Low-cost / Free mods that should be done?
04-29-2015, 07:43 AM
#4421
JK Junkie
looks good but
Just finished up my "Jeep Deck" to cover the cargo area of my JKU. I used particle board that I stole from my dad ($0), some Rustoleum bed liner ($22), angle iron from Lowe's ($20), and some bolts laying around the shop ($0). It works great for storing lighter weight gear but I also built an I beam brace underneath to support the center. Attachment 608273 Attachment 608274
Particle board will not keep its integrity long it swells warps and so on . Im not sure if bedliner prevents the moisture absortion ? what will prevent water and dirt from entering around pillars?
04-29-2015, 08:29 PM
#4423
JK Freak
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tulsa, OK
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Here is the one I built for my wifes 2013 JKUR. I did put in an upright piece behind the seats that is connected to the flat deck with L- brackets. With the doors off it can basically only be accessed with the key remote since the door lock switchs are on the doors. Plus it sits between some floor bolts for the seats and a small lip so it would be near impossible to pry out from underneath. It is 4 pieces cut from a single sheet of 3/4" plywood and covered in automotive carpeting that I wrapped and stapled neatly underneath. It keeps our sub steup and cargo pretty secure. We run a bestop sailcloth soft top so it works perect top on or off. Total I think I dropped about $80 on wood, carpet, and hardware, and 2-3 hours work including making a cardboard pattern. The trickiest part was the radius on the piece that seals up to the tailgate. I plan to make a steel brace using 1/4" plate and some uprights to support the center from underneath, and eventually wire in a light that will activate with door opening. Right now it just has a battery powered LED bar on velcro. I will also prob mount a small metal cargo basket and our Hi Lift on it when I get it supported from underneath. Makes the Bass sound pretty good as an added bonus!
04-29-2015, 08:35 PM
#4424
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Yes, I did consider it not lasting years but we'll see how this one fares. Nothing prevents water from entering through the gap between the deck and the roll bars (I don't see why that would matter anyways) but this deck will only see moisture if I get caught in a freak storm since the jeep sits in a barn while I'm not driving it on nice days. Im fairly confident in the bed liner acting as a weather barrier, but you may be right! I'm thinking about shaving the edges so the deck will fit inside of my hardtop and then it'll really be protected.
04-30-2015, 04:53 AM
#4427
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Frederick, MD
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This is the most depressing comment..if you can't do it check out Jeep droptopz on fb. I just picked up mine from them. It would not have been that hard to do but the price wasn't too much higher than potential materials. If you want to attempt it make a cardboard template and buy a cheap jigsaw from sears or harbor freight for ~$20-30 and go to town
04-30-2015, 05:12 PM
#4428
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Just like MD Roots said ^ get some cardboard and some scissors or a knife, make a template, then get some wood at Lowes! I used a jig and skill saw but you could do it all with a cheap jig. If you don't like it then start over or buy one that's pre-made. It just takes patience and a lot of sand paper!
05-01-2015, 04:19 AM
#4429
JK Newbie
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Baltimore, Ontario
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05-01-2015, 05:05 AM
#4430
JK Junkie
Yes, I did consider it not lasting years but we'll see how this one fares. Nothing prevents water from entering through the gap between the deck and the roll bars (I don't see why that would matter anyways) but this deck will only see moisture if I get caught in a freak storm since the jeep sits in a barn while I'm not driving it on nice days. Im fairly confident in the bed liner acting as a weather barrier, but you may be right! I'm thinking about shaving the edges so the deck will fit inside of my hardtop and then it'll really be protected.