Repainting your Ford Pickup’s Fiberglass Tonneau Cover

Posted by admin | Automotive | Saturday 14 January 2012 4:17 am

You have just bought yourself a discounted fiberglass truck bed cover for your Ford pickup truck when you realized the shade does not match your truck.  While going through all the red tape just to have it shipped back and replaced is not an option and buying a new one is a waste of money, you are left with only one choice:  have it repainted.  While it may be as easy as going to the nearest autodetailing shop in your vicinity, the price is often too high and impractical.  Who wants to blow off $400 to have a 2nd hand or discounted tonneau cover repainted anyway?  Hence, learning to paint the fiberglass tonneau cover yourself is the cheapest way to go.

 

Now, before you start re-painting your Ford tonneau cover, you need to know the color code of your pickup truck, if you are planning to match your tonneau cover with the color of your truck.  You can refer to your truck’s documentation.  Once you have the color code of your truck, you can set off to the nearest store for the paint, primer, a 600 and 800 grit sand paper, some tack rags and a clear coat for a glossy finish.  Also, as fiberglass tonneau covers tend to be very heavy, an extra hand would be recommended to dismount the tonneau cover from your truck bed.

 

To start, remove the truck tonneau cover from your truck bed.  Using a 600 grit sand paper, sand the tonneau cover while holding a running water hose over the sand paper.  This will keep the paint or primer buildup from the tonneau’s surface, which could scratch your tonneau cover’s surface.  Rinse the tonneau cover for a few minutes before sanding yoru tonneau cover again, this time with an 800 grit sand paper.  While sanding the tonneau cover with an 800 grit sandpaper, keep hosing the surface to avoid the buildup from staying on the surface of your tonneau cover.  The 800 grit sand paper will clear out any scratches left behind by the 600 grit sand paper.  After that, rinse the tonneau cover again to remove any paint or primer residue, then allow to dry completely.

 

Once it’s dry, wipe the tonneau cover with a tack rag to remove any residue or leftover paint and grime from the surface as these can be seen underneath the paint.  Start with a thick coat of primer over the tonneau cover and allow the tonneau cover to dry for about 30 minutes.  Once dry, you can start with about three to five thin coats of paint.  Leave the tonneau cover for another 30 minutes before applying three to five coats of clear coat paint.  The clear coat paint should be left to dry for about four to five hours before reinstalling the tonneau cover on your truck bed.  Also, when spray painting, it is advisable to hold the sprayer about six to eight inches away from the tonneau cover’s surface to avoid runs.

 

Features of Extang solid fold tonneau covers

Posted by admin | Automotive | Monday 14 November 2011 8:29 am

One of the popular choices of aftermarket accessories for a pickup truck is the extang solid fold tonneau cover.  Tonneau covers are installed on the truck to help protect the cargo placed in the truck bed from unwanted damage caused by the harsh weather or from theft. These covers can also improve the gas mileage of the vehicle by reducing the air drag and resistance on the vehicle. This saves about 10% of gas consumption.

 

Tools are not required when one installs the extang solid fold tonneau cover. All its parts are built into the cover and can be installed in just a few moments. This eliminates the hassle of drilling holes on the truck and missing parts. With its lightweight feature, installation and removal of the extang bed covers is such a breeze and can be accomplished even by just one person. With its revolutionary built-in features, it provides a secure no-nonsense installation.

The extang tonneau covers are engineered for strength. This cover features the aircraft grade aluminum alloy frame and honeycomb core construction. It only weighs about 50 pounds and yet it can support an average sized 4-wheeler. It has an easy to use clamping system, same as the extang trifecta, which is made from the extremely strong glass-filled nylon construction. That offers both a rapid-secure & rapid-release system for that ultimate truck bed versatility. These clamps can conveniently nest within the truck’s rails when not in use.

Tri-fold design is another feature offered by the extang bed covers. These covers have speedklamps that provide instant access to the truck bed. The tail section of this cover operates with spring-action technology for that instant fasten and release.  The solid fold cover gives the ease of loading and convenient access to the cargo by temporarily folding it out of the way. Also, this cover has a unique  hinge design  which integrates the engineered channels to keep water out. The hinges are consistent with the framework, made of the same durable aluminum alloy.

Once the extang solid fold tonneau cover is installed on the vehicle, it adds more style to one’s truck due to the sporty black textured poly-tex paint finish. This cover is also UV protected against harmful rays and fading which is great for all climates.  Each extang cover provides easy and convenient use with great styling and cargo security keeping your cargo protected from weather damage and out of sight from thieves.

Getting the Most from Your Ranch Tonneau Cover

Posted by admin | Automotive | Sunday 18 September 2011 5:19 am

Every truck owner would perhaps know that a bed cover is a perfect accessory you can fit on your vehicle.  The cover provides practical uses as well as adds value to your vehicle with the sleek look it offers.  Covers were created to mainly offer shield and protection of the truck bed and the cargos hauled on a regular basis from the beatings of the different weather and road conditions.  And for maximum security fiberglass tonneau covers are available in the market to provide you such protection.

On top of the industry for these kind of covers is Ranch fiberglass.  They provide quality products and unmatched services backed with a limited lifetime factory warranty.  Their products come with a 1200lb tested rotary latches offering highest security on consignments you keep under the covers.  With their mechanism for the rotary latch, it is difficult for the cover to be opened at any given time sealing the payload as well as keeping it and the truck bed from the elements.

A cover will also turn your vehicle into a thrift machine as it does not consume more gas than what is necessary.  Open truck beds with closed tailgates tend to catch the air flowing from the front creating resistance for a smooth run.  The drag would have an effect on your fuel consumption as it slows the vehicle down making you utilize more gas.  A smooth back surface offered by the cover will make for an unhampered air flow giving you advantage for your mileage.

As in any other covers, Ranch tonneau covers get you to organize storage for your consignments particularly the small, loose ones.  It covers your load from the sun, wind, rain and even snow.  Having it covered also keeps thieves away from “shopping” in your truck bed.  And as previously mentioned, maximizes your gas mileage.  And with the sleek look a Ranch cover offers, it provides a sleek and customized look, not to mention this can be painted to match the vehicle’s body.

Your truck may be one of your top investments to it is equally safe to propose you protect this investment.  A Ranch tonneau cover will be able to give you protection so you will be ensured of a enjoying your pick up longer while the cover also provides other benefits.  Keeping the truck bed away from corrosion will maintain your vehicle in top-notch condition.  The cover also adds visual value to your prized vehicle.

Truck Step Design in Current Times

Posted by admin | Automotive | Tuesday 6 September 2011 9:12 am

With the advent of technology in current times, there are dozens of car accessories developed for every simple need. There are accessories made for enhancing the look of your vehicle like LED lights placed on the side mirrors or those which perform several functions that add usability for your vehicle. An example of these would be top load carriers design to be installed on top of the roof of your SUV or pickup truck for carrying loads bigger than your car. This is ideal for camping or going to the beach to carry surf boards and coolers.

 

An accessory that is able to add both style and function to your sports utility vehicle or pickup truck is the running board. A running board or also called side step is made of either stainless steel or aluminum alloy. The main purpose of a running board is to add a lower step for your passenger cab. There are many styles for running boards and this depends on what design you prefer including other additional benefits. Running boards that are mainly used to be steps are rectangular, long and run from below the front door to just before the rear wheel. This type of running board has grooves to allow a better stepping grip for passengers.

 

Another design popularly called step bars are bent tubular stainless steel which are attached to holes under the cab of your SUV or truck, below the passenger doors. This is similar to the nerf bars, where the shape is oval instead of the standard tube shape. Both are made of solid steel, either stainless or powder-coated. These are capable of carrying heavy loads or heavy passengers. In addition to acting as a lower step, oval and tube shaped step bars provide protection to the sides of the car by bumping off road debris such as fallen tree branches and small rocks when travelling.

 

Some side step brands offer added features like the aluminum boards by Westin which has a rubber anti-slip cushion to ensure the safety of your passengers when stepping in and out of your truck. It is manufactured with high quality standards to make sure that it passes strict industry requirements.

 

If you have a big budget to use for this type of accessory, there are some designs for truck steps which are fully automated. The automatic retractable running board detects, extends and reduces itself when it senses that you’re about to enter or exit the automobile.

Practical Truck Accessories – Tonneau Covers and Bed Liners

Posted by admin | Automotive | Wednesday 24 August 2011 12:25 pm

Truck owners are sure to get advantages from using tonneau covers.  For one, the truck bed gets protected from the elements and is sure to last a long time without needing any major maintenance or overhaul in the near future.  Also, as it protects the truck bed, it also shields your cargo from the same elements that you are protecting your bed from.  It keeps your cargo intact and undamaged while in transit.  It will also keep burglars from dipping into your load and taking it out.

A BedRug liner is another accessory that you can use for your truck.  This can keep you comfortable on your truck bed while providing other benefits.  It has a straight-forward installation instruction and as easy to take off, as well.  This is made of resilient material that holds stuff on it for stability.  This keeps your cargo more secure, particularly the small, loose ones so they do not roll about on your bed.

The market is offering different covers to suit your preference.  There are retractable tonneau covers that you can use.  These are under the hard cover category however it has the flexibility of a soft one because as the name implies, it retracts in and out.  There are sequences of hard panels that can be packed away in a cylinder by simply rolling it in.  The retractable cover was designed to do away with removing the cover should you load something that juts out of the truck side.

There are tonneau covers that are made of hard materials while some more economical ones are crafted from soft, durable materials.  Either way, tonneau is necessary to keep your things protected.  Aside from the protection, a tonneau can minimize drag on your vehicle and maximize your gas.  This is essentially helpful these days that fuel prices are up.  With a tonneau in place, you will have peace of mind as you’d go distance and your cargos are safe.

Refurbish your truck with appropriate accessories that not only provide visual value but practical benefits, as well.  This will give you value for your money.  These are good investments for your truck which will surely last for a long time.  And it will also protect your truck from premature deterioration particularly when constantly running under the heat of the sun, the cool winds and lashing rains, not to mention freezing snow.  With a tonneau cover and a BedRug liner your truck gets pampered while providing benefits for you.

Choosing the Best Car Accessories

Posted by admin | Automotive | Tuesday 26 July 2011 7:55 am

There are various car accessories available in the market today. Choosing one that best suits your truck can be confusing. But did you know that the most sought after accessories are running boards for trucks? These are the most popular car accessories if you are an SUV or a pickup truck owner. Running boards will give you easier access to your truck.

A running board is also known as nerf bar. Most car enthusiast would purchase a running board first because of its finest quality and the safety it gives. Running boards are simple and easy to install. Did you know that you can set it up in less than an hour? You can even choose between stainless steel and chrome or powder coated.

Running boards for trucks doesn’t only give a stylish look on your vehicle but at the same time it gives additional protection to you and your family.  Since these are setup on the sides of your truck, you don’t have to take a leap when getting in or out but instead you will use the running boards as side steps. With the latest technology, many manufacturers have name running boards such as Ionic running boards and ford truck running boards. This is to distinguish the structure and style of the product.

It is actually easy to install. When you order online, your product comes with a quick installation guide to assist you when you decide to setup your running board. In addition, you can set it up in less than an hour. It will be less tedious since there is no drilling is required. Furthermore, if you search in the web you will find free shipping which is very advantageous on your part. All you have to do is add it to your cart and wait for your product to arrive. Hassle free, right?

Moreover, running board manufacturers guarantee a lifetime warranty or limited warranty depending on what type of running board you decide to purchase. When you purchase a product what comes to your mind would be the durability of the product. How long it will last? If there is warranty, you are assured that there is quality on the materials.  However, if you are unsure of your decision you can always consult a certified or trusted mechanic to check first your pickup truck. You may as well address your concern and plans of getting a running board. Your mechanic might have a something to say.

Truck Tonneau Covers – Factors To Consider Before Buying One

Posted by admin | Automotive,Shopping | Thursday 26 May 2011 4:49 pm

Do you plan to put flair to the look of your truck, or simply add usefulness to it? If so, then truck tonneau covers are the best available option.

The use of a well-fitted cover is a sure way to aid you keep your truck bed space and your items organized and safe.  Moreover, a nice truck bed cover can offer protection to your cargo. It will simply keep your valuables out of sight from robbers and keep your items protected from damaging weather conditions.

Today, you can find a wide range of truck bed covers in the market from soft, hard, retractable tonneau covers to f150 tonneau cover and more.  Since there is a wide array of bed covers it becomes a challenge to determine which one is best for your pickup truck.

You have to consider and evaluate a few factors in order for you to find the right tonneau cover for your vehicle.

Consider your needs, your cargo type, the security you need, your budget and preference.

Truck drivers and owners buy truck bed covers for many reasons.  And finding out the reason why you need a bed lid is the first thing that you need to do.  Since different truck covers serve different purposes knowing the reason why you want to purchase one will help you determine an excellent cover which will fulfill your requirements.

In case you are an outgoing person who regularly go camping then a camper shell will be the best choice as it will meet your storage and camping requirements aside from hauling cargo.

An aluminum hard cap would be suitable in case the cargo you carry easily fits below the bed rails.  But in case you are always hauling tall cargo a retractable bed cover makes an excellent option.

Knowing how much security you need is one determining factor when it comes to choosing the right bed cover.  Know that all truck covers have some kind of locking mechanism that is the reason why it is essential to know how much security you actually need.

Fiberglass truck bed cover is ideal if you regularly carry costly cargo as it will completely cover the truck bed and keep shipment concealed and out of robber’s sight.  If security matters then take note that soft tonneau covers will not be able to provide utmost security as they can be easily opened by a knife or any sharp-edged objects.

In case you live in an area having moderate weather condition then a foldable soft bed covers made of canvas or vinyl will be good enough.  But if you are in regions experiencing unpredictable and harsh weather conditions then the appropriate cover will be a hinged hard topper.

Do you give much emphasis on style and looks? Then a fiberglass cover is just for you as it can make your truck look modern and classy.  However if looks do not matter to you then you can choose a vinyl or canvas soft cover.  If you want a hard one then the aluminum cover will be best.  In case you want to customize your truck, know that fiberglass is the only material that can be perfectly customized.

The last determining factor would be how much you are willing to spend for a cover.  You can choose a fiberglass cover if you have a reasonably high budget.  It is more appropriate to choose soft vinyl covers for shoe string budget.

Another thing to put in mind is that hard covers are always durable compared to soft ones.  The hard ones may be a bit expensive but it will save you money in the long run.

No matter what cover you are going to choose, each type of covers provide security to your truck bed and fill, improve the look of your truck and increase gas mileage.  Knowing your needs, preference, budget and other conditions will guide you in choosing the right truck bed cover for your pickup truck.