Tonneau Cover

[njmcphillips]

I would like to purchase a tonneau cover for my '04 Tbird.

I would greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations.

[redbirdsal]

Re: Tonneau Cover

I'm not sure what you're looking for.

Are you asking about an OEM fabric soft top boot?

Or, an aftermarket fiberglass hard cover?

[njmcphillips]

Re: Tonneau Cover

I suppose I should be more specific.

Does anyone have any experience with the soft boot offered by Thunderbird Concepts?

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Tonneau Cover

one on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...spagenameZWDVW

[redbirdsal]

Re: Tonneau Cover

That boot cover is great for trips when you don't have room for either of the OEM padded boots. The front snaps onto existing hardware, and the rear fits under your trunk lid. Just snap it on, place the little weighted tabs over the lip of your open trunk, close the trunk, tuck in the sides, and you're ready to roll.

I don't think it looks nearly as good as the padded tops, but it's a good alternative.

BTW: Make sure you put something on the snaps first, to ease removal. Some use a wax crayon, others use a silicone gel. It's good to do the same on the snaps of the padded boots, too.

[njmcphillips]

Re: Tonneau Cover

That boot cover is great for trips when you don't have room for either of the OEM padded boots. The front snaps onto existing hardware, and the rear fits under your trunk lid. Just snap it on, place the little weighted tabs over the lip of your open trunk, close the trunk, tuck in the sides, and you're ready to roll.

I don't think it looks nearly as good as the padded tops, but it's a good alternative.

BTW: Make sure you put something on the snaps first, to ease removal. Some use a wax crayon, others use a silicone gel. It's good to do the same on the snaps of the padded boots, too.

Thank you for the info.

[Bradford]

Re: Tonneau Cover

I make sure to save room for my padded boot to travel or go without. I simple don't like the look of the after market boot, it extends over the body of the car, doesn't seem to fit smooth and just looks flimsy to me. Just my opinion.

[lmartun]

Re: Tonneau Cover

Get the Ford cover. Looks and fits best, folds up nice and tight for trunk storage.


lm

[texasbird]

Re: Tonneau Cover

I have the Thunderbird Concepts model you are talking about. I bought it because Texasbird (an '02 model) was missing her factory tonneau when I purchased her in '06. I agree that it doesn't look as good as the original would, but it is compact and doesn't take up much space in the trunk when not in use. Another problem is that the side pieces do not stay in place at highway speeds. They pop loose and flap in the wind when travelling at higher speeds, so we usually leave it off until we are doing in city cruising, parades, or showing the car.

[MidNiteRiders]

Re: Tonneau Cover

I also like the look of the original 02 boot but did buy the soft one for when I need the trunk space. I like to always have a cover on to keep the dirt and dust out of the well.

Another problem is that the side pieces do not stay in place at highway speeds. They pop loose and flap in the wind when travelling at higher speeds, so we usually leave it off until we are doing in city cruising, parades, or showing the car.

I also have been frustrated with the sides coming out on the Interstate. Has anyone found a way to keep them in the well?

[MATBird]

Re: Tonneau Cover

I am not familiar with it, but could weights be added (sewn on) to the two side flaps?

[MidNiteRiders]

Re: Tonneau Cover

I haven't experimented yet but it would have to be a pretty heavy weight. I was thinking of trying to come up with some kind of clips.

[Spike]

Re: Tonneau Cover

I have the padded cover which takes a lot of room. Someone mentioned a Ford cover that folds up to fit in the trunk. Can someone tell me more about this one?

[luvbirdz]

Re: Tonneau Cover

The padded cover that came with the my 02 Bird ,that I just got last fall, was a pain just folded in half in the bottom of the trunk but noticed it had a strap with velcro, so I rolled it up tight and it fits into the cubby hole out of the way.

[5bird7]

Re: Tonneau Cover

I have the padded cover which takes a lot of room. Someone mentioned a Ford cover that folds up to fit in the trunk. Can someone tell me more about this one?

Larry, the 03-05 T-birds came with a softer padded cover that folds in 4ths and can be tucked into the rear cubby hole. It's fits the 02s - same snap placement - we use one when we know we're not going to have to put the top up. You can find them for sale on ebay or even here (but they disappear fast when posted here) --- or you can buy one from your Ford dealer but that's the expensive route to go.