I am far enough on my truck topper project to post a few photos....since we're stuck her for a while it's something to keep me busy. I build a cedar strip topper for my 2011 Dodge a few years ago using northern white cedar that I cut off my own property. I picked up a 2011 GMC, and decided to use eastern red cedar for this one. I found that it is a bit more difficult to work with, but it sure is purdy.
I made a post a short while ago, but somehow deleted it. Hopefully it will go better this time. This is a "stitch & glue" process, just like boat building in the ancient times except that now we use glue and staples instead of cord and oakum.
Ripped about 140 1/4" X 3/4" strips out of planed boards
Built a topper frame to fit the truck box
Glue and staple strips to the frame and to the next strip; leaving spots for a window and rear door
Pull out approx. 1,500 1/2" staples
Sand, sand, sand, repeat
Mix sawdust & glue to fill staple hole, cracks, and any imperfections
Repeat the sanding cycle
* The last couple photos here are after I wetted the wood down with water. This raised the grain for the final sanding, and shows the color of the wood after it
is finished. Later it will be fiberglassed and epoxied, the protected with spar varnish. Update to follow.
I made a post a short while ago, but somehow deleted it. Hopefully it will go better this time. This is a "stitch & glue" process, just like boat building in the ancient times except that now we use glue and staples instead of cord and oakum.
Ripped about 140 1/4" X 3/4" strips out of planed boards
Built a topper frame to fit the truck box
Glue and staple strips to the frame and to the next strip; leaving spots for a window and rear door
Pull out approx. 1,500 1/2" staples
Sand, sand, sand, repeat
Mix sawdust & glue to fill staple hole, cracks, and any imperfections
Repeat the sanding cycle
* The last couple photos here are after I wetted the wood down with water. This raised the grain for the final sanding, and shows the color of the wood after it
is finished. Later it will be fiberglassed and epoxied, the protected with spar varnish. Update to follow.