TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

[ruinedx]

I received the TB Concepts Soft Boot and it looks different than expected; the "tails" it has which I did not notice on the picture in their site (which has a black tbird matching the boot) look a bit goofy on my blue tbird.

From what I can see the 2003-2005 Ford boot looks similar to my 2002 hard boot except its actually storable in the trunk with other items. Is there any advantage to the TB Concepts boot I am missing aside from price? i.e. if I shell out the extra cash is the 2003-2005 Ford OEM boot all-around better, or does it have its problems too? Thanks.

[THHNDR]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

The 03-05 OEM soft boot folds in thirds and still takes up considerable room in the trunk. If it is stored for any period of time with the velcro strap to hold it in it's smallest dimentions, it will devellope creases that will come out over time.

[Chuckster]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

I'm not sure what purpose the "tails" on the TB Concept boot serve as opposed to the stock boot that neatly tucks under the rear deck. Storing the stock boot in the trunk doesn't work for me. I don't like the creases, and it takes up too much trunk space. I store mine in plastic bags laid out on a flat surface.

[Virginia_PCR]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

Pete,

I have a TBC soft boot cover as well, but use it sparingly. For the most part, I currently use an OEM black soft boot cover, despite the fact that my PCR came with an ash colored soft boot. I just ordered a black recovering of my ash boot cover with the Thunderbird logo from Lou, aka: "Black Bird" who also custom makes sunvisor and headrest covers as well, in a variety of colors. I already have the sunvisor and headrest covers on my PCR. Go to the members section and you'll find Lou among the many black birds listed.

Before you go out and purchase a brand new OEM soft boot cover, which is quite expensive itself, contact Lou and have him send you a couple of photos of his product. You may like it enough to buy an older used soft boot, much cheaper, and have him recover it. Overall, you'll spend more, but the results are truly unique and worth it.

Good luck.

[5bird7]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

I received the TB Concepts Soft Boot and it looks different than expected; the "tails" it has which I did not notice on the picture in their site (which has a black tbird matching the boot) look a bit goofy on my blue tbird.

From what I can see the 2003-2005 Ford boot looks similar to my 2002 hard boot except its actually storable in the trunk with other items. Is there any advantage to the TB Concepts boot I am missing aside from price? i.e. if I shell out the extra cash is the 2003-2005 Ford OEM boot all-around better, or does it have its problems too? Thanks.

The boot you just bought has been used by those that travel and pack a lot. It rolls up in to the smallest bundle compared to the OEM boots from Ford.

The tails were required to anchor the boot under the trunk lid since it's too soft to tuck under the body edge like the 02 and the 03-05 boots. Otherwise it too would go flipping in the wind like the OEM boots can if not tucked in correctly. That soft boot was actually designed and made (in 2002)by z3solutions.com in response to requests by 02 owners for a boot that was useable and storable in the trunk and still make the trunk space useable.

The 03-05 OEM boot actually folds in 4ths and can be tucked into the cubby hole at the back of the trunk though it takes up just about all of that space.

[ruinedx]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

So the 03-05 boot fits okay in that little crevice in the back of the trunk?

This TB concepts one clearly is very flexible and functional... That is really what I'm looking for, just would be nice without the tails. The 02 boot by far looks the neatest but it takes up the whole trunk and I need the car to be functional.

I guess any more input on the pros/cons between the two would be great, thanks. It would cost be around $150 more to get the OEM soft boot.

[Redd and Suz]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

I have 2002 Red Tbird...but did not get the boot. Please let me know where I can find it...missed one on eBay...is there an OEM available?

[FUN X 3]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

Dock the tails.

[Sealy]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

Dock the tails.

This is only allowed in the States - and the AKC is fighting a loosing battle.



I can't see any advantage worth it for the soft /w tails version - - unless you have an overwhelming need to look goofy. The OEM boot looks good, is highly functional, and is a PIA - but it's part of the package. You gotta know that when you fall for a beautiful car, there's going to be some quirks.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

I HAVE SPARE 2002'S TO LOOK GOOD AROUND TOWN, AND SPARE 2003'S FOR TRIPS.

[Peterfurlan]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

I'm not sure what purpose the "tails" on the TB Concept boot serve as opposed to the stock boot that neatly tucks under the rear deck. Storing the stock boot in the trunk doesn't work for me. I don't like the creases, and it takes up too much trunk space. I store mine in plastic bags laid out on a flat surface.

As far as I'm concerned the boot is the Achilles heel as far as styling goes on
this car. When not installed in plastic bags laying flat under a bed,figured that
one as soon as I saw it in the trunk. What really irks me is the concave shape
of the boot in the center section between the seams when installed. I'm
thinking of adding some padding of sorts to do away with that sinking line. If
the car is a daily driver and not a toy go with the roll up boot may not look
good but its practical.

[njmiket]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

Keep looking on Ebay. That's where I bought mine for our 2002. They were easier to find when the T Birds were being produced.

[Leroy]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

I have both the 02 and the 04 that came with my car. A friend of mine bought an 02 that had the original and a cheap leather looking after market boot, she gave me the 02 OEM boot because she didn't like all the room it took up in the trunk. I told her she was nuts, but you can't argue with a woman. I think the 02 looks the best, but to tell the truth I very seldom use either one. If I feel like putting the top down, it goes down. Is it against a TBird law to go bootless? Leroy

\ \ \ \ \______________________________________________

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

Is it against a TBird law to go bootless? Leroy

\ \ \ \ \______________________________________________

IF IT ISN'T, IT SHOULD BE.

[PaulD]

Re: TB Concepts Soft Boot vs. Ford 2003-2005 soft boot

There is a Sand colored boot on eBay right now.