Having never owned a pickup before, and on the cusp of ordering my Lightning, I can't decide what kind of bed cover to get. I do want one of some type for better highway gas mileage and to keep the bed reasonably clean.

The factory soft tonneau is easy to get, but not very secure. I'd like to put things back there and not worry.

An after-market hard tonneau preserves rear visibility and is secure. Not so good for taller cargo.

An after-market camper shell gives good cargo height, and is secure. I haven't been terribly fond of the styling of ones I've seen on flareside beds though. I'd probably carpet the bed if I got one of these. Otherwise I'd get a bedliner.

Not interested in drag racing, so pure performance isn't much of an issue.

Any comments to help me decide? The soft tonneau isn't very expensive, so I could replace it later. Do the factory soft or aftermarket tonneaus permanently modify the bed or bed rails? Can I easily change from the soft to something else later?

Thanks. I've had a lot of good reading here for the past couple of weeks.

P.S. Red.

 

Hey Red. I've been looking into a cover also. I found out that Pace-Edwards does not make a roll-top cover for the Lightnings, but Roll 'n Lock does. I'm going to look and see if I can find a dealer here in Dallas. This cover will be good for me cause I can keep it closed most of the time and even lock things up back there, but I'll also be able to open it all the way whenever I need to haul tall things. It makes the most sense to me. I think it's a strong aluminum covered in black vinyl, so it will also look nice.
http://www.rollnlock.com

No, I am not a salesman

[This message has been edited by Pritch (edited 04-17-2000).]

 

I've got a Snuglid on mine and I absolutely love it. Only dissadvantage to this type of cover is if you want to haul something tall, you have to remove it. I also installed the Bedrug.
I have a Rolltop on my Dodge and it is nice to be able to haul something tall, but the disadvantage is: it isn't super easy to close and the vinyl fades really bad and the side rails fade.
Heres a pic of my L w/Snuglid.

 

Another rolltop source....
www.specialtycovers.com

They even have an electric one! I have seen one on a truck that is about five years old... Still works and looks great... opened and closed on a daily basis. This one can be powder coated to match the truck.

I used a rollnlock on a dodge for about one year. I do construction work on the side, and used it three to four times a day. It was an anodized aluminum finish, and still looked great a year later. Didn't have problems with the opening and closing.... I guess I was lucky....

 

Peter:

What do you think that cover weighs?

------------------
Rich
1999.5 SVT Lightning - Red. Super Chip. K&N Filter. Viper Alarm w/remote start, Sir Michael's roll pan, smooth corners and steps w/billet inserts, clear corner lenses, tow package, cd changer, cover, Phantom boost gauge, MTX Thunderform w/ 2 10" MTX 200w. subs. 5-channel 500w. Clarion amp.(APA5241), (4)Polk Audio 3-way, 130w. DX 7's, Muth signal mirrors, Soundproofed cab, BedRug, AIM 2" Drop, etc. Build #2755
TampaSVT@Tampabay.rr.com

http://home.tampabay.rr.com/tampasvt...Lightning9.jpg


1999.5 Expedition XLT

 

Snug Lid and Bed Rug!!!

 

Doug

Yes, I've had the ol silver L for about a month and a half now. I hope to have some time to meet all the Dallas area L owners here soon. I read that there is a dig going on the 28th. I'll see if I can make that one. Also hope to have some pics of her soon too.

Pritch

 

Pritch

Did you get your L yet ??

Doug

------------------
Got Silver 2000 Lightning 2/28/00!!
1st run 13.9 sec 1/4 !!
Doug
Carrollton TX
drbdkb@hotmail.com
Had 87 Turbo Coupe traded for
92 F150 XLT 302, Put K&N Filter, cat back and Chip on 92 Still not enough.

Silver 2000 Lightning, Valentine 1, Snuglid, Bedrug and K&N Filter. Have Sals Chip and Filter on order, cant wait.

 

I REALLY liked the Swiss Patriot that was posted a while back, but that thread doesn't mention any place to GET one. Does anyone know where Swiss Patriot is available? Thanks.

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AtomHeart
2000 Silver Lightnin'
1969 Ford Fairlane Cobra R code w/ 3.91 dragpack
atomhart@cyberhighway.net

 

Tooluser
I have had two hard tonneaus on my 99 Lightning and have seen a few more on other
F-150s. I recommend the one from Innovation-
Industries in Calif. I just installed their
new one with a small rear wing molded in at
the rear. It also has a third rear brake lite
and is the best looking one I' ve seen. Look
for them in Sport Truck or Truckin magizine.
Then give em a call at 1-800-827-7750.


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Robert B. Chuhran