Tonneau cover removal tool - thunderbirdnest.com

OSSCommander · Jun 7, 2009, 09:12 PM

Hi Fellow Tbird Owners,

If you are nervous about removing your tonneau cover and pulling out the snaps the tool I have beem custom making for Tbird owners will give you peace of mind. I paid $850.00 for my tonneau cover and was warned to be careful as the snaps have been known to pull throw the cover. With this tool there are no more concerns as the tool takes the pressure off the cover when releaseing the snap.
If you are using your tonneau cover, and you should be! this tool makes removal a snap??? no pun intended.
I can be reached at grfax@shaw.ca

Keep on cruisin!
Geoff

007Cruiser · Jun 8, 2009, 06:07 AM

Geoff...your tool is great! It's a must have IMO. Thanks for the quick delivery.

some pix:http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...1&postcount=19

redbirdsal · Jun 8, 2009, 07:03 AM

Geoff, I just sent you an email, and in my haste, I left the subject line blank.

Ediron · Jun 8, 2009, 09:24 AM

I think a price would help.Would be easier to order.

OSSCommander · Jun 8, 2009, 10:46 PM

Hi Ediron,

I did not quote a price as I did not want to use the forum as a sales platform. I am making these for fellow Tbird owners who do not want to damage their tonneau covers or plastic body mouldings when removing the tonneau cover. I charge $20.00 US to cover material and shipping. Takes about one week. I use honor among Tbird owners, you send a check and in the mean time I make and send you the tool.

Keep on cruisin!
Geoff

ArtandKaren · Jun 9, 2009, 09:35 AM

I read in a post long ago that taking a crayon and putting a little of it on the snaps (since it has a lot of wax) is a good way to ease getting them on and off. It works. I rub a crayon over the snaps about twice a year. It helps them to come off without as much tension.

Ski · Sep 1, 2009, 07:17 PM

I finally uploaded some pix. With an 8 GB card I tend to procrastinate. Here my modified boot removal tool.

JAB02LHS · Sep 1, 2009, 07:48 PM

HERE IS A MAGNIFIED VIEW OF MY FLESH COLORED REMOVAL TOOL!

Kokomo · Sep 1, 2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ski

I finally uploaded some pix. With an 8 GB card I tend to procrastinate. Here my modified boot removal tool.

Wouldn't it be more like "Snap-Off"

joe166 · Sep 1, 2009, 08:28 PM

I always understood (and the dictionary says so too) that a tonneau cover was something that went over at least part of the cockpit. What we have I always thought was a boot cover.

JAB02LHS · Sep 1, 2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ski

I finally uploaded some pix. With an 8 GB card I tend to procrastinate. Here my modified boot removal tool.

I PREFER YOUR GLOW LITE VERSION
aka STAR TRECK VERSION

Icebluebird · Sep 2, 2009, 12:34 AM

Geoff,

How about a hubcap removal tool??

If you use a screwdriver, it ruins the cheep chrome plastic cap.

Something straight, that just fits the opening, but with enough "slope" on it to force the cap up without damage.

$40.00 for the pair??? I may even be able to get my club members interested in them!

Thanks

5bird7 · Sep 2, 2009, 01:27 AM

Geoff, you have one in your trunk. The slim end of the lug nut wrench, cover with the rubber tube that may or may not be with your lug nut wrench.

oops - mean to direct that to icebluebird

AZTB · Sep 2, 2009, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtandKaren

I read in a post long ago that taking a crayon and putting a little of it on the snaps (since it has a lot of wax) is a good way to ease getting them on and off. It works. I rub a crayon over the snaps about twice a year. It helps them to come off without as much tension.

Art, great idea...what color do you use? (JK)

bronzebird · Sep 2, 2009, 11:51 AM

Beside my 'Bird's parking spot in the garage is a utility sink. There is always a bar of soap at the side of the sink. About every other week I just take that bar and rub it on the snaps for the boot.

Seems to allow the snaps to come off with ease.

Bronzebird

Icebluebird · Sep 2, 2009, 12:28 PM

5bird7,

I was asking Geoff if he could make a hubcap remover from the same material he makes the boot cover remover. The material is soft enough and is slick enough that I think that it might work and not damage the hubcap.

Thanks for the info. I will look in the trunk.

Ediron · Sep 2, 2009, 12:29 PM

I keep a bar of soap in the trunk for the rare times I put the cover on.

Ski · Sep 2, 2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kokomo

Wouldn't it be more like "Snap-Off"

Not a 'clapper' but a snapper, eh!

5bird7 · Sep 2, 2009, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icebluebird

5bird7,

I was asking Geoff if he could make a hubcap remover from the same material he makes the boot cover remover. The material is soft enough and is slick enough that I think that it might work and not damage the hubcap.

Thanks for the info. I will look in the trunk.

I just realized that I addressed that to Geoff instead of you. Did you check your trunk yet?

and yes, it might be handy to have one made from the material that Geoff uses for the unsnapper.

OSSCommander · Sep 14, 2009, 11:29 PM

Never thought about the hub center removal. Will try to design something and let you guys know.

Geoff

OSSCommander · Sep 23, 2009, 09:39 PM

Tried making one out of the same material but it proved to be too flexible. Those center covers require a lot of force to flex that circumferential spring wire. I just warp a cloth around the end of a wide flat blade screwdriver. Looking at the possibility of making a bushing that would fit the hard top torx key so that it would be easier to line it up with the hold down screw.
Anybody interested in smoked acrylic bullets that would take the place of the clear lenses in the fog lamps? Would look like the 55-56 but instead of chrome would be dark smoked acrylic

tbird6t4 · Sep 23, 2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ediron

I keep a bar of soap in the trunk for the rare times I put the cover on.

Ed, it's not that big a job that you would need to shower afterwards!

Gord R.

Icebluebird · Sep 24, 2009, 01:39 PM

Geoff,

How about making something in the shape of a "door stop" that could be forced in the hubcap hole and because of the slope of the "stop" would force the cap up and ultimately off of the wheel? If the large end was big enough, it could be tapped with a rubber mallet or some other type of soft faced hammer.

I had one for my Tbird SC and tried it but the slope--thickness of the wedge was not enough to really lift the cap far enough to release the spring.

How about that for an idea?

Thanks

Ediron · Sep 24, 2009, 02:06 PM

I'll tell you Gord the first time I snapped the cover on I was in a sweat and had sore fingers to prove it.Taking it back off was even worse ,I though for sure I was going to rip out one of the grommets.Haven't put it back on since the picture I took as in S.Fl. you have to be able to get the top up quick when it starts to rain with the sun out.

OSSCommander · Sep 29, 2009, 10:35 PM

Good suggestion, I was looking at a prying action, a wedge might just work, will let you know.

Jun 7, 2009, 09:12 PM	#1
OSSCommander Member Geoff Fairfax Location: Surrey, CAN Joined TBN: May 2009 Posts: 12 Geoff's T-Bird 2002 Inspiration Yellow with White hardtop Accent: Partial	Tonneau cover removal tool Hi Fellow Tbird Owners, If you are nervous about removing your tonneau cover and pulling out the snaps the tool I have beem custom making for Tbird owners will give you peace of mind. I paid $850.00 for my tonneau cover and was warned to be careful as the snaps have been known to pull throw the cover. With this tool there are no more concerns as the tool takes the pressure off the cover when releaseing the snap. If you are using your tonneau cover, and you should be! this tool makes removal a snap??? no pun intended. I can be reached at grfax@shaw.ca Keep on cruisin! Geoff

Jun 8, 2009, 06:07 AM	#2
007Cruiser A Smile in Every Mile Gene N. Location: Exit 7A, NJ Joined TBN: Aug 2004 Posts: 3,383 Gene's T-Bird 1975 Copper Starfire 1 of 1 2003 Coral #361 of 700	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool Geoff...your tool is great! It's a must have IMO. Thanks for the quick delivery. some pix:http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...1&postcount=19 __________________ As you ramble through life, whatever be your goal; Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ve_lfYSOjo Last edited by 007Cruiser; Jun 8, 2009 at 06:12 AM.

Jun 8, 2009, 07:03 AM	#3
redbirdsal My Fave Color is CHROME! Sally W Location: Dallas, TX Joined TBN: Jul 2002 Posts: 5,251 Sally's T-Bird 2002 Red/Red/Lots of CHROME with 3 Hardtops - A Red, A Black & A White hardtop Accent: Full Red	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool Geoff, I just sent you an email, and in my haste, I left the subject line blank. __________________ Texas In Spring 2011 Redbirdsal Native Texan IRISH THRU & THRU!

Jun 8, 2009, 09:24 AM	#4
Ediron Donating Member Ed Martin Location: coconut creek, FL Joined TBN: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,038 Ed's T-Bird 2004 merlot/sand with none hardtop	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool I think a price would help.Would be easier to order.

Jun 8, 2009, 10:46 PM	#5
OSSCommander Member Geoff Fairfax Location: Surrey, CAN Joined TBN: May 2009 Posts: 12 Geoff's T-Bird 2002 Inspiration Yellow with White hardtop Accent: Partial	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool Hi Ediron, I did not quote a price as I did not want to use the forum as a sales platform. I am making these for fellow Tbird owners who do not want to damage their tonneau covers or plastic body mouldings when removing the tonneau cover. I charge $20.00 US to cover material and shipping. Takes about one week. I use honor among Tbird owners, you send a check and in the mean time I make and send you the tool. Keep on cruisin! Geoff

Jun 9, 2009, 09:35 AM	#6
ArtandKaren Member Art and Karen Bradshaw Location: Carlisle, PA Joined TBN: Mar 2005 Posts: 121 Art and Karen's T-Bird 2005 blue Accent: partial	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool I read in a post long ago that taking a crayon and putting a little of it on the snaps (since it has a lot of wax) is a good way to ease getting them on and off. It works. I rub a crayon over the snaps about twice a year. It helps them to come off without as much tension. __________________ Art and Karen

Sep 1, 2009, 08:28 PM	#10
joe166 Member Joe Location: Coral Gables, FL Joined TBN: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,413 Joe's T-Bird 2004 Vintage Mint Green Accent: Partial White and Black	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool I always understood (and the dictionary says so too) that a tonneau cover was something that went over at least part of the cockpit. What we have I always thought was a boot cover.

Sep 2, 2009, 12:34 AM	#12
Icebluebird Member Dean Stiles Location: Folsom, CA Joined TBN: Dec 2007 Posts: 230 Dean's T-Bird 2004 Ice Blue with Ice Blue hardtop Accent: Full Sand	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool Geoff, How about a hubcap removal tool?? If you use a screwdriver, it ruins the cheep chrome plastic cap. Something straight, that just fits the opening, but with enough "slope" on it to force the cap up without damage. $40.00 for the pair??? I may even be able to get my club members interested in them! Thanks

Sep 2, 2009, 01:27 AM	#13
5bird7 Still Cruisin' :), Donating Member Dot , Location: Rhome, TX Joined TBN: Jul 2002 Posts: 12,613 Dot's T-Bird 57 Willow Grn; 02 blue; 05 Inca; with Performance White hardtop Accent: all white; full accent blue; partial white TOTM Win: Dec 02, Dec 06, Feb 09	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool Geoff, you have one in your trunk. The slim end of the lug nut wrench, cover with the rubber tube that may or may not be with your lug nut wrench. oops - mean to direct that to icebluebird __________________ www.PortholeAuthority.com Texas Thunder May11-15, 2011 Last edited by 5bird7; Sep 2, 2009 at 08:56 PM.

Sep 2, 2009, 11:51 AM	#15
bronzebird Donating Member Rick Rae Location: Loganville, GA Joined TBN: Sep 2007 Posts: 724	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool Beside my 'Bird's parking spot in the garage is a utility sink. There is always a bar of soap at the side of the sink. About every other week I just take that bar and rub it on the snaps for the boot. Seems to allow the snaps to come off with ease. Bronzebird __________________ Now residing in SC., pretty bird has gone to the next owner.

Sep 2, 2009, 12:28 PM	#16
Icebluebird Member Dean Stiles Location: Folsom, CA Joined TBN: Dec 2007 Posts: 230 Dean's T-Bird 2004 Ice Blue with Ice Blue hardtop Accent: Full Sand	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool 5bird7, I was asking Geoff if he could make a hubcap remover from the same material he makes the boot cover remover. The material is soft enough and is slick enough that I think that it might work and not damage the hubcap. Thanks for the info. I will look in the trunk.

Sep 2, 2009, 12:29 PM	#17
Ediron Donating Member Ed Martin Location: coconut creek, FL Joined TBN: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,038 Ed's T-Bird 2004 merlot/sand with none hardtop	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool I keep a bar of soap in the trunk for the rare times I put the cover on.

Sep 14, 2009, 11:29 PM	#20
OSSCommander Member Geoff Fairfax Location: Surrey, CAN Joined TBN: May 2009 Posts: 12 Geoff's T-Bird 2002 Inspiration Yellow with White hardtop Accent: Partial	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool Never thought about the hub center removal. Will try to design something and let you guys know. Geoff

Sep 23, 2009, 09:39 PM	#21
OSSCommander Member Geoff Fairfax Location: Surrey, CAN Joined TBN: May 2009 Posts: 12 Geoff's T-Bird 2002 Inspiration Yellow with White hardtop Accent: Partial	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool Tried making one out of the same material but it proved to be too flexible. Those center covers require a lot of force to flex that circumferential spring wire. I just warp a cloth around the end of a wide flat blade screwdriver. Looking at the possibility of making a bushing that would fit the hard top torx key so that it would be easier to line it up with the hold down screw. Anybody interested in smoked acrylic bullets that would take the place of the clear lenses in the fog lamps? Would look like the 55-56 but instead of chrome would be dark smoked acrylic

Sep 24, 2009, 01:39 PM	#23
Icebluebird Member Dean Stiles Location: Folsom, CA Joined TBN: Dec 2007 Posts: 230 Dean's T-Bird 2004 Ice Blue with Ice Blue hardtop Accent: Full Sand	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool Geoff, How about making something in the shape of a "door stop" that could be forced in the hubcap hole and because of the slope of the "stop" would force the cap up and ultimately off of the wheel? If the large end was big enough, it could be tapped with a rubber mallet or some other type of soft faced hammer. I had one for my Tbird SC and tried it but the slope--thickness of the wedge was not enough to really lift the cap far enough to release the spring. How about that for an idea? Thanks

Sep 24, 2009, 02:06 PM	#24
Ediron Donating Member Ed Martin Location: coconut creek, FL Joined TBN: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,038 Ed's T-Bird 2004 merlot/sand with none hardtop	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool I'll tell you Gord the first time I snapped the cover on I was in a sweat and had sore fingers to prove it.Taking it back off was even worse ,I though for sure I was going to rip out one of the grommets.Haven't put it back on since the picture I took as in S.Fl. you have to be able to get the top up quick when it starts to rain with the sun out.

Sep 29, 2009, 10:35 PM	#25
OSSCommander Member Geoff Fairfax Location: Surrey, CAN Joined TBN: May 2009 Posts: 12 Geoff's T-Bird 2002 Inspiration Yellow with White hardtop Accent: Partial	Re: Tonneau cover removal tool Good suggestion, I was looking at a prying action, a wedge might just work, will let you know.