Need to fit (and fix) this fibreglass To - Exterior Tech - Tech Section

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Does anyone know anything about the available fibreglass Tonneau covers?

I picked one up really cheaply several months ago, i don't know the make, i have a frame, some clamps etc, no instructions blah blah.

It needs a little repair to the fibreglass on the back corner, it's missing the key for the lock and has no struts, but if someone can help me out with what it is or any tips on fitting, that would really help :)

Thanks.

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Posted: Thu Jan 11th, 2018 05:01 pm

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Professional opinion;

Unless you are confident in your skills of working with fiberglass and strengthening areas where flexing occurs to prevent further or reoccuring damage. I'd make the suggestion you check with either an affordable boat repair shop or a shop that specializes in older Corvettes, fiberglass trailer repair and the like..

If your intent is to actually get it done and done right for you to enjoy its use, you may benefit by putting in the hands of a professional fiberglass tech. Besides all the harmful chemicals, some needed or at least used safety equipment should be used and that may add to your cost factors.

just a suggestion of care and craft, I don't know if anyone on here is in your area to assist. Should you need or want other options, that we can offer you.

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Posted: Thu Jan 11th, 2018 10:25 pm

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That isn't that bad. The hardest part is the prep for the paint on fiberglass. You have to get the old paint off and it does not sand evenly as the resin in the glass is softer than the paint. Using a razor blade to chip it off or nasty chemicals are the only way to go. Once it all has been removed there probably will be some divoting. A thin coat of resin will smooth it out for sanding, then a primer, and subsequent paint coats.

The edge can be repaired with some sanding to remove the damaged area. It can be built back up with a coat of resin then a strip of glass cloth and let it cure. Repeat until adding strips until you have built it back up to the original thickness but add a coat of resin on the top layer. Shape sand, thin coat of resin, and prime. A strait edge and set of calipers will be essential. Any screwups can be sanded away.

Painting works best with a down draft exhaust system - it is the preferred method for painting the C3 Corvettes. Gel-coating is another method that is similar to painting but is more durable as you apply it much thicker than paint but can be pain to apply.

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Posted: Thu Jan 11th, 2018 10:33 pm

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That's about what i thought for the fibreglass effort. Though i've not worked on it personally before, i watched my Dad do it a few times.

My biggest thing here is not knowing how it's all supposed to be attached to the bed - i was told i have all the pieces (by the seller) but i have no idea if that's true or how to fasten it all together.

It'd be nice to get a test fit before i spend time repairing the edge.

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Posted: Fri Jan 12th, 2018 10:45 am

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Tsquare
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I clamped the frame to my bed rails with some aluminum C clamps.

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Posted: Sat Jan 13th, 2018 01:55 am

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Yeah, it comes with what look to be types of C clamps, i guess there isn't really anything that fancy about them?

I'm asking all this because i have never seen a Tonneau cover before, not in use, installation, anything, i have zero knowledge.

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Posted: Sat Jan 13th, 2018 10:23 am

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I like a tonneau just for the fact it keeps others from using my bed as their trash can. I do not understand the mentality of throwing a soda can in the back of someone else's vehicle. It is a pet peeve of mine.

A tonneau will also help a little with highway fuel mileage.

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Posted: Sat Jan 13th, 2018 12:46 pm

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People do that!? :squint:

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Posted: Sat Jan 13th, 2018 01:36 pm

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Yup. One of the guys at work went off on everyone, found a pizza box in the back of his truck.

I used to see candy wrappers from some kid on my street and a lot of plastic bags and crap at grocery stores.

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Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2018 04:38 pm

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I had one on a '98 I drove for a while, before the wife stole it !
The Cover Frame was held in place by Clamps, I think purpose designed because of clearance.

Fixing Fiberglass, I am with 12^o on getting if fixed by someone that knows fiberglass.

IF you want it RIGHT... or is that correctly, then you need to consider the cost, buying the Cover, buying the materials and the time that you will be exposed to the fibers and fuses of sanding the old, and applying the new fiberglass and again sanding the new; bad stuff without the proper ventilation !

Didn't mean to say don't do it, I do small items but with the Bed Cover, alignment and reenforcing is everything.

Good Luck on your choice, a deal isn't a deal unless it saves you something !

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Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2018 04:42 pm

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I don't think fixing the light damage would be difficult.

However i've been giving it thought over the last couple of months and the reality is that having this cover on the truck would stop me being able to easily carry loads taller than the bed walls.

That's not going to work - my cost was low on this cover, so i think i might try and see if someone wants to buy this for, $200? does that sound reasonable?

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Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2018 07:38 pm

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I put a lift in my garage for my tonneau on my Lariat. I used some 1/4 coated cable, pullies, 1x4's, and a old boat wench. I could back into the garage and have it loaded back on it 10 minutes. It took about the same time to take it off.

It stayed on the truck more often.

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Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2018 08:25 pm

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Arrrrggggg Love me some boat wenches... LOL

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Posted: Thu Feb 15th, 2018 10:49 am

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Just going to throw this out there, I have one of these for my truck: https://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Auto-TG-BC3F1022-1982-2013-1994-2011/dp/B00L32KXEW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1518708944&vehicle=1998-54-696-656-42-77-11-8-3469---1-943--2-0&sr=1-1&ymm=1998:ford:ranger&keywords=tonneau&linkCode=ll1&tag=aicoffroad-20&linkId=25c06fbf152727dda7d5f29d14668206

Tri-fold bed cover. By far the best option in my opinion. I've had mine for over a year in the arizona heat, and still looks great and functions perfect, and seals the bed up great, even in our monsoon storms. AND it is super easy to take off entirely to have access to the full bed. A single person can do it in a couple of minutes, two people a minute or less. and plenty light enough for one person to take on and off without difficulty.

I've had a snap on bed cover, and it was a pain to snap on and off, especially in the Heat/very cold. so I personally wouldn't do one of those again. Though it does give you access to your whole bed. I haven't had a hard cover one, but they seem to have too many drawbacks for me to mess with.

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Posted: Thu Feb 15th, 2018 12:35 pm

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Very nice, good option if I still want a cover.

I only picked up the fiberglass unit because it was absurdly cheap.

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Posted: Thu Feb 15th, 2018 01:19 pm

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MaDMaXX wrote: Very nice, good option if I still want a cover.

I only picked up the fiberglass unit because it was absurdly cheap.

Well..

Considering it's near unusable use without the needed repairs which of course also = time & money.

Doesn't seem it's made for an equitable investment yet. :

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Posted: Thu Feb 15th, 2018 01:36 pm

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It cost me $60.....

It has to be worth $200 to someone? or am i totally off base there?

And honestly, it's not unusable, that edge damage only extends a little further than the edge trim.

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Posted: Thu Feb 15th, 2018 02:56 pm

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A used tonneau in good shape rarely goes that high in this area. I have been trying to get $100 for a 97-03 F150 6.5' with mounting hardware that is in very good shape. The mounting hardware was $80 back when I bought it.

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Posted: Thu Feb 15th, 2018 03:23 pm

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Even for the fiberglass version? I thought they were closer to $1000 new?

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Posted: Thu Feb 15th, 2018 04:32 pm

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Bed cover values drop in price SIGNIFICANTLY once they are no longer "new". The number of people who want a bed cover vs those who do not is a very small %. I think new costs a lot because people buy new with a new truck and so either buy it on credit, or can/are willing to splash the cash. Used are typically people buying for an older truck, my b4000 cost me $2000, $200 was a big pill to swallow for a bed cover (but in the end was so worth it, gives me 1-2mpg improved fuel economy! it will pay for itself... eventually)

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Posted: Thu Feb 15th, 2018 04:43 pm

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Makes sense, bleh, not in my favour. I'll post it up for sale in the coming weeks i think, see if i get any bites.

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Posted: Thu Feb 15th, 2018 09:37 pm

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Good luck. Selling stuff on craigslist can be really hit or miss.

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Posted: Fri Feb 16th, 2018 01:16 pm

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I put a fiberglass cover that I had on the Silverado on craigs list and 20 minutes later it was sold.

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Posted: Fri Feb 16th, 2018 03:31 pm

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How much did it go for?

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Posted: Sat Feb 17th, 2018 03:31 pm

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aroundincircles wrote: Good luck. Selling stuff on craigslist can be really hit or miss.

When you do hit it is usually good !

Got my Steppie Bed from Craigs List, brand new in Ford Crate, less than 1/3 the regular price... cant find that on your own !

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