I've looked around and have'nt seen any commercially produced ones I like. I have a 71 and want a cover that sits on top of the chrome bed moldings. A hard cover, not one with snaps. I've seen pictures on various websites like I am describing. Have any of you guys made one and covered it in vinyl? Any pix or help,blueprints,etc would be great! Thanks, Scott! graemlins/beers.gif

Scott,
Try "Protect O Top" in Santa Clara.
They have a line of covers like you want for the El Caminos. They even have them for the 64/67 beds.
(408)727-4851, 2122 Ronald St. Santa Clara, 95050
Bob J.

Bob
Do they have a web site??
-Kid

The El Camino Store (http://www.elcaminostore.com) sells hard covers made by Gaylord. Check them out too. Bed covers are here: http://www.elcaminostore.com/catalog-pages/12group.htm#BEDLIDS Be prepared for sticker shock. I'd be interested to know if your local place can do anybetter on price.

They don't have a web site. This is where they have the molds and make the covers.
It's just a few blocks from where our Nor-Cal Club meets. The guy's go to the plant, Ask for John and get one custom fit.

Thanks for the help, but I have had protecto tops in the past. They cover all the bed chrome and the lip rests on the paint and after driving it a while, the underside causes scuffing on the paint. They also have a very funky spring system that raises and lowers the lid( no hydraulic cylinders). It's the same design now as the one I bought from them in '72. I am looking for one that rests on the bed rails or flush with the bed rails(totally inside the bed rails). Gaylord is ok but does'nt float my boat. I've been to meets where several were constructed with plywood and covered in vinyl.Any other ideas? Thanks, Scott!

I built one for my old 72 out of plywood and vinyl. Looked good and sat down on the inner bed rail. A bunch cheaper than the ready-mades. Just don't forget to anchor it in some fashion...it could lift at higher speeds.

I built one for my 72 also.Used a 4X8 sheet of 3/4" plywood.laid it across the bed sideways marked it and cut.Laid another piece across the front section of the bed and then joined the the two with a piano hinge.Bought some thin foam and vinyl from a trim shop and painted the wood with a good primer and paint then glued the foam and vinyl on.I use an aluminum angle piece riveted to the bed just under the trim to set the cover on.Then bought some garage door handles and some spring latches from the hardware store to latch the front piece and the rear piece.So mine opens from the front or rear...Hope this makes
sense :confused:

graemlins/waving.gif
Rick

Thanks,DaDon and Flywheel.Any pix you can e-mail
? graemlins/hurray.gif

Scotty, I took a look at the pics I have left of the car, and none of them really show the cover very well. If you wanna know how I went about building mine, email me and I can write you the manual. ;)