Anyone have a modern glass cap on their truck? Leer, ARE or Century?? I'm looking at the Century high model but wondering if and how these fit on our square not so modern trucks. I have the fleetside 8' bed on standard cab, any other suggestions would be great as well. Thanks

 

This is only based on my research and is not gospel.

Anything for a 80-96 Ford
73-87 Chevy
Will work for our 1st Gens. Try googling this subject and you will get some dimensions.

Hope it helps.

 

The topper on the wife's truck came off an early-90s Chevrolet.

Length is right.

Front width is right.

However, it tapers from fore to aft about two-inches each side.

If I didn't point it out, even a close observer wouldn't catch it, but the taper is there.

The brand-name escapes my memory at present.

 

I have a Leer and this model was made specifically for the 1st gen years.

All have some different like the angle behind the cab and the recess for the bed light, tops are pretty specific what they will fit however I am sure they could be close enough to work.



Others will fit but they are not an exact fit.

Leer is one of the high end companies.

http://www.leer.com/Truck-Caps

I have seen full size trucks around sporting mini truck size shells on 2X4 's across the bed.


Jim

 

That is one sweet truck Lane. Perfect the way it is.

This is what I have, but I saved 400 bucks by not buying the name. The cap is very well made. I'm impressed. Been there a year now and so far. . . All glass, no wood strips in the base. Got it from Ishlers Truck Cap in Lancaster PA. You can find them on eGay. I forgot the manufacturers name, but they have a riser too. This was a no frills and cost me less than 800 installed.

 

I'm not far from Lancaster so I might need to check that out. I'll also need to see if any of the mfg still/will make a cap for a first gen.. Who knows they might. I'm sure I can find a used one as well some where! Thanks guys!!

 

I think they still do. Seems to me they had a listing for it, They may even have one.

You want their number? I have to get it off the cap. LOL

Better PM me if you want that number. . . I may miss this

 

I'm looking for the sleeper style cap. Anyone know where to get one ?

 

I think the same guy has them too. I can't remember.

 

I HAD a Leer, pretty much like Jim Lanes. It was nice, fit great, and was lined. HOWEVER, it was 8 years old and the entire top was sagging, bad!
Leer doesent make them anymore so thier "Lifetime" warranty is about useless. pretty much blew me off.
I now have an ARE custom built Aluminum shell with no glass. i wanted it without the side doors, however, they don't make them that way. now that I have it, they sure are handy!!! it is curently white (truck is gray/silver) but I love it. and i dont have a lake in the middle of it when it rains!

 

Mine has been repaired a few times by my body shop but it was after I had accidents. I have some small cracks in the top that do not leak he is going to repair because my paint job has a lifetime warranty. I know I am getting structural damage because of how harsh he truck rides on out terrible roads and highways.

I have replaced my back window 2 times because the constant pounding has broken the window frame. I think a lot of your damage could be caused the ride especially if it is a dually.

I had problems with some Leer distributors until I called the factory.

I have looked at an aluminum shell with an all TIG welded frame but I would be afraid the truck would break it up since it would not be as forgiving as fiberglass..

How is the ride on your truck?

Jim

 

Mines been on there a year and shows no sign of any loosness. I didn't get the sliding windows so I imagine it's a bit stronger that way.

It does have a piece, I guess 3/4 plywood, fiberglassed into the roof. I looked at Leer, but when I saw the price on this, I went this route. For the money, it's very well made.

I see there is a sticker on the side with th emakers name, I'll get that and a phone number. I think the factory is in southern Ohio

 

I think a lot of the sagging issues and cracking/breaking problems are due to the flatness of those cab-high style of toppers, regardless of brand.

That is a large un-supported span.

The style like that on the wife's truck has two "step-ups", if you will, one immediately behind the cab and an even higher one about half-way back.

These changes in profile act as gussets and really strengthen the integrity of the overall structure.


The one on her truck is also built bull-stout and thicker than most I have seen.

I need to see if I can find some kind of manufacturer identification on it.

 

I agree with that, but I must be charmed. I never had one sag

 

I talked with the people at Leer about 10 yrs ago about getting a cap for a 96 Ford. There primary concern was if the truck was a 3/4 or 1 ton because they add extra gussets of some sort in the cap to prevent cracking caused by the rough ride of the heavier duty trucks.