I bought an ARE Z series cap just over a month ago, and have been very happy with it thus far. Everything is A-1, the fit, the finish, the overall look, I have no complaints.

Yesterday, I decided to remove it for the summer (more practical for me)

A couple friends came over to give me a hand, and we took it off and placed it on a cradle I built in the back shed.

Soon as it was removed from the truck, I noticed a horrifying discovery:

The 3rd brake-light on my truck is all scratched to hell, as well as the black trim on either side of the brake-light.
The front of the cap has 3 big ugly gouges out of it, right down to the fibreglass.

Obviously, the cap was installed too close to the cab of the truck, and the cap was "rubbing" against the cab, and caused this damage. I have never had the cap off my truck since it was installed about a month ago.

So yes, I am really PO'd at the damage this has caused to my new 2002 F-150 (2,400 miles on the odometer right now, 1,000 when the cap was installed)

I went to the dealer today where I bought it, and they told me to return on Monday when the owner is in. They were trying to weazal out of any responsibility by saying this has never happened before, and I should have heard some noises and reported it immediatly. They were "shocked" that I never heard anything.

Anyway, I'm really stressed out right now, because this dealer has a reputation for being a supreme A-hole. (I learned this news after I purchased the cap)

Tomorrow when I get my camera back, I will post picsa of the damage.
My gut feeling tells me he will try to weazal out of the damage and try to pull a fast one.

I guess the only thing I can do is take him to small claims court and let a judge decide.

Anyone have any ideas on the cost of replacing the 3rd brake light cover, and all the black trim around the rear window?
Also, any suggestions on how to handle this will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Alex

 

Here are some photos of the damage:

 

Any word yet alex?

 

Hi jj,

I moved this thread over to General Discussions, go check it out.

Regards
Alex

 

I know the feeling. I had a Leer camper installed on a '92 Ranger shortly after I bought it in '92. I noticed in a couple weeks that it had been rubbing also. It didn't hurt the cab, but did wear into the fiberglass on the top. I took it back and had it moved further back from the cab. I didn't have it fixed and it never caused a problem. One of my brothers now has the truck and with no problems. But it was not damaged quite as bad as yours. Like you, I didn't hear anything, I just looked and saw it.