JELLOWSUBMARINE
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2014
- Location
- yes
- TDI
- 2011 Jetta Sportwagen, 6M, red/tan, navi, pano, 83 5m diesel pickup, 82 p/u trailer,.04 5.5 TDI Passat wagon (gone), 80,81,82 diesel p/u (gone), 80,82 sportruck (gone), 59 passthru bus (long gone), 79&87 westy (gone), 57 baja bug (long gone), 73 914
Im getting the 83 VW pickup road ready. Been mostly in hibernation for over a decade.
QUICK GLANCE SUMMERY BELOW
EDIT 9/25/22
Finished hinge build and install of the tonneau cover. I think a condenced picture summery would be a good vehicle record and fun read so I'll compile a 1st post quick read below. The following post are the drawn out question and details as I figured it out.
back from paint
funky original hinge "Rue Goldberg" contraption
If they aren't used up as doner parts for other projects, I would gladly donate them to anyone that MAY happen to have this set up. Its not like you can go to a tonneau shop and order them.
Ebay 2014 Ford Fiesta hinge set
100# each struts
45# apiece strut set
Need to upgrade to 65# as it turns out
Hood hinges and 1st strut assembly were attached to the hood. This strut assembly proved VERY overkill in both geometry and pressure (rear facing 100 lb each... The latter setup used 45# forward facing). It's THE almost perfect combo, just need maybe 65#. M8 nut inserts were used for hinges and M5 for multiple/adjustable strut mountings (look close at pictures)
Too heavy 100# each. 20" extended, 12.8" compressed. WRONG functional geometry! Pushed lid forward, out of alignment and wouldn't compress.
The working combo. Stress taken off hinge. Lid will stay up but could use a few pounds more assistance, maybe 65#.
card board mock up
going over to steel. 4"x12"x1/8",1/8"x 3"x3" tube had to be sectioned to 3x2.5 along with the corner tucked in to contour with the bed lines.
Detailed measurements on mounting width, fore & aft and height placement guesstimates. I was within 1/8" on the width. The hinges were attached to the lid then set in place and set in closed position in order to get the proper flush closed height and foreward setting.
Finishing touch to hide the uglies. Modified 3x3 end cap. New, thick, 1.5" foam rubber weather stripping.
The locking handle and latch. More ebay parts
I wanted the tailgate latch to be flat, smooth and unobstructive so the plate was sourced. You may notice the hour glass shape. This helps to hold the latch secure in the closed position when not locked. I need to finish file the slightly modified cover plate...OCD I guess.
___________________________
------------
QUICK GLANCE SUMMERY BELOW
EDIT 9/25/22
Finished hinge build and install of the tonneau cover. I think a condenced picture summery would be a good vehicle record and fun read so I'll compile a 1st post quick read below. The following post are the drawn out question and details as I figured it out.
back from paint
funky original hinge "Rue Goldberg" contraption
If they aren't used up as doner parts for other projects, I would gladly donate them to anyone that MAY happen to have this set up. Its not like you can go to a tonneau shop and order them.
Ebay 2014 Ford Fiesta hinge set
100# each struts
45# apiece strut set
Need to upgrade to 65# as it turns out
Hood hinges and 1st strut assembly were attached to the hood. This strut assembly proved VERY overkill in both geometry and pressure (rear facing 100 lb each... The latter setup used 45# forward facing). It's THE almost perfect combo, just need maybe 65#. M8 nut inserts were used for hinges and M5 for multiple/adjustable strut mountings (look close at pictures)
Too heavy 100# each. 20" extended, 12.8" compressed. WRONG functional geometry! Pushed lid forward, out of alignment and wouldn't compress.
The working combo. Stress taken off hinge. Lid will stay up but could use a few pounds more assistance, maybe 65#.
card board mock up
going over to steel. 4"x12"x1/8",1/8"x 3"x3" tube had to be sectioned to 3x2.5 along with the corner tucked in to contour with the bed lines.
Detailed measurements on mounting width, fore & aft and height placement guesstimates. I was within 1/8" on the width. The hinges were attached to the lid then set in place and set in closed position in order to get the proper flush closed height and foreward setting.
Finishing touch to hide the uglies. Modified 3x3 end cap. New, thick, 1.5" foam rubber weather stripping.
The locking handle and latch. More ebay parts
I wanted the tailgate latch to be flat, smooth and unobstructive so the plate was sourced. You may notice the hour glass shape. This helps to hold the latch secure in the closed position when not locked. I need to finish file the slightly modified cover plate...OCD I guess.
___________________________
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