"Innovation" brand cap (topper, shell) information?
 

I just replaced my 1995 F-150 with a 2003 F-250 XLT supercab long bed. The F-250 has a cab-height cap (topper, canopy, shell) that looks as if it were from the factory.Picture 1 But the branding decal on the cap (at each of its rear corners) reads "Innovation".Picture 2<o></o><u3></u3><o></o>

Google shows a Thai manufacturer called "Alpha Innovation Co. Ltd." that claims to makes caps for Ford and some Japanese trucks, but they only show their current models branded "Alpha" -- none of which look much like the cap on my truck. Google showed no other dealer for "Innovation" caps, no used "Innovation" caps for sale, and no information regarding a merger or takeover of Innovation by Alpha.<o>
</o><u3></u3><o></o>
Can anyone suggest a site that can supply information regarding Ford caps by Innovation? I'm concerned that I may be stuck if I ever need to get a broken window replaced.<o>
</o><u3></u3><o></o>
Thanks! 2010jan31(22:25)-sls

NEW DATA: Tony Hawkins, of Alpha Innovation Co. Inc. (Thailand) answered the e-mail message I sent to him yesterday! He said an American company, <A href="http://www.innovationfiberglass.net/home.htm">Innovation Fiberglass</A>, made the "Innovation" branded caps.
Still, my Google searches found no dealer for the caps in western NY.
--2010feb01(16:07)-sls

Another update: When I tried to contact the Innovation Fiberglass to get a dealer list, I learned that they are no longer in business.

Oh, well, I'll just have to hope a local A.R.E. or Leer dealer might help if I ever need to replace a window or door on that orphaned Innovation cap. In the meantime, I'll be super-careful with it! 2010feb01(17:57)-sls

I have an Innovation cap on my Ranger. A local Camper, trailer dealer was able to replace one of my side windows on demand when I pulled in one day. What they said was that most of the shells used standard windows of various shapes and sizes so there was really no worry about the parts.

Thanks for the information, fyre82.

As of last week, I can echo your experience. It became necessary to replace the rear door on my Innovation cap because I forgot to notice it was open when I backed out of the garage. The impact distorted the frame of the rear door, pushing it downward away from the rough opening in the cap. The cap itself wasn't damaged. The local Leer dealer ordered a new one and installed it with no problem.
When I got home, I made a double-ended hook from steel wire, and installed it between the swivel posts to which the righthand gas cylinder is attached. I fit the hook tightly on the top post so it wouldn't bounce off. I left the bottom one loose enough to slide down when the door is closed, and deep enough to remain hooked on the post as the door was opened and closed. I made the wire short enough to stop the door from opening above cab height, so I'll never have to worry about the cap door hitting anything the truck will fit under.
Again, thanks for taking the time to reassure me about parts availability for Innovation caps.

--Sid
2010sep07(15:59)-sls

Innovation
 

That many caps use the same hardware, fits industry practices.
I've found an Innovation in southern Calif.
My 2001 F150 has a 6.5ft bed, a bumpup shell, same Ford purple (looks dk blu.) Always wondered about that - TOO coincidental, esp w Innovation's logo over their paint. The 6 hold-downs used I see for 8/40$ in a Walmart Ad. Uncertain as to their best use-practice. My cap has an intergral olefin carpet liner, and these clamps seem to shift a bit. I may have them on wrong - is as I bought it.
Wish the cab's single window opened as wide as the cap's dbl window. Hard to crawl through! LOL!

Inn. Made some of the nicest covers ,I bought 1 for my 03 lightning it had a rear spoiler built in it. If I remember they were in southern calf.

if it’s a alluminum frame window those pretty much run standard size. The only time you need to worry is frameless flush mount windows like Snugtop uses. Those are manufacturer and model specific

Thanks, LaughingGas. I was hoping something like this would be the case. One top-shop, present for yearssss, changed hands, spiffed things up, and was gone in a year, wanted $100 for just 2 locking handles. That's this old vet's disposable income for a month.

And thanks for not ignoring an old question! May YOU have a Happy New Year!!!

The typical windows if they are alluminum framed tend to be somewhat universal. When yiu get into the fiberglass ones with the flush fitting glass that’s when it becomes manufacturing specific.
for a very long time I used SnugTop camper shells. In fact my current one is a SnugTop. It was bought in 1999 when the truck was new and it’s been a great cap. Some slight water leaks when it’s getting a wash but other than that it’s been a great addition.