My T-100 aero cap...

[BamZipPow]

Crunched and munched...

[BamZipPow]

A quick fab install of some metal stud to support the top skin better...




Topside...


Got the steel flashing installed to protect the topside from the canopy wearing into the lid.




I taped the outer edges down so the air doesn't git in there and rip the flashing out.

[Draigflag]

Just out of interest, how do register this "modification" with your insurance providers? And do you remove it for your annual safety inspections etc as I can imagine it would be difficult trying to get the truck on ramps with the cap etc.

[RobertV]

Originally Posted by Draigflag

Just out of interest, how do register this "modification" with your insurance providers? And do you remove it for your annual safety inspections etc as I can imagine it would be difficult trying to get the truck on ramps with the cap etc.

I doubt he has to inform his insurance about the additions he's made. Only reason would be to receive compensation in the event of a collision/damage. But it doesn't look like all the pieces he's thrown onto it are really worth the effort/premium increase.
TX state inspection doesn't require the vehicle be put on any ramps.
Even if he lives in an emissions checking county, I've never heard of them putting the vehicle on ramps.

[Draigflag]

I was thinking along the lines of the mods causing an accident, if a part were to blow away and hit another vehicle, or if the tail lights failed and someone crashed into the rear, there are lots of things that could go wrong. Insurance companies will use any excuse not to pay out in an accident.

So how do people know their brakes aren't about to fail, or the fuel tank has a hole in it, or the drive shaft isnt about to fall out without an annual inspection?

[RobertV]

Originally Posted by Draigflag

So how do people know their brakes aren't about to fail, or the fuel tank has a hole in it, or the drive shaft isnt about to fall out without an annual inspection?

Safety inspection usually checks brakes, tires, wipers, lights etc. But they aren't going to check the integrity of the fuel tank or drive shaft.

[Draigflag]

Ah I see. It's different here, each year our vehicles over 3 years old have to have the following checked:

MOT Inspection Check List
MOT Test Number Registration Mark
VT29 09/2011
Date of First Use
Items to be tested Pass Fail Defects/Comments
Interior checks
Seats and seat belts
Warning lamps
Switches (position lamp, headlamp, hazards)
View to front, wipers & washers
Brake controls, servo operation,
Steering wheel & column
Doors, mirrors, horn
Speedometer, drivers controls (Class 5 only)
Exterior checks
Registration plates
Lamps, registration plate lamps
Indicators, hazards
Headlamps & aim
Stop lamps, fog lamps, reflectors
Wheels, tyres
Shock absorbers
Mirrors, wiper blades, fuel tank cap
Glazing (Class 5 only)
Doors, boot lid, loading doors, bonnet
Towbars
General condition of body
Under bonnet checks
Vehicle structure
Braking systems
Exhaust systems, fuel system
Speed limiter (if applicable)
Steering & power steering components
Suspension components
Under vehicle checks
Steering including power steering
Drive shafts (if applicable)
Suspension, shock absorbers
Wheel bearings
Wheels & tyres
Brake systems & mechanical components
Exhaust system
Fuel system & fuel tank
Structure, general vehicle condition
Emissions
Brake Test Service L Park L Imbalance
Axle 1 N/S N/S Axle 1 N/S
Axle 1 O/S O/S Axle 1 O/S
Axle 2 N/S Total Difference
Axle 2 O/S Results
Total Service Park Imbalance
Vehicle Identification Number
Odometer Reading

EVERY YEAR!

[BamZipPow]

You can see how the rear of the trailer drops when I'm backing up. The rear is about 1" above the ground. The height of the ramp at the rear tire is about 6". You can see how the tail cone got ripped off the rear support when I was backing out of my driveway.

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by Draigflag

Just out of interest, how do register this "modification" with your insurance providers? And do you remove it for your annual safety inspections etc as I can imagine it would be difficult trying to get the truck on ramps with the cap etc.

If there was such a requirement here in Texas, then I would do what I needed to do to pass the inspection. We don't have the intensive inspection process as you do in your country. When I was stationed in RAF Alconbury, I owned two cars over there...an Avenger and a Ford Granada (V6 auto). Those were some fun cars to drive and maintain. I don't ever recall them putting either vehicle on ramps to inspect. Keep in mind that was back in 1981-83.

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by Draigflag

I was thinking along the lines of the mods causing an accident, if a part were to blow away and hit another vehicle, or if the tail lights failed and someone crashed into the rear, there are lots of things that could go wrong. Insurance companies will use any excuse not to pay out in an accident.

So how do people know their brakes aren't about to fail, or the fuel tank has a hole in it, or the drive shaft isnt about to fall out without an annual inspection?

I do my own maintenance so I'm very cautious about any strange noises or vibrations happening on my truck. All of my mods/addons are securely fastened and I inspect them weekly just to make sure everything is still tight and neat.

While I can't predict when my light bulbs will fail, I do inspect them every chance I git by doing a walk around my truck at night. The brake lights I check by pointing the rear at a windowed store front and stepping on the brakes. I can clearly see which brake light isn't working. As far as the trailer goes, I always check all the lights and turn signals are functioning before I hit the road. My lights on the trailer are all LED.

Down here in Texas, we don't git that much snow on the ground so there isn't any salting of the roads during the winter. I also have my belly pan to help protect the underside of the truck as well.