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Ranchero Hard Cover (tonneau)

30K views 22 replies 14 participants last post by  mcruzin 
#1 ·
I saw a note in the recent issue of The National Falcon News classifieds and Roy Lewis is looking for people that might be interested in ordering a hard cover for their 60 to 65 Ranchero.

The original manufacturer is no longer making one and Roy has found someone that will start up production and make a mold if he gets a commit from 10 buyers. Not sure of the price but you can check with Roy.

Please send him a note to Roy @ mercuryfree@earthlink.net if you might be interested.
 
#2 ·
Was a firm out of east side of Los Angeles area who was selling spring loaded Tonneau covers made out of some vinyl. My neighbor had one for his GMC and it used to latch in combo with the tailgate somehow. I contacted the company for one to fit my 1960 Ranchero, and was told there were 2 ahead of me, but still needed ten to go into production.

I settled upon a common soft top made up from an aircraft engine shipping hood. Added snap studs along chrome edges, and T types along back of rear window. Lasted for ten years as such.

Never heard back from firm taking the reservations.

Wm.
 
#5 ·
My cover came from a shop in San Jose Calif. I drove down there to talk to them (when living in San Ramon) about making one for my 67. They had one in stock so drove home with it installed. This was 10+ years ago.
I must be "nuts", it's 2am I just got dressed, walked 100' in 6" of snow to the pole barn with house slippers & 16 degrees. But here is the info off the data tag.
Protect-O-Top in San Jose number listed 408-251-1044
It's a long shot but worth a try.
 
#9 ·
Protect-o-top is no longer in business. Though you may be able to talk to the owner at the old number: 408-729-3586 which he may answer. I talked to him recently and he has no more caps or parts for ranchero's but I know he still has the molds. Word is he may open up again if he finds a new location. He's nearby.

R
 
#13 ·
Got this message from Roy, will pass along anyupdates

"I have located a guy who said he would do the covers we need. I ordered one just so I could see what kind of job he does and he is about two weeks overdue. I will try to remember to call him tomorrow and rattle his cage. Will keep you posted"
 
#16 ·
Got this update from Roy, contact him directly if interested, I am buying one...

Hello Fellow Ranchero Fanatics

Thanks for your interest in the Ranchero fiberglass bed cover project. I finally have some good news to report.

It is clear that the company Protect-O-Top that used to make covers for the early Rancheros is closed, out of business. The good news is that after much searching and with a little luck, I have located two former employees of Protect-O-Top who still have the molds for our bed covers. They are a couple of hispanic guys who were with the company for 40 years. They are able and willing to make the covers, one at a time. The covers come with detailed mounting instructions and all the necessary hardware like springs, hinges, brackets, and keyed lock. And of course, the fiberglass filler panel that goes between the rear of the cab and the front edge of the cover. The cost is $650. which I think is reasonable given the lack of availability elsewhere. And let's face it, they're not making any more Rancheros so the likelihood of a major manufacturer creating a Ranchero mold is non-existent. I picked up one cover finished in white gel-coat which I have ready for the first lucky owner. They have another that is nearly ready in primer finish which would need to be painted in automobile paint to match your car. The guys are having issues with the folks at EPA about their spraying so are having to develop a work-around for that. I am assuming that most people will want the gel-coat but if you want primer finish they will do that as well. The hardware is exactly the same as it has been for 40 years and works very well. The covers are secure yet come off quickly if needed.

Now for the bad news: Shipping.
The covers measure 60" x 66" and are a couple inches thick (raw dimensions, unboxed). We would need to allow a couple of inches additional for styrofoam packing. At about 25 pounds boxed (estimated), weight is not the issue. Due to the dimensions, they cannot be shipped by the regular UPS or FedEx package service. Both those companies will take them as commercial freight but the cost is astronomical at $600-$700. to the east coast. Boxes are also an issue as boxes that large are difficult to find and expensive. I may have a line on getting used ones from a furniture company that contained mirrors. I will know more on that soon.

So I need some help here. If any of you know of a shipper who can transport a cover without breaking the bank please let me know asap.

To be fair, I will accept orders in the order of responses to this email. Please don't send me funds until I let you know your cover is ready and we have solved the shipping issue. For the SoCal and AZ people, I do get down there from time to time so perhaps we could work something out there. But we have at least one person who is in NY (Ralph, that'd be you!) so I would ask each of you to do the research to find out how you would like me to ship it to you. It may be that there are multiple solutions for shipping depending on where in the country you live. In case you need it, I would be shipping from zip code 94566.

But I do have one cover ready in gel coat and another in primer that is about 2 weeks out. These guys are old and slow but they are willing to make the covers for us. But once these guys are done, I think the supply of Ranchero covers is gone as well. If all of you will help me out with the shipping method I will make sure you each get a cover.

I look forward to hearing from each of you soon.

Keep those Falcons and Rancheros running!

Best regards,

Roy mercuryfree@earthlink.net
 
#18 ·
Picked up my Hard Cover from Roy today, looks great, all the hardware and installation instructions are there. Cover will need finish sanded and blocked before paint but it looks nice and will cover up the bed and allow me to store things when the truck is parked (comes with a key lock too)
 
#19 ·
I would like to send out a word of caution in purchasing a tonneau from Roy Lewis.

The price of the tonneau continues to rise. On 3/15 in this thread Roy stated the price of a top as $650. The price was then raised to $750 less than 2 months ago. When I purchased my top 4 weeks ago, Roy had increased the price to $900.

When I received my top, I noticed that one side of my hardware ( the left side ), was not new but instead used and heavily damaged. The spring was "sprung" so that it is opened up further than the new side. This causes the top to be lifted on one side. The bracket on that spring is quite bent. Plus the pin that secures that spring to the car has been cut half way through and is also bent.

I have been trying to get this resolved each week with Roy, sending multiple emails. For the first week, he was cordial about the issue, stating that he would send new parts. After that, his story has changed each week. First he said the manufacturer would send me the parts. Then he said that they were busy. At this point, he has stopped responding to my requests, and does not seem interested in fixing the issue.

I would prefer either replacement parts, or partial reimbursement so that I can go to a local metal fabrication shop and have the hardware repaired.

I cannot recommend a transaction with Roy Lewis unless he is willing to support his sales. I will be more than glad to revise my post once Roy addresses this issue.

A gallery to the damaged hardware can be found at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/rapido/Tonneau?authkey=Gv1sRgCKT_2-Obu8nZTQ#
 
#20 ·
Rapido,

Sorry that you have not had a good experience, I also purchased a cover from Roy and although I have not installed it yet all the hardware is brand new and everything looks great. I know that Roy located the original guys that worked at the old manufacturer - thy had the molds - and had one made for himself and then put a small classified in Falcon News offering covers to other Ranchero owners. Your photos certainly document the issue and I wish I knew how the incorrect/damaged hardware was sent to you.

I feel bad about your experience since I was the one that first posted his offer on this forum, but like I said I am very happy with my cover and when I am further along in my build I will be installing it. Will try to post photos and any notes or issues.

Dave
 
#21 ·
It looks like Gaylords is producing the covers for the 72-79 models again.
NEED A 72-79 RANCHERO TO USE FOR BED COVER FITTING!!
Gaylords Kustom truck lids needs a 72-79 ranchero to test fit a new lid on. we will work you out a killer deal for letting us use the truck. we would need it for about an hour and if it fits and great as we expect you can have it installed right then and there

let me know

thanks!

562-213-7128
kris

13538 excelsior dr. Santa fe springs ca 90670
Gaylord's Fiberglass Truck Lids / Tonneau Cover, Truck Bed Lid
 
#22 ·
I also have a protect-o-top on my ford that my dad bought for it almost 40 years ago I think. I don't know if he's still doing tops or not. My mum bought one 7 years ago and Rafael who installed it said the owner was going to sell the business to someone as he was ready to retire, he would've purchased it, but didn't have enough money.
 
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