As pictured, the unit accommodates a three-quarter (48-in.) mattress of the innerspring type, but by increasing the over-all width about 6 1/2 in. it takes a full-size mattress. The bedframe, detailed in Figure 2., is a simple, shallow box having a plywood bottom reinforced with three equally spaced slats. The latter rest on five cross cleats spaced to provide channels for the tubular supports. Before cutting material note especially the construction at the front and rear corners detailed in Figure 3.

Flat steel lugs that fit between the rabbeted corner blocks and the sides of the box are held rigidly in place by two bolts which pass through the side of the box, the lug and the block. Two additional bolts are used to draw the block tightly into the corner. In the assembly, waterproof glue is used on all meeting faces of the parts. Note also that the ends of the plywood bottom are supported on filler blocks fitted between the slats as in the center detail in Figure 2.

The slats are clinch-nailed to the cross cleats and the latter are butt-joined to the sides with screws and glue. Be sure that they are correctly spaced. Before cutting parts for the car-top saddles, brackets and tubular supports, lift the bedframe onto the car and block it up to the correct height so that you can determine the varying lengths of the slotted pipe nipples which
slip over the eyebolts on the saddles.

The folding frames, or bows, are lengths of thin-wall conduit bent over a full-size layout to insure duplication. The formers, or half bows, are of 1/2-in. plywood with curved ends. Note that each unit is notched on its lower edge to fit over the expansion bar, or ridge pole.

The hardwood plugs at the lower ends of the frames should be turned to a tight fit. Screw eyes turned into the plugs provide a means of pivoting the frames so that they fold easily.

Construction of the expansion bar, or ridge-pole, is shown in the Figure 2. As dimensioned, the ladder fits the station wagon pictured. Be sure to take measurements on your own car before cutting parts.

Have the canvas top, fly, awning and water-proof canvas cover made to fit the frame by a professional upholsterer. The cover is attached, as in first photo in the article, by means of a cord passing through grommets in the corner and a row of screw eyes on each side and across the ends of the bedframe. * * *