How-to: Build your own roll-up bed cover

I wanted to go ahead and get this thread started..

The Problem: I have a headache rack and Toyota toolbox in the bed of my DCLB. I have a long trip coming up and I didn't want my gear to get wet as we drive up the East Coast.
Other Problem: I haven't found a company who makes a bed cover that is the dimension I need (to incorporate the gap from the headache rack, AND the toolbox.

Solution: Use marine grade canvas and snaps to cover the bed. I have ordered the canvas and will receive it today. I plan to stitch a 2" seam around the perimeter, then press in canvas snaps (screw in the mate to the bed rail).

I plan to fully document this process--if it goes as smoothly as I expect, the total cost should be less than $50.

Check back and see, I hope to have it finished by the weekend!

 

I will be looking for it, good luck.

 

Picked up the cover. I got 5'x8' of heavy duty marine canvas for $20.

I measured my bed at 46"x57" of open space from toolbox to tailgate. I made a line at that dimension, then made another line 2" out for the fold.
Next, I used my shears to cut the pattern.

Then it was sewing time!



Then after stiching the lines, it's ready for the buttons. Stay tuned tomorrow for the installation of rivets.

 

Sub'd

 

Got the snaps pressed in this morning. Hope to get the male attachments intot he bed caps this afternoon.

 

Sub'd as well...

 

I'm interested to see how this works too. I've had to "customize" an Extang roll up cover w/ snaps/rails to fit my long bed due to a custom rack set-up I've made getting in the way. Are you planning to try to add any bows to the system.....so water, etc. will run off the sides and not puddle?

 

sub'd, looks good so far

 

X2

 

So far, I haven't planned for any of that. The original idea was to have something that could easily snap on to protect against rain while in transit...I don't plan to keep this on full time.

However, I may stick in fiberglass batons for some shape after I get it mounted up. Let me get the male snaps mounted to the bed rail; this evening, and we can go from there.

I may even be interested in selling these if it sparks enough interest.

 

Don't forget to use some seam sealer on those stitches.

http://www.rockywoods.com/Hardware-.../MELCO-Seam-sealing-tape-for-neoprene-fabrics

 

Good point! I was going to iron on an aquaseal/smash kit

 

And the snaps are in!

 

The corner snaps have not been attached yet because I ran out of snaps...it'll get pulled tight and I'll add some batons for shape.

 

Looks good so far!!

 

Sub'd!!

 

Ordered a baton stock to put in for some shape. Should have it tomorrow! It looks great, works well, and keeps the sun off the stuff in the back too!

 

Looks great so far, specialy for the price.


Wear did you learn how to sew? I can sew by hand, but haven't mastered the sewing machine. I always break the needle.

 

Thanks! Sewing machines are pretty easy to use...especially when they're industrial. I work in a sailing shop, so one of our riggers showed me how to use it, then I just taught myself.