Operation "Cheap topper": Warning... this is in process...

[Sunnysideup]

I have decided to try and modify a smashed and broken 1970's topper into something that fits a 2020 Gladiator. I am doing a ton of things that may or may not work. This is an experiment.

TO start: I bought a topper from a 1970's ? that had been used as a dog house, trampoline, greehouse, and came into my state from Oregon in the 80's. The front and rear windows were intact ... but the back had been caved in. Of the 6 side windows (two glass and 4 bubble plastic...lol)... only one remained. However the price was (haul it off and its yours)... but I gave 20 bucks. That was my starting cost.

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[Sunnysideup]

The lower picture is after I bent it back into shape. The rear door was broken around it and a crossbar had a broken weld. I patched it. Got all the windows cleaned and shortened it with a sawzall... I then added several sections to strengthen it. the door works great now, window slide in the front (you could not see out of them at first) and the parts from one side window fixed the other one... so I have one opening side window. Since then I added wiring and foam, braces, and a rotopax holder that will hold the 4.5 gallon large gas tank.

 

[Sunnysideup]

The next stages are HDPE black textured siding (a plastic skid plate material), A 800lb rated ladder rack, and a few surprizes. I'm waiting for parts... but hopefully everything will come in over the next two weeks. The width is perfect... the length is now perfect but is was over a foot longer than the bed I have. When I'm done...it should be enclosed, and have the ability to mount RTT or Cargo basket, or use as a utility rack 2 inches above the roof. I went with white HDPE board for the roof! With the parts ordered I will have about 550 into the project when complete.

 

[FitfulGoat]

Following progress on this one. Love these types of projects.

best of luck!

 

[sdk131]

Nice! I am building a plywood and 2x4 topper right now. Final coat of paint is going on this afternoon. Not everyones cup of tea I am sure....but in my case it will only be installed/used when needed (maybe 4x per year) and at a total cost of $200 all in (mostly the crazy expensive plywood....I had scraps for almost all of the rest). I like the look of an open bed better, and just could not justify the high cost of a new topper (I shopped craigslist and facebook for awhile but nothing was popping up that even looked clsose to fitting).

 

[dcmdon]

Reminds me of George Washington's axe.

New head, handle replaced twice.

Will there be any topper left when you are done? Ha. Nice work.

 

[Sunnysideup]

Reminds me of George Washington's axe.

New head, handle replaced twice.

Will there be any topper left when you are done? Ha. Nice work.

I think it had seen its better days 20 years ago... lol. The "bones" are still there! ...and a couple of windows! I had looked at buying camper windows... just in windows I would have spent more than half of the money invested that I will spend on the whole project doing it this way!

 

[Sunnysideup]

The frame should be able to hold the HDPE board... other than the broken spots that I repaired it looks like new. The board will strengthen the frame... but all of the weight will be on the ladder rack for any heavy cargo. I'm going to sink button heads into the plastic a bit -drill through the frame and do some locknuts. I will have the HDPE pieces silicone glued to the side as well... bolts and glue... should be vibration proof! I choose HDPE because it is the same color all the way through...scratches have no paint to remove, so it should hide everything well. I figure if they use the stuff for skid plates...it should take some abuse!

 

[Sunnysideup]

Nice! I am building a plywood and 2x4 topper right now. Final coat of paint is going on this afternoon. Not everyones cup of tea I am sure....but in my case it will only be installed/used when needed (maybe 4x per year) and at a total cost of $200 all in (mostly the crazy expensive plywood....I had scraps for almost all of the rest). I like the look of an open bed better, and just could not justify the high cost of a new topper (I shopped craigslist and facebook for awhile but nothing was popping up that even looked clsose to fitting).

I would love to see the pics! My father in law did one out of plywood for his dodge years ago... it was super cool!

 

[Sunnysideup]

Some test fitting pics as I move along. Waiting for siding !

 

[Blade1668]

Nice project, sounds like you've got it figured out. I went through about all the options for mine. I've had aluminum toppers and fiberglass on in past sounds like your custom one will be better than aluminum or fiberglass when your done.

 

[Sunnysideup]

More progress... waiting for some more parts to finish it... most all is drilled and ready to go!

 

[Sunnysideup]

I have A molle panel being made that will go on the inside roof, using the bolt studs that are sticking down from the top. On the right is a 54inch high-lift jack mount set and ready to mount. The black panels are in for the sides... and all the holes are now drilled... but there is the trim piece that I'm waiting for that is for joining the top and the sides. I got the wiring hooked up with quick disconnects so the top can be lifted off. There are 4 more clamps coming which will bring the total to to 10. The top is white, but it allows a lot of light through. Back door seals now to the cap, and the lock works! I have a few more things coming... The panels match the hard top perfect.

 

[Sunnysideup]

90% DONE!

 

[A 2]

Heck ya! Following.

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