[A/S] Pick up caps - tint/dust/water/wind

[estatewagons@xxxxxxx]

Gee Hunter - again - it's just my own personal experience that I am sharing
 - but I mentioned earlier in this thread that I had the deep tint taken out
of my Tundra because it did not work for me (I got reflections on the
inside of the deep tint - which was very distracting on sunny days -
particularly on the freeway - I'd look over my shoulder to change lanes -
and see "something" in the glass...and it sometimes was a reflection from
the interior of the truck...and in fact not a car near me).  So I did not
trust myself  to just look over my shoulder through the deep tint - I would
have to also look in the mirrors too - and this was without a cap.  It's
sure nice to be able to know what you see - when you look out of your
windows.  And if the windows are not blocked with stuff - it's nice to know
you can see out of them if you like to.

I'm 52 - and I'm the 4th generation owner/operator of my families wheat
ranch - so I've been around trucks of all sizes and driving with mirrors my
entire life.  I love driving big - big trucks with big mirrors and knowing
what you can see out of them.  That is not the same as driving a pick-up with
the type of mirrors they have today - as far as I am concerned - and I have
driven many miles using the new style Super Duty Ford mirrors and they are
good - but even those -with my type of eyesight - I don't like the small
rectangular built-in convex mirrors - too small for my eyes. I like the
round convex spots.

When I was a kid and pick-ups were simpler - we had the old style "Western"
camper mirrors (tall and skinny) and those I really liked.

-----------------------

> You are the first person I've ever heard say anything about this issue.....
> have you actually had a truck with a cap?
> Hunter 
 ------------
My "79 F-350 came from the factory with the fancy fiberglass Ford cap that
was popular on the mid to late 70's models - but it was missing when I bought
the truck - and no way would I have replaced it.

We had a '72 F-250 that I installed a soft-top convertible canopy that was
okay - not great for security - but good for keeping things dry - and you
could stow it when not needed.

There are comments on the thread from others who suggest they too prefer
standard tint.

Just my opinion <grin>

RL


ps - Patti - remember that the cap is heavier that you might think - and one
reason to have it is to keep things dry.  If you take it off and on - you
may find you are fighting constant leaks as the seals will be changing
position each time you take it off and on.

Also - someone mentioned taking out the front window of the cap - and that
is possible - but remember that then you have a greater potential for leaking
directly into the cap.  There are devices to install between the truck and
the cap to theoretically seal wind and water out - but....remember that
the bed flexes separately from the truck cab as you go over bumps and
driveway cuts etc.- and over time - a "go-between-seal" is going to be
something you have to keep an eye on.

Not impossible - just one more thing that has maintenance issues to it.

Oh - and out in Colorado dust is going to be an issue - so depending on what
you keep in the pick-up bed - and how you chose to design your cap -and it's
windows and it's seals - you are thinking about light and dust and wind
and water - and how to manage them.

Whew - lots to think about - and I hope you know I am just sharing my
opinion - and I believe that you have not owned a pick up or a canopy cap
recently - so just adding a lot to your list so that when you spend all that
money - you get something you are really happy with!

Best Wishes.  RL