Hey guys, ive got the chance to get an original Ford topper, or that's what the guy says. I'm not entirely sure its original considering A) it doesn't match the colour of the truck and B) its got shark windows in the front.

 

From what I have seen that is not an original ford topper, they did not have the small windows. Also the ford models have a compass emblem at the front corner. Search through the site lots of pictures of factory units. I have been looking for one in So Cal for a year now!

 

that's not factory. painted to look like factory

 

I believe this is a factory topper. I am just assuming it's true because the guy selling it said so. He may be full of it, idk, but it looks factory. haha

 

the one on the red truck is a factory deluex canopy

 

Old Blue Beast, the topper on the truck is definitely not an original Ford topper as the reasons stated by the other forum members. Ford made a "standard" and a "deluxe" model and neither had the small front windows nor an aluminum rear hatch.

 

Along with the compass logo the factory topper had a completely fiberglass lift gate. Some of them did have a factory two-tone paint scheme to match the body color of the truck. While others were solid white. The two-tone one look just like the one on Keiths truck. Also some have a sliding glass option and others have a nonsliding glass option. And of those with the sliding glass option, the came either with the front slider only, ( front meaning the end that mates to the truck cab.) And then there was the option of the front and side windows slide open and closed. While other topper had a completely nonsliding window option. And the orther thing to keep in mind is that the factory topper had a rough textured finish. ( kind of like a spray on bedliner look) Also the factory topper was very heavy unlike the aftermarket toppers today. Plus there is one more thing to look for, and they can be much more difficult to find. And that is the factory J bolts and rubber isolators used to fasten the topper to the truck bed. Each topper utilized four of them. So when you do find a factory topper ask if it comes with the J bolts and isolators.

 

i would luv to see pic's of the mounting kit

 

Here is the illustration from the Ford parts catalog, it shows the mounting hardware.

 

Hopefully not too far off topic, what would you guys expect to pay for an original topper let's say delux model all glass good some wear and tear but generally good condition. I have a line on one but it is a 2 hour drive one way....

 

I haven't seen a big market for them, so I don't see why they would be expensive.

 

I've owned a total of 3 original toppers. A deluxe for $50 but needed a lot of work so I used it as a donor, a standard that was in excellent shape for $75, and most recently as of 2 weeks ago, another deluxe for $200. The most recent deluxe was in great condition and needed minimal fiberglass work, some cleaning, and a new paint job. The alum trim, glass, screens, interior, etc were all in excellent condition. I did have to replace the rubber gasket that goes along the bottom of the shell to the bed rail frame with the gasket from my donor. I also have the original "J" hook with rubber mount anchors. The deluxe has the air vent, interior light, bright alum. trim, side sliding windows w/screen. Some had the accent smooth area along the bottom of the shell painted by the dealer to match the truck. Otherwise, they all came in the wimbledon white. There are 2 others currently for sale in Colorado: a standard for $200 and a deluxe for $500 ($500 is way too high).

Here is a pic as of last weekend with the new deluxe topper:



[URL=http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/terry167/media/Deluxe%20Ford%20Topper/NewTopper018_zpsdb4d3dfe.jpg.html]

 

Heavy is right. I found that out the hard way...

-Jameson

 

74 F350 SCS thanks for the info, that is about what I was hoping. I could do something around $100 if I can find one close enough.

and nice looking rig!

 

I have one for sale in upstate NY if anyone from the area is looking. It's still on the truck with the original J-hooks and insulators in place. Asking 100 bucks, but I'm somewhat negotiable.