Flippin deck insert for 2001 Sabre

[Wildcat78]

I have an 01 Sabre, and I'd like to make a flippin deck for it before the weather warms up. For those that have done this before, I have a few questions:

1.) How much space should I allow for carpet around the edges of the insert? Once I attach the carpet, I want it to be snug, but not impossible to remove.
2.) Would treated plywood be acceptable for decking, or should I have something made from aluminum at a local metal shop?
3.) How thick should the insert be (pre carpet)? I'd like for the insert to be flush with the rest of the deck once I add the carpet.

Anything y'all can do to help me with this will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Hump]

I have made one for my 91 Sabre and am carpeting right now....having an issue with one inside corner...but hope to have it completed in a day or so...the deck itself is done. Looking on here many people use treated lumber, which appear sturdy, but also appear to weigh as much as a co-angler! I came across a large aluminum street sign that was at my inlaws farm. I framed it with treated 2"x2"'s with 3 cross supports down the middle, attatched the sign to the frame with stainless screws and used liquid nails on every 2x2, counter sunk the screw heads a bit so you can't feel them under the carpet. Mine is basically just a platform, I left the under side open so I can slide my net or co-angler stuff under there. There are not any leg supports going to floor, it just rest on the lip. W/out carpet it only weighs 23lbs and is solid as a rock, ZERO flex! I made mine and then laid it in place (pre carpet) over thick towels..I had to grind the edges a bit in a place or two becasue it was too tight with just the towel. As for gaps, I think mine was about 1/4 inch all the way around and 1/4 inch low to attempt to make the deck height the same. Final fit with carpet remains to be seen but think i'll be ok. I'd say make a gap bigger than you think you need...24oz carpet it thick. If had to do over, I use 20oz carpet that is is what is in my boat. There are some subtle angles on my 91, not square corners at all. Also the lip it rest on is different heigths from left to right, had to scab in a 1/4 peice of ply on the bottom left side edges to make up the difference. I used some bondo ($10 a can) to smooth edges and sanded prior to carpet so it will look smooth...I think I may have over killed finishing the edges that is just covered with carpet...but live and learn. Good luck. I'll get a friend to take and post some pics at some point...im too dumb for that!

[Rustynutts]

The company that makes the extensions and lids for the factory will sell you one directly. I just installed mine and it fit great. I can't find the email for the guy I delt with but I found it on a search on the owners forum.

[Rustynutts]

zwc@twhenterprises.com email this guy. The price may surprise you, very reasonable. Just had to carpet mine myself.