Tonneau covers, bug shields, and other musings.
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
From: Oregon City OR
Tonneau covers, bug shields, and other musings.
Regarding the A.R.E. tonneau covers, I was scheduled to have the LSII installed this morning, but after viewing the cover on my XLT Screw, I told the dealer (a family friend) that I would not accept it. The paint had several defects (dust burrs, runs, and a retouched scratch) and the front corner design/fit needs more thought/engineering (see Sierra One's post of 10/19/03 and my premature replies). Also, I'm convinced that this cover will leak when driving in the rain as the leading edge corners will act as scoops in the windstream. The foam rubber block at each corner by A.R.E. to correct this possibility looks like a band-aid to me.
I installed, with my wife's assistance, an EGR 3D Carbon Fiber Look bug shield. Only one comment...if y'all have a black, silver, or shadow grey rig, this is one FANTASTIC item appearance-wise. As with the Dodge trucks, the grill must be removed to install...a no-brainer...simple. Incidentally, the installation taught me how utterly simple it would be to swap grills amongst the 2004 models if y'all don't like what you have or want to install aftermarket grill inserts, etc.
Initial impressions of the new F150 (picked up on 10/20)? Compared to my '97 Scab...no reasonable comparison. The 2004 is tight, tight, tight, well assembled, super-quiet (freaky!), and the rack and pinion steering very precise. It leans less in corners and the suspension is more compliant. This truck is a vast improvement over past Ford models and the competition. For the do-it-yourselfers, you'll absolutely love the air and oil filter access features.
In response to some other forum observations, yes, I noticed some bed shake in the side view mirrors, but I'm really wondering. Is it actually the bed shaking or the shear-style rubber body mounts of the cab causing what appears to be bed shake? I'm certain though, that with the monster frame under the 2004, it's not an issue with torsional flexing, i.e., no problemo. Yes, the punch of the 5.4 seems to be "subtle", but look at the speedo and prepared to be surprised...the quietness of this truck makes it a sleeper. Frankly, I love the demeanor of this beast.
Well done, Kansas City!
I installed, with my wife's assistance, an EGR 3D Carbon Fiber Look bug shield. Only one comment...if y'all have a black, silver, or shadow grey rig, this is one FANTASTIC item appearance-wise. As with the Dodge trucks, the grill must be removed to install...a no-brainer...simple. Incidentally, the installation taught me how utterly simple it would be to swap grills amongst the 2004 models if y'all don't like what you have or want to install aftermarket grill inserts, etc.
Initial impressions of the new F150 (picked up on 10/20)? Compared to my '97 Scab...no reasonable comparison. The 2004 is tight, tight, tight, well assembled, super-quiet (freaky!), and the rack and pinion steering very precise. It leans less in corners and the suspension is more compliant. This truck is a vast improvement over past Ford models and the competition. For the do-it-yourselfers, you'll absolutely love the air and oil filter access features.
In response to some other forum observations, yes, I noticed some bed shake in the side view mirrors, but I'm really wondering. Is it actually the bed shaking or the shear-style rubber body mounts of the cab causing what appears to be bed shake? I'm certain though, that with the monster frame under the 2004, it's not an issue with torsional flexing, i.e., no problemo. Yes, the punch of the 5.4 seems to be "subtle", but look at the speedo and prepared to be surprised...the quietness of this truck makes it a sleeper. Frankly, I love the demeanor of this beast.
Well done, Kansas City!
