A.R.E. Shells, anybody have one?
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A.R.E. Shells, anybody have one?
I just purchased a new ARE Z series shell for my SCAB. I love the overall design and look of these shells. They are really high quality, but there is one thing that really bugs me about it and that is the plastic trim that runs around the wrap rail at the base. It does about a 20 degree bend around the front and is a haven for dirt to accumulate and turn into mold. I have never had good luck with plastic moulding on these shells. The elements always affect it.
My question is has anyone who has had one of these ever tried to remove this trim? I called the manufacturer and they wouldnt give me a straight answer about what it would look like removed except that it is painted underneath the trim. The trim is attached with what looks like 3M tape but I am not certain.
What I dont understand is why they put this trim on such a nice shell and the worse part is you cant order one of these shells from the mfg without this trim. I think they should have just left the edge finished like most of the other shells on the market. It looks much better and no maintenance.
My question is has anyone who has had one of these ever tried to remove this trim? I called the manufacturer and they wouldnt give me a straight answer about what it would look like removed except that it is painted underneath the trim. The trim is attached with what looks like 3M tape but I am not certain.
What I dont understand is why they put this trim on such a nice shell and the worse part is you cant order one of these shells from the mfg without this trim. I think they should have just left the edge finished like most of the other shells on the market. It looks much better and no maintenance.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Morgan Hill , California
I'm having a ARE Tonneau cover installed on my Scab tomorrow. It also has the plastic trim along the bottom edge. I was told that it is there to protect the edge from getting damaged during handling if you were to take it off or close it on something. I think it adds a finishing touch to the top.
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Stone, does your tonneau trim do about a 20 degree bend on the wrap rail at the front corner? If it does then you must have that obvious defect in the way the trim is bent around the corner. it will collect dirt and if not cleaned out regularly it will turn to mold. I think the F-150's are the only truck that does this sharp bend because of the wrap rail, and the Mfg. doesnt really know how to make this trim fit properly.
I am seriously thinking of removing mine. I know the shell is painted underneath the trim. If I remove it I think I may have to sand the bottom edge to make it look straight and finished. I definitely cant live with this POS trim and the maintenance it will cause. Cant believe they would do this to such a nice accessory.
I am seriously thinking of removing mine. I know the shell is painted underneath the trim. If I remove it I think I may have to sand the bottom edge to make it look straight and finished. I definitely cant live with this POS trim and the maintenance it will cause. Cant believe they would do this to such a nice accessory.
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From: Morgan Hill , California
Originally Posted by Stone F-150
Insynco, I'll let you know tomorrow (Thurs) after they install it.
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I checked the A.R.E. tonneau cover and it does not have the plastic trim around the base that is the subject of this thread. Only A.R.E truck caps or what I call a shell has this trim around the base of the shell.
Guys, Thanks for the feedback anyway.
Guys, Thanks for the feedback anyway.
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I have SNUGTOP,LEER and A.R.E shells on my 05's A.R.E fits the best but has the smallest side windows (height wise) The other two look good from a distance but are cast poorly as they both are easily over 1" wider than the box at the front which allows you to litteraly be able to stick your finger into the overgap of +1/2" on each side.
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442, that is amazing that the Snugtop and the Leer fit so poorly at the box. Snugtop is suppose to be top of the line and they cant get the fit right? As for the Leer, I dont think I would ever buy one of those. I heard they use cardboard in the roof. That is the reason the shell is not cab height at the front. The roof dips down in the front to give the center more strenght.
I am impressed with the fit, the overall look and the quality of the A.R.E. Z series. It really looks good and the paint is an almost perfect match. I cant even get a pinky finger into the overgap on mine.
Its the moulding at the base front that bothers me. I guess I cant expect it to be perfect, but I think they could have done a better job on that. What really bothers me is the moulding is only warranted for one year. I just wished that they would have left the moulding off like most of the other mfgs. and finished the edge.
I am impressed with the fit, the overall look and the quality of the A.R.E. Z series. It really looks good and the paint is an almost perfect match. I cant even get a pinky finger into the overgap on mine.
Its the moulding at the base front that bothers me. I guess I cant expect it to be perfect, but I think they could have done a better job on that. What really bothers me is the moulding is only warranted for one year. I just wished that they would have left the moulding off like most of the other mfgs. and finished the edge.
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I have a OLD OLD pic of my 97 Ranger with a ARE Z Series tonno cover. There is a sharp bend in the front where there is a small gap. In 5 years though, nothing has built up in the gap because it seems to push through.
ARE has the best products out there in my mind though.
Heres a pic of the Ranger (BTW, Still got it, looks alot diffrent though.)
ARE has the best products out there in my mind though.
Heres a pic of the Ranger (BTW, Still got it, looks alot diffrent though.)
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VBig, I believe the ranger has a different configuration than the F-150. Also there is no moulding on the tonneau. The poorly fitting moulding is the subject of this thread.
I guess I need to post a pic of the moulding I am referring to. If I can figure out how to post it. Is a pic considered an attachment? If so I may not post attachments.
I guess I need to post a pic of the moulding I am referring to. If I can figure out how to post it. Is a pic considered an attachment? If so I may not post attachments.
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INCYNCO: I had the Leer and Snugtop on the previous generation F-150's and the fit was very good, didnt even think about the new generation, just ordered them for the new trucks. MISTAKE! they really don't fit well at all. Saw a A.R.E. and the fit was so much better I ordered one for my personal truck (afterall I'm the BOSS). The strip on the bottom is kind of hoky but it dosent look nearly as bad as the upside down hood scoops the the other products have to offer.