I didn't get an exact price but the parts dude implied all the various parts (shelf, cords and clips that lash it to the hatch) would cost several hundred. I don't think he expected anybody to ever order one.
And you're right, fabrication is the way to go if you can come up with some material...
My daughter just got herself an '03 Protege5... It doesn't have a privacy cover (might be called a tonneau cover) over the rear hatch area, and the dealer quoted me a obscene amount of $$$ for the various parts.
Any places I might locate an aftermarket or used one? I've tried some of the...