Enclosing an Imp 1404

[cchrysle]

I picked up a 1967 Imp 1404 several years ago. And now, I would like to enclose the rear bed of the Imp. The previous owner dropped a 3/4" piece of plywood (60" by 48") on the 'bed' and that worked for the most part, but I would like to add aluminum or sheet metal in three sections on the bed. The drivers side and passenger side, (covering the tracks) 63" x 22.25". Then a removable piece of Aluminum Diamond Plate in the center for access to service the rear end and / or hydraulic service lines and top of the fuel tank.

Has anyone enclosed their respective Imp?
I read Nikson's write up on his Imp. But his write up focused on a removable enclosed cab with trailer jacks.

 

[cchrysle]

I found an Evil Energy 10 gallon fuel cell (tank) I would like to put behind the passenger side rear deck and along with a second battery to power up the extra non led lights and accessories as they are added. I'm just not sure what gauge the aluminum or steel should be mounted to the bed frame to support the tank and battery. There is sufficient cross bar support to hold the sheet metal.

I found some local 24 gauge aluminum for $90 a sheet, just not sure if it will be too thin in the bed.

 

[DAVENET]

I found an Evil Energy 10 gallon fuel cell (tank) I would like to put behind the passenger side rear deck and along with a second battery to power up the extra non led lights and accessories as they are added. I'm just not sure what gauge the aluminum or steel should be mounted to the bed frame to support the tank and battery. There is sufficient cross bar support to hold the sheet metal.

I found some local 24 gauge aluminum for $90 a sheet, just not sure if it will be too thin in the bed.

It will be too thin. It will easily dimple / gouge from the corners of any totes that are put in. It's obviously more money, but just get a sheet of .090 aluminum (roughly 11 gauge). It will hold up much better. The only downside is it will be slippery an monkey s#it when snow is on it.

You may be better off in the long run to just buy a full sheet of the aluminum diamond for the entire deck and then just cut your access panel. Better structurally, and better grip all around.

 

[redsqwrl]

I picked up a 1967 Imp 1404 several years ago. And now, I would like to enclose the rear bed of the Imp. The previous owner dropped a 3/4" piece of plywood (60" by 48") on the 'bed' and that worked for the most part, but I would like to add aluminum or sheet metal in three sections on the bed. The drivers side and passenger side, (covering the tracks) 63" x 22.25". Then a removable piece of Aluminum Diamond Plate in the center for access to service the rear end and / or hydraulic service lines and top of the fuel tank.

Has anyone enclosed their respective Imp?
I read Nikson's write up on his Imp. But his write up focused on a removable enclosed cab with trailer jacks.

I thought i bought aluminum to match what was there when i reskinned *the thing* cat and i want to believe it was .063 its not very heavy/thick as it was riveted fairly close spacing it becomes quite taunt. Imps and sprytes are basically airplane wings on tracks

 

[BoyToys]

My deck is expanded metal steel...other than the removeable center section which is just sheet metal. And I have my 20 gallon tank mounted against the passenger compartment wall and 4 boxes along the sides for battery and assorted goodies.