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Thread: Ideas for ute 1/2 canopy
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20th Aug 2013, 03:58 PM #1Intermediate Member
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Ideas for ute 1/2 canopy
Hi Everyone,
I am thinking about making a half canopy for my single cab ute. I had a look around at buying one already made and while there are some good ones out there I just can't at the moment justify the $1,000 price tag to buy one.
I was thinking something that I can throw things in to keep them a bit more secure. and to put an esky/fridge in for camping. Something similar to the picture below.
I would want to make it a little smaller thought, keep the height the same as the cab, and for it to still sit behind the tray sides. Although this could be annoying if things in the back are tied down, as you couldn't then get into it without untying ropes etc.. but I'll work on that idea.
So back to the design. I have a good welder and am capable of sticking steel together, but can't do alloy at the moment.
Materials;
Frame: 25x25x2mm Alloy; or same size steel
Sheet: 2mm flat alloy
I would like to keep the weight down, so was going to do alloy frame, get someone to weld the frame together and then I could sheet the outside by pop riveting the sheets to the frame.
The other option is for me to weld a similar size steel SHS and then do the same as above.
So what the general consensus of my learned fellows, are the sizes enough for it to be durable?
I guess one advantage of a steel frame is I could include some reinforcing on the back wall to bolt on fuel can/spare tyre brackets...
Also, I am having trouble trying to work out the best way of ensuring the doors are weather tight. I guess I could shape up some alloy angle and have someone weld it in. then I could stick some rubber strip on it to keep the weather out?
When I pop rivet the sheet on, I was thinking about sticking it all on with silastic first to hold it in place and help seal it. Then use 25x25x1.6mm angle and pop rivet through this to neaten up the edges. Over kill?
Just a bit worried it may all end up looking a bit jerry built
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20th Aug 2013, 06:04 PM #2
If you're going to pay someone to weld all the aluminium together, the labour costs aren't going to be much different from buying a ready-made one. If your welding skills are any good, you could fabricate it yourself from 25mm SHS Duragal.
Also, doing it yourself allows you to make changes as you build it, or even afterwards, but getting an alloy frame made requires you to know exactly how you want it at the start.Too many projects, so little time, even less money!Are you a registered member? Why not? click here to register. It's free and only takes 37 seconds! Doing work around the home? Wander over to our sister site, Renovate Forum, for all your renovation queries.
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20th Aug 2013, 07:40 PM #3Most Valued Member
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Hi, I would make the frame out of steel as any one can weld it, if there is a problem. Cladding it in mesh makes it very secure particularly if 50X50 is used, then have a canvas cover made for it, zips on the sides for the door. Nice and tidy and weather proof. Doesn't matter if it looks Jerry built as the canvas will cover it.
As Yonee said getting someone to fabricate it from ally or sheet will cost as much for a ready made, if not more, the biggest problem is weather proofing, a lot of extra folds in sheet metal is involved, been there and done that.
Kryn
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21st Aug 2013, 02:51 PM #4Intermediate Member
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Thanks for the feed back Yonnee & Kyrn,
The steel frame with mesh/canvas is definitely an idea to consider.
As mentioned it may end up being quite expensive to get someone else to weld up the ally frame.
I had wanted to keep it light as I will need to be able to maneuver it on/off, on my own.
I often see boxes for sale locally, that run lengthways along the tray. Maybe I might be better off just grabbing one of these.
Although they are quite a bit smaller.
Anyone used one and can provide comment on functionality? Does it tend to weigh down one side too much?
I guess the benefit of one of these boxes is that you still have the full length of the tray down one side.
Had a quick look on evilbay and some boxes can be picked up cheap.. made in China I guess but at around $4-600 for a box such as the ones below it sounds ok.
Anyone have opinions good/bad on these types of boxes?
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22nd Aug 2013, 05:56 PM #5Senior Member
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If you're looking at $4-600 for an alloy half box save a few more pennies and buy a proper ute back.
$600 to $1,000 isn't a lot and the difference in what you get is a whole lot more.
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22nd Aug 2013, 09:37 PM #6Most Valued Member
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Those boxes will leak like a sieve and will not be easy to seal due to their design. Having said that, you will not get a cheaper box than the chinese built versions. You do get what you pay for though and often seams are not actually welded and the carcase is very light material
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22nd Aug 2013, 10:09 PM #7
FYI if you don't already know.
The canopy / tray in the picture in the first post is made by Bosston. My previous work vehicle was a Rodeo crew cab with a Bosston canopy. From what I recall, the canopy cost around $10000 new.
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22nd Aug 2013, 10:45 PM #8
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24th Aug 2013, 08:42 PM #9Most Valued Member
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24th Aug 2013, 10:30 PM #10Most Valued Member
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Hi monkeyrelish, do you have access to a sheet metal folder?
If you could to get to Murray Bridge, I could help design your canopy, if you want, as I have experience doing several units similar to what you are looking for, no frame work involved just folded sheet metal.
Send me a PM if you want to go ahead with it.
Kryn
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26th Aug 2013, 04:47 PM #11Intermediate Member
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- Sep 2007
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- Adelaide
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Hi Kryn,
Thanks very much for the offer. Unfortunately I am in QLD now(haven't updated my profile) and am looking for the ute box for the trip back to SA.
I think at this stage I am going to save a bit more cash then buy a decent one.
Thanks everyone for your input.
Cheers
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