

If you've done Glassing before, then you know you'll need to start by making a mould.

Otherwise, I'd be making a frame, maybe 25mm SHS, with particular attention to strengthening the mounting points for the hinges, gas struts and locks. I'd also look at making the frame slightly convex so that water didn't pool in the middle. And then clad the frame in what you want. Zinc sheet would be cost effective, but easily dented. Steel sheet would be much stronger, but heavier and would need to be well protected from rust. Aluminium sheet wouldn't rust, but would be on the expensive side. I have seen one on a 4WD forum that clad the top in 5mm Marine Ply, and then had it vinyl wrapped.

thanks Yonnee

any ideas which site had the plywood top, sounds easy and cheapish,

The utelids on my two Rodeo's are an aluminium frame, with that security door mesh in it, and then skinned in tonneu material.

Gaza,
you're a chippy. Make it in light ply and timber battens (planed to make an arc so the top sheds water) and give it a layer or two of glass. I'm a fair hand with a welder (steel or ally) but I reckon I'd go ply and glass and get it built in less time.

Mick

Originally Posted by journeyman Mick

Gaza,
you're a chippy. Make it in light ply and timber battens (planed to make an arc so the top sheds water) and give it a layer or two of glass. I'm a fair hand with a welder (steel or ally) but I reckon I'd go ply and glass and get it built in less time.

Mick

cheers mick,

might get a sheet of 12mm ply and a couple of 3mm, then glue them up making it step up in the center to 18mm, plan off the edges,

wrap with glass, few coats on top and one on the bottom, then bog top smooth and spray,

stick marine carpet on bottom with RHS edge to stop it being lift open.