Can anyone tell me about how much the cheapest cap is for a 98 F150 shortbed? Or where can I find one used to maybe rent one? I only need one for a one way trip.
Thanx
Black Dawg

 

Tough to find used caps that will fit the new bodystyle.
New fiberglass run about a grand.
New aluminum start about $400.

If this is a one time deal and you have a styleside bed then, you have stake pockets.
Buy:
(six) 2"x2"x8' = $15.00
(four) 4'x8'x3/8" PT plywood $60.00
(two) 3" hinges $4.00
(one) pound sheetrock screws $2.00

That's $81.00 total and should take about 3 hours to slap together.

For the 'legs', the stake pockets are all six inches deep so, add 6 to how many inches high you want the cap. I would recommend staying under the cab height (about 22 inches). If you decide to make the cap more that 18" high then, change one of the 2x2's in the receipe above to a 10 footer so, you won't have so much scrap.

Cut the 'back door' so that it fits on the inside of the tailgate, lock the tailgate and save the price of a cap lock.

There are holes in the side of the stake pocket to secure the legs, four big bolts or screws will keep anyone from stealing it.

(It will leak like a sieve though)

 

When you say, "one way trip" does that mean you're not coming back?

Crutchman Truck Caps 383 Denbigh Blvd Newport News VA
(757)872-8200

will rent you a cap for $52 a week, one week minimum and $6 per day thereafter.

I couldn't find you a used cap on the Peninsula.
Good Luck.