- Banned
- #76
My DIY isn't ready for post yet but I'll briefly describe it in narrative form.
A long pipe sits in the cargo area with a manual crank on it. The contraption this pipe is connected to itself hooks on to the 4 "U" clips on the cargo floor such that it can slide out of (with the back door open) or into the cargo area and lock its depth in place. If you've got the trail rail management system--all the better.
Around the long pipe, in my failed version 1.0 was folded 6 mil plastic sheeting--like a window shade. As you took if off the roller it would unfold and had plastic welded neodymium magnets (i.e. strong "rare earth" magnets)--think shower curtain with magnets-- in it that would attach to the rear quarter panels (metallic) and metal below where the aluminum (non-metallic) doors (presumable removed by the owner) reside.
Near the windshield (presumed NOT to be lowered, just rear windows/top, and doors off), strong suction cups with hooks, attached to grommets in the fabric would themselves attach to the outer sides of the windshield.
The problem is that big box door plastic sheeting is translucent but not clear, and there's no way to drive with this cover on and have any visibility but facing forward.
So I'm off to trying clear vinyl: which will run in in materials cost at around $125--more expensive. I wonder how much someone would be willing to pay in parts and time to copy this design. My test showed the fabric for an Unlimited, under this design, can't be less than 16' X 16'. This means I'll have to 3 welds to connect 4 vinyl sheets (they only come so wide) with an iron and parchment paper across (16'x 3) 48' .
Unlike other covers, I would rate it for slow travel during storms, not just protection from them.
When the skies clear, you fold the plastic over itself and roll it back up with the crank.
Be honest. Is this discover build even worth doing?
I won't sell/license/patent it. Too little demand meets too high liability for making it driving rated.
A long pipe sits in the cargo area with a manual crank on it. The contraption this pipe is connected to itself hooks on to the 4 "U" clips on the cargo floor such that it can slide out of (with the back door open) or into the cargo area and lock its depth in place. If you've got the trail rail management system--all the better.
Around the long pipe, in my failed version 1.0 was folded 6 mil plastic sheeting--like a window shade. As you took if off the roller it would unfold and had plastic welded neodymium magnets (i.e. strong "rare earth" magnets)--think shower curtain with magnets-- in it that would attach to the rear quarter panels (metallic) and metal below where the aluminum (non-metallic) doors (presumable removed by the owner) reside.
Near the windshield (presumed NOT to be lowered, just rear windows/top, and doors off), strong suction cups with hooks, attached to grommets in the fabric would themselves attach to the outer sides of the windshield.
The problem is that big box door plastic sheeting is translucent but not clear, and there's no way to drive with this cover on and have any visibility but facing forward.
So I'm off to trying clear vinyl: which will run in in materials cost at around $125--more expensive. I wonder how much someone would be willing to pay in parts and time to copy this design. My test showed the fabric for an Unlimited, under this design, can't be less than 16' X 16'. This means I'll have to 3 welds to connect 4 vinyl sheets (they only come so wide) with an iron and parchment paper across (16'x 3) 48' .
Unlike other covers, I would rate it for slow travel during storms, not just protection from them.
When the skies clear, you fold the plastic over itself and roll it back up with the crank.
Be honest. Is this discover build even worth doing?
I won't sell/license/patent it. Too little demand meets too high liability for making it driving rated.
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