Doka/Single Cab Metal Engine hatch - any interest?

[keithwwalker]

Got my pc back, so I will be able to work on the file this weekend.

***scratch that, my new copy of Windows 7 will not run Corel Draw. Microsoft has really jumped the shark with their shit product. I am now running Ubuntu 8.10 and will try to use the Open Office Draw software that was supplied with the OS.

[bd]

another shameless bump. can I help resurrect this project?
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1990 2wd TriStar, Oettinger-tuned 1.6L TD

[strawhouse]

I ended up getting rid of the old cover and I went aluminum diamond plate as well. A local shop cut it to size and drilled out the bolt holes, the sheet was 3/16 and it sits almost flat with the bed and it only cost $60!
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Pacifist with a gun

[keithwwalker]

I think I wanted to go too gung ho on this and get all the holes for the heat shield drilled also. That would of really increased the cost.

I have the drawings all measured out, but am looking for a metal shop that won't do a shit job of it. Any monkey can flame cut sheet, I would like this stuff milled out so that the corners are uniform...

[BlackDogVan]

Even a monkey wouldn't flame cut aluminum plate. You should water cut these, cutting that on a mill is way overkill.

[keithwwalker]

OK I found 3 water jet cutters in the area. I have to see if they accept Corel Draw files, otherwise I have to convert the file to ACAD *.dxf.

Then I will get some quotes.

[Crankey]

I think you can call up Alaska Copper and Brass (in Seattle) ask them for 3/16" aluminum diamond plate sheared up to the size you want and stop by and pick it up. it's just a rectangle of sheet material, you don't need a water jet or a laser. they do have a rem rack at the cash counter. or if you ordered a full sheet sheared up to your size they'd stick em on a pallet for you to pick up a pile of them.

just measure your hatch seal and add 1/4" to all sides or 1/2" total more than the with and length of the measure, outside edge of the seal side to side and front to back. my truck is at the shop or I'd go measure mine.

deburr edges, set in place, set a tire on top if you don't want to drill for bolt holes at the moment.

if you do want bolt holes, set the lid in place squarely, reach inside the engine hatch (behind licence plate) and mark each bolt hole through the bolt holes on the truck bed...remove the lid, flip over center punch the marks and drill...

for those not in Seattle, there must be a local non ferrous metals supplier or an aluminum supplier who has a shear and can shear to size. you can nip the corners with a grinder of you want.

[otiswesty]

It seems like a late baywindow engine hatch would be the best if you have the capacity of changing the size of the opening with some extra deck metal. The lid is metal and quite stout.
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1978 Sage Green P22 Westfalia
1989 T3 Syncro Single cab

Just a regular guy

[Crankey]

cut the bed !?!? blaspheme !!

[syncrodoka]

Cut a doka bed to install fat chick bus parts!?!?

[bd]

shun the non-believer!



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1990 2wd TriStar, Oettinger-tuned 1.6L TD

[16CVs]

Here is my hatch cover. I figured it was dead space and it comes right out . I had a local fab shop make it for me. It is a great unit that keeps thing out of the way. I have a VINDIC shell on mine so being water tight is not an issue. If you did not have a shell and wanted to keep thing in there year round you would need drain hoses. Not an issue so I do not worry about it.

Stacy

[Crankey]

wow, that's cool !

[keithwwalker]

Here is an update, I will get quotes from waterjet shops in the area in the next month.

Black is through cuts for the bolts. Cyan is for the facing operation for the finishing washers. The smaller holes are for the underside heat shield, though it can be rigged up to support a toolbox under there.

[Welchmaster]

Bump....


Keith

What ever happened to this group buy? I'm interested

Thanks
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90 2wd Orly Blue Multivan weekender. "Van-Duzer"

"Further up, further in!"

[sub-hatchtim]

I think you guys are going a little over thinking this engine hatch cover my po made mine from a 1/8 piece of steel diamond plate and it seems to work pretty well
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58' pg/sg silo fridge westy
58 Dove blue singlecab
76 911S

[Central Syncronizer]

I've got an extra one in plain 3/16 aluminium if anyone in the Vancouver area is looking for one. 60 bucks takes it and you drill your own holes (v. easy).

cheers

J
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Ongoing restoration/maintenance of my syncro double cab (and soon Westy):

http://88syncrodoka.blogspot.com/

[Welchmaster]

[rprsamba]

I hi - New Doka owner here. want to adapt a Vanagon fiberglass motor cover to this opening. I understand the Vanagon motor cover is a lot bigger and a rectangle. Where The Doka is a square. Anybody had any experience cutting up a Vanagon rectangle fiberglass cover and making it work on the square opening?. I'm pretty adept at fiberglass mold making, so I could cut it and create a new mold, and create a new fiberglass part or just adapt the old one. Just curious to know if anyone has thought of us? Not a big fan of the diamond plate so trying to replace my wood with something that I can paint to to the body color and "look OEM".

[1988M5]