Factory Hard Cover Removal

[Rahul Sharma]

Hello all!



First I'd like to say that this site is awesome for ST owners! I just picked up an ST last week and absolutely love it so far. I've been on this site reading for 2 days and have got so many ideas for what to do with my ST already!



I haven't looked closely, but is it quite easy to remove the factory hard cover off the bed? Tips/tricks would be appreciated!



Thanks, and everyone keep up the good work on this site. It's awesome!



-rs-

 

[jbluther]

There was a discussion a few months ago about this. You might find it in a search. I didn't have my bed cover then, so I don't remember the ideas.



Personally, I unlock the forward latches first. Then fold the cover back and disengage the "bolts" on each side at the middle of the bed. Stand behind the ST and unlock the rear latches. Pull the cover (still folded in half) up and toward you. Now with the cover sitting on the tailgate/side rails you just carry it off. Of course, it's much easier to have help with that part.



Enjoy the new ST and welcome to the site!

 

[Mike Wilson]

What I do:

(You kind of really need a partner for this to make it easier):



*Unlock rear half and bring it up half way and hold;



*Unlock front half and bring it up half way and hold;



*(With one person half-way on each side of the bed):

One person releases the spring-loaded latch on each side of the

cover, moves it slightly to the rear where the latch does not

re-engage, and lifts the cover off to the rear of the bed.



I've done it myself, but it's better if you have help. The cover, from what I understand,

is like 70 pounds, not too heavy, but akward by yourself.



And watch the belt buckles on the side of the bed when you do this, as you will have

a tendency to lean into the weight to balance it. Luckily, the scratch I put in mine came

out easily with the buffer (my bad!).

 

[Rahul Sharma]

Thanks! I did that and was able to take it off no problem.



I'ts amazing how much the "short" beads can carry!

 

[Richard L]

An alternative way to Tracnblacks method of removing the cover:



1. Open rear half and fold over on top of the front half.

2. While standing in the bed, Release center pins and flip the flap up and let the pins rest on top of the side rails.

3. Grab the front edge of the front cover while reaching under the cover, and pull the emergency pull to unlock the front cover half.

4. :ift the front edge of the cover up to clear the latches and bring the whole folded cover to the verticle position.

5. Now you can wrestle the cover into the bed by yourself if necessary. You can then slide it back to the tail gate and remove it from the bed.



I actually completely removed my cover and put it back on by myself using the above method.



It is better if you have someone else to help since the cover is heavy and bulky for one person to deal with



...Rich