Dusty1,

The lid looks first class. I still have not decided if I am going to do a lid at all yet.

Did it come pre-painted or did you local dealer paint it? Some of the ones (lids in general) that I have seen paint was only one coat of paint, and within a couple of years the paint wore away. I have noticed that some claim to have a base coat, the paint color, and then a clear coat.

Everybody, thanks for all the posts!

 

It was painted at the factory. The cap store manager took the number off the pillar on the truck and gave it to A.R.E. when he called in the order.

I don't know how many coats were applied, so this may be an issue later.

 

Am I seeing double? Seriously, the paint on my ******** lid (on a '97) was wearing into the metallics after 4-5 years...obviously no clearcoat had ever been applied. In contrast, the paint on the new Snuglid SL (on the '04) is absolutely flawless in every way...deep, reflective, and perfectly matched. It has so much shine that it's difficult to photograph for my gallery at some angles. Snuglid has a lifetime structure and paint warranty, the latter is defined as 'warranted as long as the OEM paint on the vehicle lasts'. Usually (not always), that's satisfactory.

 

The A.R.E. has a limited lifetime warranty, but only on the fiberglass shell and mounting rails. However,

"A.R.E. Inc. warrant to you, the original retail purchaser of an A.R.E. fiberglass LSII tonneau, that the exterior paint will not abnormally fade or peel due to material or workmanship defect faster than the original pickup it was installed on by an authorized A.R.E. retail dealer."

Stress cracks are also covered as long as they are not from impact, misuse, abuse, collision, or competitive racing.

Another interesting note, it says not to wax for 60 days, and use only waxes and sealant recommended for urethane clear coats.

 

The only thing I don't like about my A.R.E. tonneau covers is that it makes it even more difficult to see over the back throught the rearview mirror.

 

Here's a photo of mine with the dealer optional bed mat that I got with the deal on my truck.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...0025&anum=4901

 

STXDriver,

That's true, it reduces visility by a couple more inches. In my case, the track system blocks the view even more. I'm glad to have those big side mirrors! Once I get the bikes on there I'll hardly be able to see out the back at all.