Gladiator Expedition Rigs

[Mules]

You guys are pointing me in an interesting direction. Color matched Raptor Liner or Monstaliner on a Jeep Hardtop looks pretty cool.

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[Jaxmax]

There are several things I know.
1.) Jeeps look cool with different color tops, your camper can be any color, and not matching the removable panels really would not look bad.
2.) The professional matching or unmatchable paint will look the best to you, and you know it.
3.) There is merit to the liner sprays though.
4.) You have amazed us all with your ability, and tackling everything, I know you can paint it yourself with whatever you decide. How scratched up do you think you will really get it? Perhaps the professional paint is way to go.
5.) I also now have concerns about the boat statement and am eagerly awaiting a picture of camper top floating upside down in a pond with outboard mounted in rear hatch area!

In the end my friend take all the comments and advice and get it done as you want….Jack

 

[Mules]

There are several things I know.
1.) Jeeps look cool with different color tops, your camper can be any color, and not matching the removable panels really would not look bad.
2.) The professional matching or unmatchable paint will look the best to you, and you know it.
3.) There is merit to the liner sprays though.
4.) You have amazed us all with your ability, and tackling everything, I know you can paint it yourself with whatever you decide. How scratched up do you think you will really get it? Perhaps the professional paint is way to go.
5.) I also now have concerns about the boat statement and am eagerly awaiting a picture of camper top floating upside down in a pond with outboard mounted in rear hatch area!

In the end my friend take all the comments and advice and get it done as you want….Jack

I'm a bit torn on which way I'll go. I still love the OEM matching paint, but a big kick is doing it myself. I ordered 68 color samples from Monstaliner. I'm not sure if the color will match good enough for me, but I'll check it out.

 

[Mules]

Here's a nice video on bed lining a Jeep top.

 

[Mules]

Another video about bed lining the ceiling of a hardtop. Looks pretty nice.

 

[Mules]

Time to black out the window border. Mark the border, cut the film off, and spray paint light coats on the border. Sounds easy enough, hope it works. Waiting for first coat to dry.

Second coat.

 

[Mules]

Peeled the top film and waiting to dry. I’ve got a little cleanup alone the edge.

 

[Mules]

I think it came out pretty good. Can't wait to see the hatchback put together. I still have to design the strut system for it.

 

[Mules]

I used a flat black for the boarder. It comes off as gloss from the outside of the vehicle and flat on the inside. I have one scratch in the paint, but the bottom edge seems to hide it. I won't lie, the hatch had me stressed out, but it looks like it's going to work. What do you think?

 

[A 2]

Looking great!

 

[Jaxmax]

Mule, you asked what everyone thinks, I guess I have to be the one to break the news to you, it doesn’t look good, sorry someone had to say it!
Please paint it Hydro blue and I’ll swing by to take that mess off your hands…..Jack

 

[FitfulGoat]

Turned out great!

 

[Mules]

Spent all morning researching the struts. They're on order!

 

[Mules]

While I'm waiting for more parts to come in, I'm thinking about another challenge, the bed platform. Any experience you guys have is appreciated. The two options I'm thinking about are as follows:

First option is (3) 48"x 25" x 3/4" AC plywood. I can take these planks down and get them out of the way, so I can walk around. It will also allow plenty of headroom when pop top is not up. Will these be strong enough to span a 4' gap without additional support?

Second option is (1) 48" x 75" x 3/4" AC plywood. It would be hinged at the front, with pneumatic struts to push up, when not needed. I think this will be strong enough to span the gap. Maybe I need a front 1x4 to support the front edge. It will also be fast and easy to access. Downside is it will have less headroom when pop top is down.

Both would rest on a 1 1/2" x 1/8" aluminum angle on the sides.

What do you guys think/recommend?

 

[FitfulGoat]

While I'm waiting for more parts to come in, I'm thinking about another challenge, the bed platform. Any experience you guys have is appreciated. The two options I'm thinking about are as follows:

First option is (3) 48"x 25" x 3/4" AC plywood. I can take these planks down and get them out of the way, so I can walk around. It will also allow plenty of headroom when pop top is not up. Will these be strong enough to span a 4' gap without additional support?

Second option is (1) 48" x 75" x 3/4" AC plywood. It would be hinged at the front, with pneumatic struts to push up, when not needed. I think this will be strong enough to span the gap. Maybe I need a front 1x4 to support the front edge. It will also be fast and easy to access. Downside is it will have less headroom when pop top is down.

Both would rest on a 1 1/2" x 1/8" aluminum angle on the sides.

What do you guys think/recommend?

I would think 3/4” would hold plenty of weight without sagging. How much weight are you anticipating it needing to support?

I would also ask @SloW8 what they used with their pop up camper.

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