A more conventioanal box?

[speedy67]

First I've seen one like this? I take it that it's an optional (extra cost) item; Therefore not so common?

http://www.vicustomcarimports.com/assets/images/stock/081/front.jpg

(I guess it won't correct spelling in the original title??? My bad!!)

[Wolfman]

I wouldn't want that. Being able to remove the bedsides was one of the selling points.

[Colin]

Yeah, for sure.

[speedy67]

I kinda like the smoother look along the bottom of the sides. But I agree, the ability to load over the side and remove them altogether is a bonus!!

[Colin]

I've seen some side skirts which cover the gap below the box sides. They were installed on a truck with the standard folding-side box. Probably does wonders for aerodynamics... but then again, that's kind of polishing a turd.

Colin

[Colin]

By the way, there are an epic number of sports cars behind that truck in the picture. I spy a Supra, Subaru STi, at least one Silvia... oh boy. :D

[toyhog]

I'll take a bed like that for my next (show) truck!

[JRinTX]

Toyhog,

Can you give us a little info on the bed cover on your truck in your avatar. A few pics, inside and out would be nice. And a brief description of how it is built. What size tarp, etc.

I really like it and have considered building one for my Suzuki.

Thanks!

[toyhog]

took the headache rack off and held a piece of 3/4 in. Advantech up against the back of the cab , sitting on the top of the bed, then traced the contour of the cab onto the Advantech. Cut that one really good, then use it as a template to cut out the other three with a router to save time. I used cedar to connect the skeleton together with dado joints. then used an 8X10 tarp over the top, and 1/21n. alloy strap from Lowes with self drilling screws to hold the tarp to the skeleton. Also used construction adhisive where the strap screwd on. Then trimmed the tarp to fit. It is very light weight. I can get under it when it is on the ground, and just stand up with it, and slide it on the bed. It is held on with velcro straps through eyelets in the topper.
I'm glad you like it. Now i'll see if I can figure out how to get the pictures on here? May have to PM them to you? I'm not a computer techy.

OK, keep getting errors when I try to upload pics? I'll try to figure out how to get them into the gallery or something

[JRinTX]

Thanks Toyhog!

That is great! I am thinking about a steel frame, bent from rigid, galvanized conduit. But the wooden shell looks great, very nice job. Now I may change my mind on how to build mine....:)

[toyhog]

Thanks Toyhog!

That is great! I am thinking about a steel frame, bent from rigid, galvanized conduit. But the wooden shell looks great, very nice job. Now I may change my mind on how to build mine....:)

The advantech and cedar is weather resistant, and VERY rigid. I thought about conduit when I started mine, but I have woodworking tools, and it requires less thought for me to connect wood together. Ha,Ha!!!

[toyhog]

Another good use for the bed cover is removing leaves. I live in an area infested with oak trees. With the cover on, I can pack the bed full all the way to the top of the cover and don't loose any during transport. Then I just grab the bed mat, and slide all the leaves off onto the ground, then put the bed mat back in.

[canoebuildah]

Another good use for the bed cover is removing leaves. I live in an area infested with oak trees. With the cover on, I can pack the bed full all the way to the top of the cover and don't loose any during transport. Then I just grab the bed mat, and slide all the leaves off onto the ground, then put the bed mat back in.

Check out this leaf hauler:

http://www.eastcoastminiclassics.com/galleries/Utility4x4Trucks/LargeIMG_0259.JPG

It has a factory dump on it so you can empty the leaves from inside the cab. I bought my truck from this dealer and we already have the Billy Goat leaf vacuum so we are going to rig up something similar in the spring.

[toyhog]

Like the tires on that vac truck. Thats a wicked lookin leaf remover.

[canoebuildah]

Like the tires on that vac truck. Thats a wicked lookin leaf remover.

The Billy Goat leaf vac has a 13hp Honda engine that sucks up rocks the size of golf balls. Luckily they don't get sucked into the machine -- they rattle around inside the intake hose that you have to empty periodically. I have to maintain almost four miles of gravel roads and that machine makes it a lot easier. In the past, we either put the leaf vac in the bed of a small truck or towed on a small utility trailer. Having it on minitruck will be much cleaner and we'll be able to get into areas that the larger truck or trailer couldn't get into.

I'll let you know how it goes in the spring when it comes time for cleanup.

[toyhog]

I really wanted a dumper, probably a good thing I didn't end up with one though. If I start setting down while working "outside" I will never get any exersize. Next thing I know I'll be callin for the jaws of life to come cut me out of my truck.

[speedy67]

Toyhog, looking at your tires....are they backwards for stealth?

http://www.minitrucktalk.com/galleries/data/500/medium/100_07721.JPG

http://www.minitrucktalk.com/galleries/data/500/medium/6.JPG

Just swap sides and they'll be correct.

[myhijet]

I have been told by front wheel assist tractor/loader owners that the front tires wear better when installed in reverse.

[toyhog]

Wear better, ride better, and handle better. Still have more traction than I need. Probably a personal prefrence thing. I had them on both ways. Back and forth. Good catch speedy.

Russ

[speedy67]

Whatever floats your boat!!!

[BigO-L3]

Wear better, ride better, and handle better. Still have more traction than I need. Probably a personal prefrence thing. I had them on both ways. Back and forth. Good catch speedy.

RussWhat make, size of tire is that. Is that stock wheels? Does it require any lift? Do they give fair 'flotation"?

[Don-in-Japan]

Never saw this thread until way late. My Suzuki has the same fixed sides as the one shown. They are not too common.. in my area at least. The sides are a hassle sometimes, but I think looks a little more streamlined.