jon@dakota-truck.net wrote:
> However, I also want to be able to detach the
> tonneau at any point. (i.e. if I wanted to un-do the front right
> corner to carry something tall there without removing the entire tonneau,
> I could do that.)
I think you'll find that most tonneau makers recommend very strongly
against doing this, as the cover can flap in the breeze and tear.
> I would prefer one which uses something other than
> snaps to attach to the frame. (I had a tonneau like that once, the snaps
> are a bear to attach, and they rust. A no-drill install would be nice,
> but not absolutely necessary.
Most soft tonneaus are no-drill nowadays I think. Snaps are still out
there in force, but there's also the channel-types like Jason & Norah
had on the '98, and the "snap anywhere" system that Downey has (more on
this later).
> Since it is going on a convertible, it
> should sit as flush as possible, especially at the front of the bed (i.e.
> not a huge arc on the bows)
This could be the sticking point for you. Most soft tonneaus have an
arc on them to keep them tight.
> That's not asking too much, is it? ;-)
No, you'd *never* ask for the world :)
> I did see a tonneau cover like this at a show once. I think you could
> unhook the back, and then basically slide the tonneau up the frame,
> all the way to the cab if you wanted to, and it would also detach at
> any point, but I have no idea who to check for manufacturers and such -
> I thought I would check here to see if anyone has a tonneau like this,
> or knows who makes one.
>
> As usual, I'm looking for a quality product at a reasonable price.
I got my Downey LTD (Lift Top Design) for $315 shipped, pretty good
compared to the $415 + tax the thieves 2 blocks over wanted for the same
unit. Downey uses a system where you have pyramid-shaped "snaps" that
lock into a channel on the rails. They will slide some along the rails.
All plastic and aluminum, no rusting. The front 20% or so of the
siderails clamp onto the bedrails, then there's a hinge and the rails
continue. Towards the back is a large-ish crosspiece which also houses
the latch mechanism. A gas strut on each side.
I'm very happy with mine, the only quibble is that if I want to carry
something that's the length of the bed and taller than the bed, I have
to remove the whole setup from the hinges back because of that
crosspiece. Only about a 10-minute operation though.
I can send you pix if you like.
-- -andyhttp://home.twcny.rr.com/andylevy/ --- andylevy@yahoo.com -------------------------------------------- "Whatever Adam does, do the opposite and you'll be fine" -Bob Tom --------------------------------------------
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