Opinions on Tonneau cover - hard versus soft, how to attach?

BASSr

I was thinking about installing a tonneau cover on my '87 Choo Choo SS. It is now white exterior but soon to be the same Sapphire Blue as the '87 T-types have on them so the color of the tonneau is probably going to be black.

The last el camino I had was a '75 and I had a nice black soft tonneau cover with support poles. I was considering going with a fixed one like this eBay auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=018&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=280220928769&rd=1

Hope that URL works. If not it is on eBay item number 280220928769

I used to like the way I could simply fold up the cover when I was using the bed above the tonneau cover but the hard ones have there advantages as well.

Any opinions out there on hard versus soft covers? What about how they attach, snaps?

Bruce
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'69 RS/SS Z-10 PaceCar Camaro 350/300 auto
'69 RS/SS Z-11 PaceCar Camaro 350/300 auto
'87 el Camino Choo Choo SS (white)
'87 Buick GN Hardtop
'87 Buick T-Type (Sapphire Blue)
'02 Harley Sportster 1200 XL Custom

464elky · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:58 pm Post subject:

I have that exact cover and have been pleased with it so far. the only problem I see if you haul much there is very little room for anything over about 15 inches high with it down (not a problem for me, I might haul a small mattress or a blanket in mine but thats it). It does remove easily but if you weren't at home with a place to store it and needed to haul something tall you would be done. It does not fold up. It raises nicely on two gas shocks but you couldn't drive with it up.
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84 Elky with 455 Buick, Tremec TKO600 5 speed, 8.5 3:42 posi -
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Another 3 to 9 years should finish it.

mgs72elky · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:24 pm Post subject:

Although mine's a 3rd gen, I also have the Craftec tonneau, am very happy with it. Agree with Neil, if your going to haul stuff it could be a PITA.

PS-If you don't want to use E-Bay, you can order from Craftec's site directly.
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Mark
1972 Elky Picture Album

Al Camino · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:00 pm Post subject:

Looks like a nice compromise between a hard and typical soft cover. Price also appears good. I would like to see one myself. I like the way it fits inside. the bed. I do like to haul stuff often but, it looks like it would be workable for me.

mgs72elky · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:13 pm Post subject:

If you do a lot of hauling, the Craftec cover will come completely off in about a minute. Pop off the two struts, open the cover to max verticle and pull back, it pops right out. It's light too, maybe 25lbs. On the 3rd gen cover, it's a bear to get it mounted back in the channel, takes quite a bit of fanaggling to get it in there. I don't haul anything so it's perfect by me.

PS-Craftec has a good site, with many pics and fitments shown. There's a few pics at the bottom of my album also.