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By Jim
#13720
Good evening everyone.
I am a super newbie, so please forgive my ignorance. I need to make a replacement tonneau cover for a utility truck body. The new owner does not have the old cover or the bows. We plan to make hardwood bows. In regards to measuring across. Do you just measure straight across or over the bows? Also, could you give me a rough estimate of the time you think this should take? I will also take any other suggestions you may have.
Thank you, Jim
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By John
#13742
Hey @Jim!
It all depends on the material you use and how much stretch it has. You want it to be taunt but not so tight its difficult to reach the snaps. I would recommend first building the bows. Then lay fabric over the bow, pull it taunt and make your measurement from there.

I would also estimate a full 8 hr day for the job your describing.
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By Jim
#13744
Thank you both for the responses. I did get tonneau cover material. Description says very little stretch. We shall see. Unfortunately I underestimated the time. Live and learn I guess.
Cheers, Jim
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By BigRig
#13746
@Jim,

Prety much NO stretch however it holds up really well to a heat gun if it get to inflexible on you.
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By John
#13751
Hey man, we all do it! Even after all the years I have been doing this still under estimate things....
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