1953 M101A1 RESURRECTION

[Mark Harley]

That looks awesome! It turned out great, looks perfect behind the jeep and will hold so much more than a M416.
Excellent work! What is next?

 

[FandL]

TONNEAU COVER IS ON

The tonneau cover was custom made by Tumac's Covers, who did a great job!

Next is the rack system. Fabrication has already started.....

 

[Mark Harley]

Looking good. are the bows in pockets like a boat cover?
What kind of deal did they give you? Does it just snap onto the side rails?

 

[FandL]

Looking good. are the bows in pockets like a boat cover?
What kind of deal did they give you? Does it just snap onto the side rails?

The bows are in pockets, just like a boat. The cover is a ripstop, waterproof material the fits snug with snaps to secure it. It's low profile for minimal wind resistance and holds on without issue at highway speeds.

Tumac price was very reasonable. $428, which included tax.....

 

[Mark Harley]

What are your rack plans?

 

[FandL]

THE RACK IS TACKED TOGETHER

The rack has been tacked together and passed the fit test! Next it will be welded and painted.

 

[Mark Harley]

Very nice! RTT on top with annex and kayaks on the center cross bars?

 

[FandL]

Very nice! RTT on top with annex and kayaks on the center cross bars?

You got it!

 

[Mark Harley]

The side struts on the rack would make a good mounting location for a cooking counter.

 

[Mark Harley]

Did you get the rack painted this weekend?

 

[FandL]

THE RACK IS PAINTED

I'm installing it on Thursday.

I plan on fabricating a bolt-on platform like yours Mark. The platform will be 8'x9' for the Colman tent I'm going with. The tent is a 4 person instant tent (7'x8') that only weighs 12lbs, so I can assemble it on the ground and put it up onto the rack top. The tent also has very high ratings, which is why I decided to go with this make and model.

 

[Mark Harley]

Very nice! Hurry up before the polar Vortex hits us with the cold weather......In the 60's.
Are you going to make a flip out deck?

 

[FandL]

That's a great idea Mark! I'm going to try and incorporate that into the design.

 

[FandL]

PROTECTING THE CARGO

I picked up industrial kitchen floor matting and cut it to fit the interior of the tub. The matting evaluates the cargo and will allow any water, from rain blowing under the tonneau cover while driving on the highway, to flow to the rear and out the gate.

 

[Mark Harley]

Very cool! The only water I get in mine is where the fenders are bent and welded to the tub.
There is a pinch there that is open.