$150 Flip Pac Build (sort of)

[ntsqd]

I used 3M Marine 5200 Adhesive/Sealant to reseal the shell windows on a previous truck. Worked great and never leaked. Then some bhuttmunch tried to break into the shell by breaking the window. I could not get the 5200 to let go in order to replace the window. I've since been told that a heat gun will get it to release enough that it can be cut. HTH.

 

[red87]

Yesterday I finally got around to cleaning the inside of the Flip Pac the best I could and removed the roof rack and sealed the holes. I would've had those bars off earlier but the bolts had nuts on the inside that I needed a second person to hold for me. So now all I have left to do before I head out is get some fabric glue and fix the two biggest holes in the tent. Thankfully my Febreeze and Lysol attack seems to have eliminated most of the smell inside My crank should be here wednesday so opening and closing the tent will become way easier.

Here's my recently cleaned up roof. The marks you see where the rack was is just dirt and rust from them being there for so long. I waited to clean the outside until I can be sure the sealant is all cured.

 

[Bella PSD]

Looking good! So you were able to save the carpet?

Louie

 

[red87]

I don't think "save" is the word I would use... I'm keeping it for now but it could definitely use some replacing.

 

[red87]

So my crank came today. This of course means I can stop using a push broom to open and close my top :elkgrin: I had to wire brush the splines on the end of the torsion bar to get the crank on and off easily. The first time I tried it out the crank got stuck and required some "persuasion" to remove so I figured it was time to remove some corrosion. I also took a trip down to CYi5s place to finish and pick up my bumper and to add the one mod that makes my truck a legit expedition vehicle.


The almighty crank

Bumper competed with d-ring tabs

And the biggest mod of them all

 

[neverestablished]

Sweet build, wish i could find even a regular shell for that price.

Im right down the street from you, right off victoria, let me know if you need any help since im curious to check out a flip pac in person too.

 

[CYi5]

That crank is larger than expected. Then again, leverage is your friend when twisting that sucker open. Next mod = license plate .

 

[Bella PSD]

Flip Pac has a small rubber cover for the splines on the end of the torsion bar. Helps keep it from rusting. I had the Flip Pac rubber cover for a while, lost it, then used a rubber bottom from a hobby horse toy.

Louie

I had to wire brush the splines on the end of the torsion bar to get the crank on and off easily. The first time I tried it out the crank got stuck and required some "persuasion" to remove so I figured it was time to remove some corrosion.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

I used 3M Marine 5200 Adhesive/Sealant to reseal the shell windows on a previous truck. Worked great and never leaked. Then some bhuttmunch tried to break into the shell by breaking the window. I could not get the 5200 to let go in order to replace the window. I've since been told that a heat gun will get it to release enough that it can be cut. HTH.

When i have to screw somethign into wood that will be under stress.. I coat the threads in 5200... the only bad part is if you ever have to back the screw out... not gunna happen...********

 

[Maryland 110]

I used 3M Marine 5200 Adhesive/Sealant to reseal the shell windows on a previous truck. Worked great and never leaked. Then some bhuttmunch tried to break into the shell by breaking the window. I could not get the 5200 to let go in order to replace the window. I've since been told that a heat gun will get it to release enough that it can be cut. HTH.

Had the same problem with a boat window. There is a product called anti bond. Breaks the 5200 seal in seconds. Most boating places stock it.

 

[ntsqd]

Had the same problem with a boat window. There is a product called anti bond. Breaks the 5200 seal in seconds. Most boating places stock it.

Good to know, Thanks!!

 

[red87]

That crank is larger than expected. Then again, leverage is your friend when twisting that sucker open. Next mod = license plate .

Yeah that crank is surprisingly hefty but it better be for for $90 before shipping. The license plate will be coming soon along with a custom rain fly and a mattress cover.

 

[Bella PSD]

Yeah that crank is surprisingly hefty but it better be for for $90 before shipping. The license plate will be coming soon along with a custom rain fly and a mattress cover.

A bit of advice, my crank has been left ON the torsion bar before and drove away! Also left on the back bumper. One time I left it at home and needed to open up the camper. I now have a rule that it has to remain in the camper when not in use. I am thinking I will paint it bright orange also....:coffeedrink:

I had no idea it was $90:Wow1:

 

[red87]

Haha, I can see myself doing that. I've been keeping it behind my seat in the cab when I'm not using it to avoid such situations. I had to next day air the crank so after shipping it only cost like $15 less than my entire Flip Pac

 

[red87]

Bad news guys, the Flip Pac died last Wednesday. I was opening it to show my friend's dad and the hinge ripped out of the shell. Apparently the sealant had been missing around the hinges long enough for the metal parts inside the shell to completely rust through. I guess its better it broke in my friend's driveway than somewhere in the wild. I called Flip Pac to see how much it would cost to repair and the lady told me $4-500 and I don't think she understood the extent of the damage. That's way out of my budget so unless someone can fix it for less than $200, this shell is going to be in the classifieds for parts for $150 OBO. Thanks for the advice everyone.