9 replies to this topic

[jc1097]

Hey Everybody,

I was just wondering if anyone has done the same mod that I am planning to do at the end of the month. I have and 05 Hawk and just acquired a 08 Chev shortbed. Problem is the tailgate opening is rounded a the corners and not a 90 degree angle. I have had to put 2 inches of plywood down to lift up the hawk to set it off of the tailgate opening. Not a big deal but the camper now sits even higher off the bed rail and cab causing a serious wind scoop and it just doesnt look right.

FWC and ATC will cut a notch to make the camper fit. Have any of you had this done before? Success? I just hate to cut into the Hawk but it seems like the only choice.

[dsrtrat]

Hey Everybody,

I was just wondering if anyone has done the same mod that I am planning to do at the end of the month. I have and 05 Hawk and just acquired a 08 Chev shortbed. Problem is the tailgate opening is rounded a the corners and not a 90 degree angle. I have had to put 2 inches of plywood down to lift up the hawk to set it off of the tailgate opening. Not a big deal but the camper now sits even higher off the bed rail and cab causing a serious wind scoop and it just doesnt look right.

FWC and ATC will cut a notch to make the camper fit. Have any of you had this done before? Success? I just hate to cut into the Hawk but it seems like the only choice.

I notched my ATC Panther to fit my 2007 Chevy. Not too hard to do, just takes a bit of courage. Measure carefully and make the cuts, and then make blocks to cover the gaps. I used glue and barbed nails to secure the blocks which are mitered to fit the angles. I have to pull my camper off today and I will take some pictures.You can contact me
me off list if you want more details.
Dsrtrat

[jc1097]

I notched my ATC Panther to fit my 2007 Chevy. Not too hard to do, just takes a bit of courage. Measure carefully and make the cuts, and then make blocks to cover the gaps. I used glue and barbed nails to secure the blocks which are mitered to fit the angles. I have to pull my camper off today and I will take some pictures.You can contact me
me off list if you want more details.
Dsrtrat

Thanks dsrtrat. I think I m going to leave this project to the professionals.... And an excuse to make the trip up north and do a little exploring around Plumas County when I m done. I went to college in Quincy and havent been back since. It would be nice to go back and see the little town. But a picture of the Hawk would be nice to see what to expect. You have a pic of your truck and hawk mounted? I would like to see how far the camper sits off the bed rail and cab.

[HERR42]

why would chevrolet do this sort of thing?

[leadsled9]

why would chevrolet do this sort of thing?

My guess is that the radiused corners are stronger than the 90 degree corners.

[pvstoy]

Big hammer to the bed !

[dsrtrat]

Thanks dsrtrat. I think I m going to leave this project to the professionals.... And an excuse to make the trip up north and do a little exploring around Plumas County when I m done. I went to college in Quincy and havent been back since. It would be nice to go back and see the little town. But a picture of the Hawk would be nice to see what to expect. You have a pic of your truck and hawk mounted? I would like to see how far the camper sits off the bed rail and cab.

Here are a couple of pictures, I would make a jig to insure uniform cuts if I did it again. You have to pull the furnace to do the drivers side. I used small triangular blocks for the sides and a top peice mitered to close the top. It isn't too hard to do just takes some time. I used glue and small barbed nails with a nail gun to secure the blocks in place.
With a bed mat in place and 21 inch high sides on my Panther I have about 1/2 inch clearance above the factory installed rail caps. Perfect fit.

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[jc1097]

Thank you sir. It doesnt look bad at all. I m headed up to Sacramento in two weeks for the conversion and might add an awning while Im at it. I ll post a pic of how the factory does it as well.

[jcfly]

Please do post a picture of that. I'm considering a Chevy for my next truck, and would like to see whats involved. What year did they make the change??

[Mayday]

Digging up old posts for a new Hawk owner. Picking up a 18 Hawk this weekend for my 13 silverado. Did any of these modifications workout?