| Description |
|
Lockable Tonneau Cover |
| OEM, Model, Model Year |
|
Ford, Ranger, 2002 |
| System Supplier, Contact, Phone |
|
Budd Plastics Division, Adrian Montanaro, (248)619-2633 |
| Molder/Processor, Contact and Phone |
|
Budd North Baltimore, Gary Dickson, (419)257-2231 |
| Toolmaker, Contact and Phone |
|
Century Tool & Gage, Mike Cummings, (810)629-0784 |
| Material Supplier, Contact and Phone |
|
Budd Van Wert, Probir Guha, (248)619-2285 |
| Generic resin type |
|
Polyester SMC (28% glass) |
| Resin Trade Name |
|
Budd SMC |
| Grade |
|
BD 40774T |
| OEM Engineer, Title and Phone |
|
Darrell Dorin, Buyer, Ford, (313)248-1151 |
| Nominated by, Company |
|
Ken Rusch, Budd Plastics Division |
| Address |
|
1850 Research Drive, Troy, MI 48083 |
| Phone |
|
(248)619-2235 |
| Fax |
|
(248)619-2412 |
| Email |
|
Rusch@budd.thyssenkrupp.com |
| Summary | | Lockable Tonneau Cover is designed to fit current Ranger Box and can be fitted to Ranger Trucks built 1994 to date (6.5 foot bed) Tonneau Cover can be OEM factory installed; or the Tonneau Cover can be dealer (or customer) installed without drilling holes in the box (Stake Pocket attachments) Weight Savings: 10 to 20% versus steel. Cost Savings: N/A Cost Avoidance: Tonneau cover is attached through existing stake pockets. Saves the cost of unique attachment hardware and locks. |
| Most Innovative Feature | | Lockable Tonneau Cover is designed to fit current Ranger Box and can be fitted to Ranger Trucks built 1994 to date (6.5 foot bed) |
| Other Innovative Features | | Tonneau Cover can be OEM factory installed; or the Tonneau Cover can be dealer (or customer) installed without drilling holes in the box (Stake Pocket attachments) |
| Forming Process | | Cover is compression molded SMC (sheet molding composite) |
| First time process used? | | No |
| Previous Process Used | | Tonneau Covers have been made from a wide range of materials including SMC, SRIM/RTM, Hand Layup, various thermoplastics and sheet metal. |
| Tooling Innovations | | Compression mold with textured surface. |
| New Material Developments | | Unique SMC formulation was developed for this application to achieve shrinkage control, rapid cure, black pigmentation and textured surface. |
| Weight Savings | | Weight savings versus steel design is about 10 to 20%. Weight is comparable to other composite plastic designs. |
| Direct Cost Savings | | Tonneau cover is cost competitive while providing improved durability in service (avoid need for replacement) and anticipated reductions in warranty. |
| Indirect Cost Savings | | Tonneau cover is attached through existing stake pockets. Tailgate can be locked with the tonneau cover. Saves the cost of unique attachment hardware and locks. |
| Direct Consumer Benefit | | Improved NVH rating, double locking compartments (plus tailgate), reduced air drag versus open box (improved fuel economy). |
| Translates to other Vehicles? | | Tonneau cover assembly can be fitted to Ranger 6.5 foot box (1994 model year to date) or similar size truck cargo box with appropriate stake pockets. |
| Safety Benefits | | Double emergency release cables on back side of tonneau covers (inside of box). Meets 35 mph rear crash requirements. |
| Environmental Benefits | | Improved fuel economy versus an open box. SMC material can be recycled at the end of its life cycle. |
| Additional Info | | This newly designed Lockable Tonneau Cover System meets Ford's 100,000 mile durability specifications, and is offered as an "original equipment option". Most Tonneau Covers available through the "after market" do not. |