Looking for Downey SST Owners...
Looking for Downey SST Owners...
I just installed my Downey SST and for the most part I love it. Install was a breeze but it took nearly 2 hours. Part of the time I was cutting extra weatherstripping for the front rail and the rest I was fighting with the snaps... Damn that cover is tight!! I am a little concerned about how the rear bar meets the tailgate, It is almost hitting the tailgate, in fact there is about 1/16th of an inch gap in the middle. I adjusted the height of the rails by using the foam spacers in the rear as per the instructions, and I lined up their weatherstripping with the tailgate, but the cover is pulling the rear bar inward that's causing the top of the tailgate to hit the bottom of the bar.
I hope I'm clear in describing this as it's late and I'm tired. Anyhow, how is your setup and any suggestions? Thanks!
------------------
My New Baby: 2001 F-150 XLT Sport 4x4. 5.4L, S/C, S/S, Bright Red, Dark Graphite Int., 3.55, Class III Tow/Heavy Duty Cooling, 4 wheel disc ABS, Overhead Console, Factory In-Dash CD, Remote Keyless Entry.
Mods: Westin Nerf Bars, Ziebart Rust Protection, Ford Bug Deflector, Ventvisors, Cabin Air Filtration
Future Mods: Superchip, Air Force 1, Spray-in Bedliner, and Retrax.
2000 Polaris Sportsman 500, Camo Green, 4x4, 499cc 4-stroke, independent suspension, shaft drive, 4 wheel disc brakes, etc.
I hope I'm clear in describing this as it's late and I'm tired. Anyhow, how is your setup and any suggestions? Thanks!
------------------
My New Baby: 2001 F-150 XLT Sport 4x4. 5.4L, S/C, S/S, Bright Red, Dark Graphite Int., 3.55, Class III Tow/Heavy Duty Cooling, 4 wheel disc ABS, Overhead Console, Factory In-Dash CD, Remote Keyless Entry.
Mods: Westin Nerf Bars, Ziebart Rust Protection, Ford Bug Deflector, Ventvisors, Cabin Air Filtration
Future Mods: Superchip, Air Force 1, Spray-in Bedliner, and Retrax.
2000 Polaris Sportsman 500, Camo Green, 4x4, 499cc 4-stroke, independent suspension, shaft drive, 4 wheel disc brakes, etc.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: New Hudson, MI, USA
I've had mine since I picked it up from the dealer. They had it installed before I picked it up. The only time I've had trouble snapping mine was under 20 degrees. My rear bar is just about a 1/16th of an inch above the tailgate...+/- a 1/16th. When its cooler it takes a bit more to snap the cover and the rear bar will flex in at first till you get it all snapped up then it is fine.
What I've found to work best is snap both sides down, then start in the middle of the rear working outward towards the side one at a time each way. The rear bar will flex enough in the center to make it easier to snap. As you work towards the side it will flex back into place.
I love my cover, and not a leak yet. With Michigan winters that says a lot.
-jeff b.
------------------
2000 F150 4x4 SC/SB 5.4 Auto, Tow Package, ORP (with the sticker for 2000), Cab Steps, Lariet.
Oxford White/Harvest Gold 2 tone.
What I've found to work best is snap both sides down, then start in the middle of the rear working outward towards the side one at a time each way. The rear bar will flex enough in the center to make it easier to snap. As you work towards the side it will flex back into place.
I love my cover, and not a leak yet. With Michigan winters that says a lot.
-jeff b.
------------------
2000 F150 4x4 SC/SB 5.4 Auto, Tow Package, ORP (with the sticker for 2000), Cab Steps, Lariet.
Oxford White/Harvest Gold 2 tone.
The problem with my Doney SST is that the rear bar sags in the middle. On the sides I've got about 1/8" clearance, but in the center I've got about 1/16" of overlap which is causing the tailgate to hit.
I've tried playing with the brackets with no luck and I even have double shims made of the foam tape. Any suggestions?
I've tried playing with the brackets with no luck and I even have double shims made of the foam tape. Any suggestions?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: New Hudson, MI, USA
Isn't it supposed to rest on top of the gate when closed ?? I'm pretty sure mine does. Not by much, but ever so slight. Otherwise it would leave water in in the rain and snow, and I know mine does not.
I'll check mine and let you know. It'll be a week though as we are headed to the north country tonight.....truck is loaded to the roof with goodies 8^)
-jeff b.
------------------
2000 F150 4x4 SC/SB 5.4 Auto, Tow Package, ORP (with the sticker for 2000), Cab Steps, Lariet.
Oxford White/Harvest Gold 2 tone.
I'll check mine and let you know. It'll be a week though as we are headed to the north country tonight.....truck is loaded to the roof with goodies 8^)
-jeff b.
------------------
2000 F150 4x4 SC/SB 5.4 Auto, Tow Package, ORP (with the sticker for 2000), Cab Steps, Lariet.
Oxford White/Harvest Gold 2 tone.
Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Dacula, GA
Dumb question, but are you sure you got the right bar on the back? 
Or is it possible that the bar was bent during shipping? Mine just touches and doesn't sag that I have noticed. When I close the tailgate, you can just tell that the bar is snug but doesn't hinder the use of the tailgate at all.
I too had trouble snapping the first time. Wasn't THAT cold in November (esp here in HotLanta). I think the snaps have a tendancy to loosen up/lubricate with use.
Or is it possible that the bar was bent during shipping? Mine just touches and doesn't sag that I have noticed. When I close the tailgate, you can just tell that the bar is snug but doesn't hinder the use of the tailgate at all.I too had trouble snapping the first time. Wasn't THAT cold in November (esp here in HotLanta). I think the snaps have a tendancy to loosen up/lubricate with use.
Y2K OffRoad,
I checked mine when I was washing the truck on tuesday and the rear part just clears the tailgate when I open and close it. It is a tight enough fit that I get little to no water in the bed when washing and rinsing off the cover. My SST has been on for a year and a half with no water leakage in the rain (it absolutley poured here today) or when washing. It was a real tight fit to put it on the first time but it was cold ( for socal ) in February, the cover has loosened up since then but does not flap execpt at 90 mph + in warm weather. You might want to check your bar with a straight edge or on a flat surface to see if it is bowed. If it is bowed try to carefully straighten it out.
Jim
I checked mine when I was washing the truck on tuesday and the rear part just clears the tailgate when I open and close it. It is a tight enough fit that I get little to no water in the bed when washing and rinsing off the cover. My SST has been on for a year and a half with no water leakage in the rain (it absolutley poured here today) or when washing. It was a real tight fit to put it on the first time but it was cold ( for socal ) in February, the cover has loosened up since then but does not flap execpt at 90 mph + in warm weather. You might want to check your bar with a straight edge or on a flat surface to see if it is bowed. If it is bowed try to carefully straighten it out.
Jim
