A hard-bed cover suggestion for SOA

[rsholland]

assuming there is a next-generation Baja, that is...

http://autodeadline.com/detail?sourc...59015&mime=JPG

This is using power moonroof technology. If the bed cover were made up of 3-4 pieces of 1-way visible or deep-tinted hard plastic, it could "nested" up against the rear window much like that shown in this '05 Pontiac's sectioned moonroof, with the nesting perhaps a bit more vertical and closer to the rear window. If it were 1-way visible/deep-tinted plastic, the driver could see through the nested panels when looking rearward.

As to costs? Probably in the range of the moonroof pictured here, maybe a little more, since it would be a bit larger. My guess is that this Pontiac moonroof is priced reasonably, otherwise GM wouldn't offer it on this price-conscious mainstream brand. Frankly I'd trade the current standard moonroof for this moonroof-like bed cover solution, if costs were a real issue.

Bob

[jimtesla]

No..I would not trade the moonroof for that..........

I think a cover that would role out of sight, be stong enough to stand on, lockable and watertight.........

I think the switch back area should be bigger and offer the window to retract........and also to have the rear seat be a 60/40 so you can still take a child with you........

Homelink.........and a navigation unit that pops up from the dash........standard heated seats for all..........a power outlet near the tailgate....

I know there is more.............

[rsholland]

as I had posted just such a suggeston over on Edmunds (Subaru Crew: Suggestions for Subaru, post #1901) prior to the moon-roof-like suggestion.

#1901 of 1912* "Roll-top" hard bed cover for future Baja? by rsholland * Jul 21, 2004 (1:05 pm)

I noticed that the sliding front cupholder cover on the new Legacys/Outbacks appears to be of similar engineering of that found on antique roll-top desks. I say that because if it weren't a "roll-top" design, wouldn't the sliding lid interfere with the storage compartment directly behind it? Check Ken's recent post here, and you will see what I'm talking about, and it confirms my thinking about it being of a "roll-top" design:

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/Web...@.ef16f98/3101

With that in mind, I wonder if it would be possible to engineer a locking, "roll-top," sliding hard bed cover for the Baja? I know it could be done, my only question is could it be done and still keep the switchback? One other issue is how watertight could such a lid be? My feeling is even if it's not 100% watertight, it would still be a very worthwhile feature.

If so, this would be a great solution to those times when you want a secure and locked bed, as well as for those times you want an open bed and don't have worry about storing the hard bed lid in your garage.

Bob

[Peloquin]

My '94 Buick Regal had that same type of cover on a compartment on the center console area, so it's hardly innovative for Subaru. Now if they could get it as an add on option for the bed, that'd be pretty sweet.

Of course they could also go with the vinyl soft top option and make it like a roll up window shade.

[rsholland]

I picked one up today, and in is pictured the new hard cover that comes standard on the turbo with leather package. It's not a snug top, or some other unit. It also mentioned this hard cover will become an option for other Bajas sometime after the turbo w/leather arrives. My guess is sometime in the fall.

From the photo, it's kind of hard to say if this is a good unit or not. I really need to see one in person, and see how it looks, works, and fits the car.

Bob

[jimtesla]

Can you scan some ictures and then post them?

Just hit up a dealer today and they dont have any 2005 brochures......

[1wrxwag]

here is the link to the brochre, it looks like the new hardtop that is vinyl covered plywood. I hope not

http://www.subaru.com/static/shop/brochures/baja.pdf

[rsholland]

Originally Posted by 1wrxwag

here is the link to the brochre, it looks like the new hardtop that is vinyl covered plywood. I hope not

http://www.subaru.com/static/shop/brochures/baja.pdf

Interesting to not that on page 13 of this PDF, there are 2 non-Baja images. The steering wheel with the exploded airbag is a Legacy/Outback image; and the body structure to the left shows a huge moonroof opening, again most likely a Legacy or Outback wagon.

Also, all the color combos have been at least slightly revised: a different black, silver, red and white are used this year.

Bob

[Kalins1]

Pace Edwards makes a "roll top" designed hard bed cover for a lot of trucks including the Sport Trac. I had e-mailed them to see if they were considering making one for the Baja and they said it was not in the works.

[rsholland]

Thanks for the tip. Now if they would hook up with SOA, and design a roll top hard bed cover for the Baja, it would be great!

http://www.shelfit.com/rolltop.asp

Clicking on the "More Information" link on the left gives a more detailed look at how this system works. It's pretty nifty, if you ask me.

It looks like the roll-top could be engineered into the space above the switchback, and below the rear window. This would most likely have to be part of the engineering plan from the beginning of a Generation-II Baja. I'm not sure if it could easily be engineered into the existing Baja.

Bob

[rsholland]

I e-mailed that Pace-Edwards "roll-top" bed cover link to somebody I know at SOA, and asked that it be forwarded to their Product Planning department. I got a response back saying that it has indeed been forwarded to PP, So with any luck...

Bob