We were having trouble finding somewhere to mount the second spare tire and could see that utilising the space above the cab was the obvious answer. My dad had been on about making a frame over the cab for some time, we thought it would be useful to store things and would offer the cab some protection.

Dave was kind enough to let us use his pipe bender while he was making our rear steps. My dad and myself set about bending tube steel to follow the contours of the cab. After only one cock-up and some head scratching we ended up with two shaped steel tube that would form the bases of the frame. This was the only input I had on this project and I left the remaining work in the capable hands of my dad.

His next stage was welding some brackets onto the cab and bumper so that the frame could fit over them and be bolted securely into place. Two pieces of tube were cut and welded across the top of the shaped tube and the foundations of the frame were complete...

So the basic structure is complete. We added two lengths or steel on the top and two upright bars to strap a spare tyre to. A quick coat of black Hamarite and that's what we've got at the moment. Next time we're back in the UK I hope to fabricate a box to go over the divers side. This outside storage will be my toy box, so on the next trip I'll be able to take some kitesurfing equipment.

This is what we've got now...

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