Very cute Bill!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
I was hoping to see some pics.
I'll post some as I go ahead with the project. It'll be a few weeks though.

I wish I had to make room for an elk!!! I didn't get drawn this year.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />

There's leftovers up here in CO....

First off, this is a great idea to maximize storage in smaller 1st gen runners.
Maybe I'll have to start thinkin' about doing something like this to our '89, Hmmmm...

I would think applying something like this to the inside of the exposed body panels would not only protect them but also greatly reduce road noise etc. You could also paint the inside of the new custom panels with it to increase the effect.

Second Skin v.2

when you click the link, a pop up window comes up and this stuff is on sale for like $180 (regular $300!) for a 5 gallon bucket, that will do the whole truck if you want.

I am soooo happy to not worry about road noise... with a soft top... just think of the money it is saving me!

To protect the inside of the compartments some tool chest cutout foam from Sears might do the trick. Neat stuff. Cheap. It would deform over time, but if anything that would hold the odd birfield or oil bottle more or less in place!

I would bet it would do an adequate job on audio baffling too. But then, I am not a purist.

Yeah Bill. I run my homemade canopy top during the cooler months, coming up here in Phoenix. I figured some cheap marine type carpet. It'll look perdy, then, IF it does rain, no biggie! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I searched "side panel" to find this thread. I've done this, but it took a long time to cut and mount the mdf behind the stock side panels.

I've seen a picture of carpeted wood used as the side panel and it looked good. I'm strongly considering doing this for my truck, but having more stereo components instead of storage.

Man, if *that* ain't the link from hell. Turn it into a URL link with a short alias and this thread will go narrow again.

Back on topic, guess what Mr. Bill did on Labor Day Weekend? Yup, 3/8ths plywood side panels covered in Home Depot's finest outdoor carpet. I would have done a writeup, but won't have much time for about, oh, two months or so.

Found some trick cabinet latches from Rockler's, completely flush. I will try to do some searching if I have time today or tomorrow and post them.

Massive toolbox is gone. Well, actually, my son is going to inherit it for his pickup.

Sorry about the link, I just editted it out. Also, the pictures I saw were from Yotatech.
http://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech/mark_subwoofer/mark_subwoofer.htm

SnoRnr, MissouriMan and PhattieD built up their side panels. Any pictures guys? (SnoRnr's links to pictures from a post back in '03 no longer work)

Wow that looks awsome you'll have to tell me how you did that. In response to ideas just make sure you put some effort into it. Had a friend replace the plastic panels with wood... he didn't go any further. The panels barly stay in place. Splinters for anyone who might accidently rubs agianst the side panels (huh imagine that). Its functional but it looks horrible. I completely disregarded the idea of replacement panels even though one of mine is gorrilla glue back together (long story dealing with a 3900 lb 6 ft tow chain) I would definatly like to find a way to install some alluminum siding or something. And while I am at it maybe get in those ac sockets I have been thinking about (dead battery here I come). Of course that is if I ever get it running agian.