Topper

[85_Ranger4x4]

Anyone know what kind of topper this is? Any idea if they were any good? Since it has what looks like a factory rack on top I am guess it is fairly durable... and would make install easy since I could use the tractor to set it on/off.

And any ideas on how to best haul it with an F-150?

 

[racsan]

Set 4 concrete blocks on the bed floor of the F150. The ranger cap will fit inside the bedsides of a full-size. Toss a strap across the top and go. I’ve never transported one that way but used to store one in the bed of a old non-running 3/4 ton behind the barn.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Set 4 concrete blocks on the bed floor of the F150. The ranger cap will fit inside the bedsides of a full-size. Toss a strap across the top and go. I’ve never transported one that way but used to store one in the bed of a old non-running 3/4 ton behind the barn.

I have a 2x12 across the back of the bed, I was thinking about something similar across the front and strapping. The topper would be longer than the bed but I think it would work.

I wish I had my Ranger trailer done, could have just hauled it up there, thrown it on and towed it home. Or better yet my Ranger on the road.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I was going to suggest a couple 2x6 across the 150 rails too, but if it fits inside the box even better.

 

[racsan]

My ranger trailer is what I use now for the cap when I have it off, just slide it over and clamp down. Much better than before when I needed to find someone to help and have to go clear to the ground then later back up again.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Not a clue who made it... The slightly raised roof will make sleeping under it better then a cab high... if you're looking for that as an option.

From what little I can see of the roof rack... it isn't saying durable to me.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

From what little I can see of the roof rack... it isn't saying durable to me.

The fact that it has them is rather unique among toppers. Not like roof top tent kinda durable but maybe heavier made than average. And depending on how it is it might be a good lifting point to move the topper from truck to trailer.

It probably is a Glasslite

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1980-1981-1982-1983-1984-1985-Glasstite-Fiberglass-Toppers-for-Ford-Trucks/382502709052?hash=item590ef0273c:g:R8IAAOSwCj1Z5TIb

 

[Uncle Gump]

I would say you probably nailed the maker of that topper...

That truck in your first picture reminds me of the era when the Ford dealers would "up fit" a bunch of accessories on a new Ranger. Visor... running boards... toppers... bug shields... even the opera lights.

That top looks pretty heavy but it's hard to beat the price. It should add a level of period correct uniqueness.

 

[91stranger]

I wouldn't trust that little rack to be able to hold the weight of the heavy fiberglass cap if you try to pick it up by the rack. That kind of metal bends easily and more than likely will slip out of the t-braces instead of one solid rack it is probably assembled like plumbing PVC. You might get luck though..... I had a fiberglass cap like that and it was a heavy sum beast.... I would just get some tow straps and go through the window opening if you plan on picking it up with a tractor. also the rack is made to kind of keep stuff in like a horse coral, not made for loading or anything stressful. Is the rack mounted to any sort of bracing? or just screwed into the fiberglass?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I wouldn't trust that little rack to be able to hold the weight of the heavy fiberglass cap if you try to pick it up by the rack. That kind of metal bends easily and more than likely will slip out of the t-braces instead of one solid rack it is probably assembled like plumbing PVC. You might get luck though..... I had a fiberglass cap like that and it was a heavy sum beast.... I would just get some tow straps and go through the window opening if you plan on picking it up with a tractor. also the rack is made to kind of keep stuff in like a horse coral, not made for loading or anything stressful. Is the rack mounted to any sort of bracing? or just screwed into the fiberglass?

Hour and a half away, no idea on the details. I would investigate the construction of the rack before trying to lift from it.

She isn’t getting back to me so it might be a no go anyway.

This is mainly for the Ohio trip to keep gear dry and somewhat secure.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Keep an eye out for an aluminum topper. I can manhandle a full-size one on and off by myself. They would be period correct, maybe even earlier.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

That truck in your first picture reminds me of the era when the Ford dealers would "up fit" a bunch of accessories on a new Ranger. Visor... running boards... toppers... bug shields... even the opera lights.

Yeah, it fell out of the accessory tree and hit just about every page of the JC Whitney catalog on the way down.

Keep an eye out for an aluminum topper. I can manhandle a full-size one on and off by myself. They would be period correct, maybe even earlier.

I have been watching for awhile, it is slim pickings for a long bed.

I kinda like the goofy retro look of the fiberglass ones, they don't have the seams to leak either. I would take either for the right price though.

 

[91stranger]

Long bed stuff is hard to find. I sold a really nice blue fiberglass on a few years ago for $20. I found it for free on the side of the road and it was about a foot too long for my truck. It was a PITA to load by myself but I did it. I have an aluminum one now that is really easy to load and unload by myself. Scored that for $30 and put a new piece of glass in it and now it's good to go.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

The Glasslite badges match in both of your photos. No doubt about it.

 

[racsan]

I’ve got both a ‘glass and aluminum longbed cap, both free. Aluminum one I found in a ad, drove 40 miles to get it, ‘glass one (that’s on truck now) I found in a front yard one day with a “free” sign next to it. It was grey but I painted it white this spring. Longbed stuff is hard to find, I’ve been trying to get a used bedliner. (Could really use 2) haven’t found the first one for a longbed but shortbed stuff is readily available.