Finally got my BAKFlip cover!

[PiercedTiger]

Here's the side. As you can see it sits in between the factory rails. I'm glad I added 4 tie-down D-rings to the bed since there's no way I can use the cleats anymore.


Some inside shots. You can see each segment has a slam lock so you can't lift up individual sections to get in. With a tailgate lock the cover is locked too and doesn't require another key.



These are the two struts that hold it up out of the way when completely opened.


To keep it from rubbing the cab when propped up like that there is a rubber bumper on the front side.



It took some adjusting during the install. I got it lined up like they said, but then when I installed the struts the cover wouldn't close. I had to take it apart and redrill the font holes about 3/4" further back so the struts fully compressed just as the cover closes. As it is now the struts compress completely with the cover about 1/2" off the rails, but any further movement back would hit the tailgate and not close. I have to push on it slightly to get the last segment to settle down in front of the tail gate due to the tight fit. I suppose this is good as it compresses the rubber seams and makes a nice tight fit so it doesn't shift at all. It makes it feel locked down tight. Between that and my Pop n Lock it takes a strong, quick pull on the handle to open the tailgate.

[taco2.7]

piercedTiger, It looks you did a very professional install on your cover. That looks very nice. Ken

[lotust]

How much was it ? I like this idea too. LOL Im torn on that cover to get.....

nice pics

EDIT: Daymmm Autoanything has it for $579.00 With free shipping. Very tempting

[mt1961]

Did the tailgate seal alright? I've got mine on order; should get it shortly.

[docindahouze]

nice one nice one.

[kooltaco]

Great looking cover. Is there enough room for the cleats to fit on the front rail? or the mini tie downs? Let us know if it is water-proof?

[PiercedTiger]

OK, let's see if I can answer all of them at once... lol

Ken, Thanks! It took a bit of adjusting to get it right, and It's not perfect, but it fits and I figure it needs time to settle in. The rubber and foam parts should conform after some time.


Cost:
It was $503.97 US from www.truckcustomizers.com (with free shipping). Now, they have 3-4 versions of this cover so MAKE SURE YOU SELECT THE RIGHT MODEL!! Either I clicked the wrong one, or someone on there end messed up the first time and sent me one for a 94-04. But they were cool and got it straightened out.

Tailgate:
The tailgate must be closed first (or rather, it's easier that way). Then the last segment comes down. I have to push the cover toward the cab for an extra fraction of an inch as there are slam locks and other parts at the very edge of the cover. They press firmly against the tailgate so the rubber uhhh... flaps (for lack of a better word) cover any gap between cover and truck.


Water:
Seems pretty good so far. Fairly good rain friday night/sat morning after I put it on. No real leaks yet. I saw some dripping down near the last segment on the passenger side. Just enough to make marks in the dust on the bed wall. Will have to see what happens when I pressure wash it. I did, however, see light coming from the front edge so I filled the gap with clear silicone-like sealer. I do not have the rubber tailgate seal yet so that might help some too.


Bed Cleats:
The front segment literally sits on that rail. I originally removed that rail because I could not get the washer and locknut on the bolts with that rail in place. The drill bit actually nicked the rail slightly before I realized I needed to shift it toward the tailgate 3/4". I ended up wedging the rail back in place when I realized that was the only thing supporting the front of the bed! I pushed and it bent about as easily as cardboard. Needless to say I quickly bolted the rail back in.


One of my thoughts was to remove the rails, replace them with some 1"x"1 wood/plastic/metal, put the cover rails in, then bolt the tie down rails through everything with longer bolts to the factory holes. However, I think the factory rail system would interfer with the slam locks so I've given up on that idea for now.

[kooltaco]

I know its only been a few weeks, but is there any problems with your cover or water leaks?

I am just about to order one for my 6' bed, but I am still trying a way to relocate my side bed rails lower so I can still use my cleats.

I was considering welding or bolting another Toyota Bed rail underneath the existing side rails. Bolting them together could be easy using the existing drain holes on the bottom of the bed rails. Anyone have any ideas on this one?

[PiercedTiger]

bolting them together would probably interfere with cleats sliding allong the rail. But if you don't slide anything (bed divider, etc) then it should work.


I think I've narrowed leaks down to under the edges. It seems the rubber stip on the rails doesn't seal against the bottom of the cover tightly. I'm gonna lay some weather stripping allong that and see if it helps.

[kooltaco]

Originally Posted by PiercedTiger

bolting them together would probably interfere with cleats sliding allong the rail. But if you don't slide anything (bed divider, etc) then it should work.

That shouldn't be a problem I usually just insert the cleat where I need it and lock it down. Or that's another reason that I need to go buy a welder, so I do not have to use bolts. Keep us updated on fixing the side leaks with weather stripping.

Thanks.

[PiercedTiger]

Originally Posted by kooltaco

That shouldn't be a problem I usually just insert the cleat where I need it and lock it down. Or that's another reason that I need to go buy a welder, so I do not have to use bolts. Keep us updated on fixing the side leaks with weather stripping.

Thanks.

Any excuse to buy a welder is a good one!! lol My wife bought mine to fix my car's exhaust.... Middle of winter so needless to say I ended up having a shop do it for me, but I've used it a lot since then. Going to make a set of custom sliders once I buy the steel and an abrasive disc to cut it!


I'm hoping the weather stripping works... As near as I can tell the rubber on the underside of the cover doesn't line up with the strips on the rails. That leaves maybe 1/16th of an inch gap between the cover and rails. It looks like the water runs along the underside of the cover then drips.

Hard to figure out as there's no real drip pattern and there were large wet spots on the underside of the cover when I checked last. Also, most of the bed mat was wet so it was hard to tell where it came from. I can't see any light coming in through the cover so I'm guessing it gets blown in by some of the strong winds we've had around here recently.

[mt1961]

Installed mine yesterday with a few goodies. Got mine from Streetpros.com and it fit like a glove. After installing the cover, I added a decal on the cover, added a cargo light, then just went ahead and debadged the tailgate for a cleaner look. Here's some pics. Click the pic for a larger view.

[PiercedTiger]

Looks good!

Whatcha using for a bed light? I'm thinking I need one too, but haven't found one I like yet.

[mt1961]

Originally Posted by PiercedTiger

Looks good!

Whatcha using for a bed light? I'm thinking I need one too, but haven't found one I like yet.

Here's what I got at Northern. They are a mini spot/flood light set. I attached the brackets the same way the cover rails are attached using 2 elevator bolts with the sides ground down enough to slip in the rail and turn to lock in ; then used a bigger washer on the outside of the rail to tighten the included brackets against. Here's the link for the lights: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w..._352681_352681

[PiercedTiger]

Thanks!

I think I could mount that under the bolted down section of the bakflip.... My front rail is kinda full now... lol