ARE Z-series shell

Tucson_02Silverado · September 13, 2002

Installed today ARE Z-series shell. Main options are power lock and tilt down front window. ARE warrants the shell for life, including the finish. The color was matched perfectly (they used my gas door to match). I opted to have it mounted bolt on instead of clamps. The power lock is currently wired with the driver's door. The outfitter said that was the official GM instructions they have for the 02. I will rewire it to unlock with the passenger door (2nd button push) at a later date; probably at the same time I wire up the PowerGATE lock for the tailgate. The fit and finish look great.

I'll update this at later date after I have lived with it a while. Hopefully I've figured out how to post pictures by then.

15-Sep-2002

GreenRado: only a couple of days and I'm using the bed more than lifting the rear Ext Cab seat up. So the power lock been great. Now I can't wait to find the time to install the power lock on the tailgate.

GreenRado · September 13, 2002

Tucson, I'd be interested in hearing how it goes - I have an older CH series, w/ factory paint, but oh how I wish I had the power lock - what a PITA when you go camping w/ kids!!

REDNECK · September 14, 2002

Just thought you might be interested in what other people have experienced with A.R.E.:

A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/15/01 02:43 PM Edit Reply Quote

Hi,

My name is Phil and I just wanted to make sure that nobody else received the treatment or lost their deposit by bying an A.R.E. truck topper. My story is long and to keep it short, I will just say that they do not stand behind their claims and Brown's Truck Accessories in Forsyth, Illinois is no better. After deciding they did not want to sell me a topper after it was refused twice for manufacturing defects, they would not return my deposit. If you would like to see photos of the defects and read the complete story, let me know and I will post it or send it to you.

Regards.

Phil Marquis

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Friz

Guide

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 804

Loc: Milton, FL 32570

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/15/01 07:17 PM Edit Reply Quote

Let's hear it!

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1995 Chevy CC 1Ton 4x4 350 Auto

1995 CC, Long Bed, 350, Auto, 4x4

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93Cobra

New Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 14

Loc: Warrensburg, Illinois 62573

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/17/01 03:40 PM Edit Reply Quote

Well, it appears that I cannot post photos. I will send you the e-mail correspondence that I sent ARE and all photos of the defective toppers. The dealer still wouldn't work with me when I approached him on Monday. We have been battling this for over 6 months now and I have a Cardholder Dispute filed for failure to return funds. The dealer, without written agreement on our contract, has decided he his going to keep $100 of my deposit for his troubles, never mind what he has put me through. I guess in his book the customer is not important, how he feels that he made out on a bad deal is.

Anyone interested in the photos and explanations will receive such by e-mailing me or sending me your e-mail address.

Sorry, there was just no way I could see of doing that on here.

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pliestocenejeff

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/18/01 09:33 AM Edit Reply Quote

What cap was it? I ordered the Z series.

PJ

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93Cobra

New Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 14

Loc: Warrensburg, Illinois 62573

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/18/01 05:43 PM Edit Reply Quote

PJ

Sorry to hear about your purchase. Maybe you will have better luck than I did. After recommending changes necessary to their product they may have upgraded the shell mold and their assembly processes. To view what you should look for at delivery and before installation on your truck go to this site. http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?...&a=11044661

You can view photos along with a description there. Also, below is the letter that I sent them before they sent the top back after the rebuild. I tried to work with them to resolve these issues and when they couldn't fix them they decided they were not interested in selling a topper to me.

Subject: Quality Craftsmanship

I recently purchased a Z series top for my '98 F250 short bed after carefully looking over the styling and engineering quality of many brands. I looked at Leer and Lunds to name a few. Your Z series most

closely resembled/matched my truck and the styling was outstanding. After a couple of months of research, I finally purchased a Z series fiberglass top. After reading your web page about the quality care Mr. Miller gives your product and the mention of the Amish (we have many Amish in and around Arthur) I was convinced that your company

produced the product I would be happy with.

I ordered the Z and once it arrived, I began to question what you tout about quality. I found the following concerns on my new top.

1. The left vent window will not crank in all the way so that the bottom/rear corner of the window fits flush with the body in the

window recess. It sticks out past the contour of the window recess about 1/2 inch.

2. The rear door does not latch on the left side without pushing on the corner of the window. This may have been avoided if the door frame had been located in the cap properly. The combination of this

mislocation and the difference in depth of the molding of the fiberglass by .258

inches may be what is causing the window to protrude at that corner after it is latched.

3. The paint below the front of the right side window has lines in it. It looks like scratches in the fiberglass that didn't get sanded out before paint.

4. The top was scuffed or dropped on the right front corner. This damaged the trim at that point and did minor damage to the

fiberglass underneath at that point.

5. The side windows have been drilled and screwed more than once leaving an unsightly viewing of extra holes in the frame, and ****ed screws. What will people say about the quality when they ask to see my new topper?

6. The aluminum channel around the inside of the front slider is severely puckered from the screws pulling the corners into the

window frame. The screws in this window are all ****ed as well.

7. I've noticed on all of the Z tops I have looked at that the seals around the sides of the rear glass are always longer on one side

than another. Doesn't your team consider uniformity a quality attribute?

8. The dealer who installed the topper had to put four layers of the adhesive foam to fill the gap at the front of the bed. Why don't you make the top fit the bed better? I realize that the factory bed rails give the top an eighth inch of lift, and that might cause two strips of foam to be required for sealing, but four?!

I would like to have taken the time to fully investigate the concerns here and given you the proper recommendations for correction and

elimination of future quality non-conformances, but currently time will not allow it.

I am a Quality Engineer for XXXXXXXXXXX, Inc. and address everything from product engineering to assembly procedures on a daily basis. I would be more than happy to visit your facility for a quality review if

you would like.

The dealer has agreed to return the top to you for rework. It is my opinion that perhaps a new top be made to order with proper mindset and inspection for quality. Moving the left window down to allow clearance between the window and the shell at the top will leave elongated holes in the fiberglass. Sanding and painting the shell at the scratch location will cause a blending problem with the rest of the paint

and clearcoat. The trim around the bottom of the top will need to be replaced to correct the scuffed area at the right front corner. It will also need to be repainted. I will stop here to keep this somewhat short.

In conclusion, I would like to say that your Z series top is a very appealing top and designed for looks. $1000 for your product would be quite justified if everyone was indeed following the Amish philosophy concerning a job well done. I hope great care is taken on the next top.

Thanks for listening.

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Shaners

Senior Enthusiast

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 574

Loc: Grove City/PA/16127

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/19/01 04:00 AM Edit Reply Quote

I had to send my Leer back because of some very minor paint imperfections that probably I would be the only one who would notice. There were what appeared to be some tiny pin holes that were maybe 1/32" deep (12-13 total marks). They said the fiberglass wasn't properly prepped before paint and when it cured it sucked into these little tiny holes. They (Leer) repaired and repainted the whole cap for me under warranty and the paint job is better than when it was new. Here is a picture of it on the truck... I think this photo was taken before I sent it back. My b*tch was minor compared to yours!!! I was the only one who noticed the problem (I couldn't even get my wife to see it until I showed her where exactly to look). Good luck...

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2000 EC SB 4X4 pewter Z85 suspension and leather too...

2001 2500HD crew cab, 4x4, LT package, 4.10's and 6.0L, Leer cap, Bedrug etc... GM-Trucks.com

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93Cobra

New Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 14

Loc: Warrensburg, Illinois 62573

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/19/01 05:39 AM Edit Reply Quote

Wow Shane! How were you able to post that photo? I just join photopoint yesterday and it took me about an hour just to download those 8 pictures. Were you guys able to get to the site to view them?

If I were to do it over, I would probably get a Leer 100XL. Very sharp. I looked at Snugtop and they were nice to but if I remember correctly they had the vent wings in the front instead of the rear.

I am disappointed in the ARE toppers and customer service after all that they advertise about quality. They remind me of soon to be expres. Clinton. Say one thing but secretly mean another.

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Shaners

Senior Enthusiast

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 574

Loc: Grove City/PA/16127

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/19/01 10:55 AM Edit Reply Quote

Phil,

I checked out your photos at photopoint before I put up my first post. I was really shocked by some of them!! I was always under the impression that A.R.E. made some top notch stuff but I guess not... When my dealer called Leer about my problem, Leer offered to repair/replace at their option or $100.00 back. I told my dealer that I couldn't get it repaired for $100 and he said no problem. The timetable for repair work was up to me because the claim was started, so I told him to call me the day before his next delivery told take it off and send it back... Three weeks later it was back on my truck. That's the way ARE should have handled it for you... and it doesn't help that your dealer sounds like an *ss.

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2000 EC SB 4X4 pewter Z85 suspension and leather too...

2001 2500HD crew cab, 4x4, LT package, 4.10's and 6.0L, Leer cap, Bedrug etc... GM-Trucks.com

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93Cobra

New Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 14

Loc: Warrensburg, Illinois 62573

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/20/01 12:17 AM Edit Reply Quote

ARE did take it back and after rework it was better, but the front of the side windows were still hanging out in the wind like a couple of air scoops. The windows were supposed to be recessed which I would consider acceptable if they were flush with the outer boundary of the shell, but they stuck out an 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch. I probably would never have noticed this if they hadn't screwed up the rear of the vent wing so bad to begin with and the dealer tried to pass it off as it was no big deal. After that I was watching for all defects before it was put on my truck a second time. The windows hanging out really broke the beatiful lines of the toppers styling and my trucks as well. Can't blame it all on the dealer, but I would say that 66% of it rests there. If he were any kind of a business at all, he would have stood behind his customer and product until the manufacturer made it right. Instead he opted to tell the manufacturer that my truck wasn't perfect and I was being unreasonable, etc. etc.

I'm glad the purchase didn't go through now as I have decided I need to haul things that would not fit under the topper. I am looking for a good tonneau at this time.

Phil

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ME

New Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 16

Loc: Bloomington/NY/12411

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/19/01 07:58 PM Edit Reply Quote

For your deposit; SMALL CLAIMS COURT, if nothing else but self gratification of wasting their time to have to show up and explain not returning your deposit. Just my $.02

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mfh432

New Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 1

Loc: Hensley

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/20/01 07:56 AM Edit Reply Quote

Thanks for the heads up! I have been seriously considering the ARE Z top. My second choice is the Covermaster 3000. Anybody have any experience with CMI (www.covermasterinc.com)? The CMI 3000 has the rear slam glass and crank out windows like the ARE Z.

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DougH

Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 39

Loc: Iowa

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/21/01 12:30 AM Edit Reply Quote

I had an ARE top as well on my truck I just sold and I was real happy with the overall quality fit and installation. The only grip I had was that the back lift gate did not fit snuggly against the tailgate so it rubbed the paint off down to bare metal along the top edge to a point 1/2" down which did kinda make me mad other I loved it. Sorry to hear you had problems as I hope you get it resolved soon.

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2001 Dodge 2500 4x4, Quad Cab, HO Cummins, 6-speed, 4" exhaust, BD exhaust brake.

1980 Jeep CJ-5, modified for four-wheeling, Dana 44 front, reverse cut Dana 60 rear, ARB Airlockers front and rear, 4:56 gears, 15/35/15 Super Swampers on 15x10 steel wheels 1/4" custom bumper, Warn 9000I winch, full rollcage, NP435 trans, Dana 300 transfer case, TBI 350.

2001 Dodge 2500 4x4, Quad Cab, HO Cummins, 6-speed, 4 exhaust, BD exhaust brake, SW fuel pressure gauge.

1980 Jeep CJ-5, modified for four-wheeling, Dana 44 front, reverse cut Dana 60 rear, ARB Airlockers front and rear, 4:56 gears, 15/35/15 Super Swampers on 15x10 steel wheels 1/4 custom bumper, Warn 9000I winch, full rollcage, NP435 trans, Dana 300 transfer case, TBI 350.

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93Cobra

New Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 14

Loc: Warrensburg, Illinois 62573

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/20/01 03:33 PM Edit Reply Quote

ME,

I am using the visa cardholder dispute avenue first. If they do not get it back for me I will go the small claims route.

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93Cobra

New Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 14

Loc: Warrensburg, Illinois 62573

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/20/01 05:16 PM Edit Reply Quote

Hey! That 3000 series did look good. I would be interested in seeing how closely it resembles the 100XL from Leer. Good luck!

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bcline

New Member

Reged: 03/21/00

Posts: 6

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/22/01 05:58 AM Edit Reply Quote

I own an A.R.E. Z-Series and it is the best looking cap I've ever seen. I have owned two other A.R.E. caps and they were top notch also. I went out and measured my window and although it is not 100% flush, it is darn close and looks great.

It sounds to me like an isolated incident. All manufactures have some returns. They did take the cap back and replace it at their expense.

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bbaker

New Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 1

Loc: Massillon, Ohio, 44646

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/22/01 06:08 AM Edit Reply Quote

As a proud A.R.E. employee, I saw this and was compelled to research the complaint posted on this web site. For this type of action or complaint was extremely out of character from an A.R.E. standpoint. Here’s what I have found:

The original cap when it was received had some small and some not so small quality defects. Honoring our warranty 100%, we shipped the cap back to the A.R.E. plant, decided to replace it, made a new cap, and shipped it back to the dealer. The pictures you saw on this web site were of the original cap, which was admittedly not up to A.R.E. standards. So we stood behind our warranty and replaced the product.

The new cap, when it arrived at the dealer, was up to A.R.E. standards. The window may have been 1/8” off from being 100% flush, but as the gentleman posting the complaints even noted, “I probably would never have noticed this if they hadn't screwed up the rear of the vent wing so bad to begin with and the dealer tried to pass it off as it was no big deal.”

From this statement it appears the real problem is the fact that the first cap was sub-standard. The second cap was not, but the customer at this point was not going to be satisfied. He noticed that the side windows were slightly off being 100% flush in the front. This was determined by our dealer not to be a valid warranty claim. In his opinion this cap looked great and was well up to quality standards. Our dealer was of the impression that this gentleman was unhappy with both him and A.R.E., and that because of his previous misgivings we would not be able to produce a product that would satisfy him.

Our dealer took the cap into stock at his expense, and kept $100 of the gentleman’s deposit based on the time consumed and the cost of taking the cap in to stock. This is not something that A.R.E. can regulate. Our dealers are independently owned and have their own policies on returning deposits.

Quality is something we take very seriously and is one of the most important areas of focus at A.R.E., although we do have people manufacturing our products, and mistakes do happen. We do our best to correct these mistakes before they leave the plant. If we don’t catch them, we take them back and fix them. That’s what we did here.

We apologize to this gentleman for the bad experience he had but want to let you know we made every reasonable effort to make things right with him.

Sincerely,

Bryan Baker, A.R.E. Inc.

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93Cobra

New Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 14

Loc: Warrensburg, Illinois 62573

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/22/01 05:15 PM Edit Reply Quote

My responses shall be inserted in the original as I address this response from the A.R.E. employee.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

As a proud A.R.E. employee, I saw this and was compelled to research the complaint posted on this web site. For this type of action or complaint was extremely out of character from an A.R.E. standpoint. Here’s what I have found:

The original cap when it was received had some small and some not so small quality defects. Honoring our warranty 100%, we shipped the cap back to the A.R.E. plant, decided to replace it, made a new cap, and shipped it back to the dealer. The pictures you saw on this web site were of the original cap, which was admittedly not up to A.R.E. standards. So we stood behind our warranty and replaced the product.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Ah yes, and like the ex-President trying to cover his mistakes or the cat burying his mess in the kitty litter so no one can see it I finally get a response, after over 15 e-mails to the factory and 10 months, from someone at A.R.E. I got this website from the A.R.E. website and thought this would be my best avenue to forewarn any unsuspecting prospective customers. "Some small and some not so small quality defects"? Wow, you should have been a public relations spokesperson for Slick Willie. Call them what they were, some small and some serious defects. Let's not try to sugar coat these things or minimize the seriousness by calling them "not so small". Yes, the manufacturer did rework or send another cap to replace the first, but after over 15 e-mails to A.R.E. and not one response or phone call, do you really think they were concerned about the customer or what the customer thought?

How can you say you stood behind your warranty when after several e-mails to A.R.E addressing the "recessed window" promise of your sales literature and the one off show toppers that the dealer keeps for sales purposes to convince the customer he is going to get a quality topper and can lay his deposit down without risk, you sent a second topper with the same defects on the front of the windows? If you had actually stood behind your warranty, you would have made the replacement topper right instead of telling the dealer that you were no longer interested in selling me a topper. Had you contacted me just once so we could have talked and made sure that we understood the promises of your sales literature and the expectations brought about by those promises, the whole incident could have been avoided and I would not be concerned with warning other prospective customers of what they should be watching for on your toppers.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The new cap, when it arrived at the dealer, was up to A.R.E. standards. The window may have been 1/8” off from being 100% flush, but as the gentleman posting the complaints even noted, “I probably would never have noticed this if they hadn't screwed up the rear of the vent wing so bad to begin with and the dealer tried to pass it off as it was no big deal.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Okay, if that was up to your standards, then you do not have TRUE quality standards. I am a Quality Consultant for a fortune 500 company and I think my education and 29 years of manufacturing experience with most of that beginning in 1976 being directly working for Quality dept. Trust me, the variation in quality from one top to the next is not true quality. If we were to chart your deviation your cpk would be well beyond acceptable and I don't mean exceeding acceptability standards either. I guess I will have to post the photos from the second topper so other readers can see just exactly how far outside of recessed your second attempt remained. Regarding the quote you posted about never having noticed if not for the first screw up. Keep in mind that I am a Supervisor in a Quality Department and I am going to review the quality of any item I purchase from the filter I put on my engine to the topper I put on the bed. I DID use the term probably and probably is not definitely. I am critical about quality but when I lay out $1000 for a topper, I expect to receive a quality topper. Not something that looks like it was just shipped up from Mexico. And yes, the dealer did try to pass the original defects off like they were no big deal and that I should accept it as is. Kind of makes you wonder what kind of quality he has come to expect from A.R.E. and what kind of a representative he would make when it comes to speaking to the manufacturer on the customers behalf for a customers concerns. It becomes much easier to see that he probably rolled over and rather than supporting the customers concerns he told the manufacturer that the customer would never be satisfied, we better not sell him anything. Well, I'm sorry I wouldn't bend over for either of you, but you are the makers of the promises, I am the unknowing customer who took both of you at your word.

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From this statement it appears the real problem is the fact that the first cap was sub-standard. The second cap was not, but the customer at this point was not going to be satisfied. He noticed that the side windows were slightly off being 100% flush in the front. This was determined by our dealer not to be a valid warranty claim. In his opinion this cap looked great and was well up to quality standards. Our dealer was of the impression that this gentleman was unhappy with both him and A.R.E., and that because of his previous misgivings we would not be able to produce a product that would satisfy him.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Sorry Brian, but my photos will show that the second cap was substandard when compared to all of the dealers "showroom" toppers. Of all of them, my topper(s) were the only ones to have side windows that fell outside of the "recessed" promises. I would consider flush fit to be recessed, or slightly under flush fit, but not hanging out like a side scoop on a F14. Warranty claim? Interesting that you should say that since I had never accepted delivery of the topper. That dealer impression was an interpretation of the situation and cannot be proven. The dealer did, of his own accord, violate the terms of the agreement/contract, by failing to deliver a product of the quality promised by both verbal sales pitch, showroom example displays, and manufacturers sales literature. Had you put the side windows in where they belonged, we would not be having this conversation, and I would have a topper on my truck!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Our dealer took the cap into stock at his expense, and kept $100 of the gentleman’s deposit based on the time consumed and the cost of taking the cap in to stock. This is not something that A.R.E. can regulate. Our dealers are independently owned and have their own policies on returning deposits.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The expense became the dealers problem when he failed to have the topper corrected before delivery. The customer cannot be expected to bear the cost of the manufacturer and the dealers mistakes and should not be expected to pay for a product that was never received. Also, the dealer has more than 25 caps in stock and has had a red one of the exact model as the one I ordered sitting on his lot for the last 4 months. I have photos of this topper as well, taken on Sept. 10, 2000 and if you had produced a topper of this quality for me, again we would not be having this conversation. It is just one more item to support my one off showroom stock theory in which the manufacturer sends the best they can produce to entice the customer into purchasing something that they cannot see and will not measure up to the quality of the showroom model.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Quality is something we take very seriously and is one of the most important areas of focus at A.R.E., although we do have people manufacturing our products, and mistakes do happen. We do our best to correct these mistakes before they leave the plant. If we don’t catch them, we take them back and fix them. That’s what we did here.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

You couldn't prove it by me. I have offered my services to visit your facility for a quality audit to help you with your problems, I have sent you numerous e-mails addressing the quality of the topper and what I felt needed to be done to your shell molds to modify the shell to take into account any variation in manufacturing of the side windows, and many other ideas. Again, no response from A.R.E. You partially did that there. I told you about the windows not being recessed and gave you a photo of the left rear vent wing and instead of addressing the window as a whole for the quality concern I mentioned, you only addressed the corner of the vent wing.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

We apologize to this gentleman for the bad experience he had but want to let you know we made every reasonable effort to make things right with him.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Your apology, although warranted, is not accepted. I will continue on this crusade shouting "caveat emptor" until I receive satisfaction from either A.R.E. or the dealer. I'm not a greedy person nor am I unfair. All I am seeking is reimbursement of my $100 deposit. I am not expecting any compensation for any damages, or inconveniences or the like. Just what is rightfully mine. Then and only then will I consider your apology sincere and this issue closed. And before you say that it is not A.R.E."s problem, that it is the dealer that I have issue with, I will tell you that the dealer has already informed me that you work with him providing him with compensation for any warranty adjustments or installation issues and that may cost him extra to address. You see, it is within A.R.E.'s ability to end this issue. It's only $100 and worth far more than the question I may put into a prospective customer's mind or the intensity of that purchaser's inspection upon delivery.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

>Sincerely, <<<<<<>Bryan Baker, A.R.E. Inc.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Really Sincerely,

Phil (I can be satisfied) Marquis

P.S. Do I need to post more pictures?

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Friz

Guide

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 804

Loc: Milton, FL 32570

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/27/01 06:53 AM Edit Reply Quote

I agree, Phil!! Now I know what that email was about from you.

I believe that anyone who takes my hard-earned money had better satisfy me in every way. Keep up the fight. Posting here probably did more for your cause than anything. Truckers, we need to support this and demand quality goods from all manufacturers!!

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1995 Chevy CC 1Ton 4x4 350 Auto

1995 CC, Long Bed, 350, Auto, 4x4

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93Cobra

New Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 14

Loc: Warrensburg, Illinois 62573

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/27/01 11:20 AM Edit Reply Quote

Thanks Friz.

I am a little more careful about buying a pig in a poke now. If I cannot see it, I make sure I will get my money back if it is not as promised. Businesses should not be able to jerk the public around in whichever way suits them. It is the business who is accountable, not the consumer.

Phil

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pliestocenejeff

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/31/01 09:19 AM Edit Reply Quote

Jeez guys! Getting screwed on something does suck. Reunel bumpers is making me wait an extra month to get my bumpers even though they ASSURED ME after I asked three times to be clear that they had the right specs for the HD frames. They didn't. Now, I have to drive up to Albuquerque again in a month to pick up the corrected bumpers. The time involved, (9 hours round trip, this is what I get for living in BFN New Mexico) and gas money (12mpg/8.1L) is going to be close to $100 at least. They won't knock that off the price for the bumper because of their error. It is just plain rude. But, they make the best bumpers, so they can step on whoever they like.

Now, the reason I respond to this post is that I just bought an ARE Z-series, and it fits great, looks great, no defects, and now my HD looks like a big Suburban. I have no complaints about it. However, Pickup Outfitters in Albuquerque failed to install the 12v light, so I have to get that added too. Fooey, nothing is ever perfect.

PJ

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kproulx

Senior Enthusiast

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 450

Loc: Toronto / Ontario / M1C 2J4

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/31/01 02:15 PM Edit Reply Quote

I must have lucked out with my ARE LS-II hard tonneau... got in late October, and it was flawless (and I'm damned picky).

My only concern was, like somebody else here, the dealer forgot about the 12V light... they gave me a battery operated one for free... which, of course, is pretty useless in the winter because the poor little C cells are frozen solid...

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1996 Chevy K1500 Z71, 5.7L (350) VORTEC, black with silver, extended cab, 'Technical Tubes' stainless steel step bars, K&N Generation II FIPK, A.R.E. LS-II Fibreglass Box Lid, TRIAD anti-theft system, Goodyear RT/S 265/75R16

1996 Chevy K1500 Z71, 5.7L (350) VORTEC, 4L60E, 3.73, two-tone black with silver, light grey interior, extended cab, 'Technical Tubes' stainless steel step bars, K&N Generation II FIPK, HyperTech Power Programmer Plus, A.R.E. LS-II Fibreglass Box Lid, TRIAD anti-theft system, Goodyear RT/S 265/75R16

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93Cobra

New Member

Reged: 12/31/69

Posts: 14

Loc: Warrensburg, Illinois 62573

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality

01/31/01 02:39 PM Edit Reply Quote

Guys,

Thanks for the responses, but after researching this it appears that the non-recessed window problem is more often found on the Ford toppers and not Chevy or Dodge. Other defects might still apply to all. As for the fiberglass tonneau, there's not much there to screw up. No windows, window frames, shell frames, rear doors, etc.

Keep your eyes open.

Phil

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FDNY

Member

Reged: 02/26/02

Posts: 49

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality [re: bbaker]

04/21/02 06:50 PM Edit Reply Quote

Bryan,

I happened to be surfing on the forum when I came across this Posting..A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality..if, only I had seen this posting earlier I would have never ordered from A.R.E. Yes, I am another Customer who is getting problems from A.R.E. I ordered the new Z Series Topper for my Silverado and guess what it came in to Fayetteville, NC (My Dealer) in the same SICK SHAPE, Phil the orginial person who started this post got his. The Quality was HORRIBLE..WAVY, NEVER SANDED PROPERLY..MOUNDS OF HEAPING BONDO PAINTED OVER..AND THIS PASSED YOUR INSPECTION..GIVE ME A BREAK..My Dealer sent back the Cap, as he was appalled at the horrible shape it arrived to him. Now, I am waiting to see, what the next cap will look like..they told me A.R.E. does quality work, you could have fooled me with the poor quality that came to me..My dealer said, that the Ohio Plant seems to be moving its quality people to your Nevada plant and the people who are left behind are not doing QUALITY WORK. He also informed me that this is not the FIRST TIME CAPS ARE COMING IN LIKE THIS. YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE, VIA E-MAIL STINKS!!!!!!!!!! I wrote TWO E-MAILS..and guess what..THEY DON'T RESPONSE!!! WHY BECAUSE, THEY KNOW WHAT THEY PRODUCE...To date NO ONE HAS RESPONDED..WHY DO YOU NEED CUSTOMER SERVICE ON-LINE, IF, THEY DONT EVEN RESPOND BACK...IM AT THIS POINT TURNED OFF WITH EVEN THE NAME A.R.E..If, this second Cap comes in, as bad as the first one (A.R.E. has agreeded to rebuilt it)..I am going to the PRESIDENT OF YOUR COMPANY.. SO BRYAN..this is NOT AN ISOLATED CASE, BUT. FROM WHAT I GATHER..AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH YOUR QUALITY CONTROL..LERR AND LUND ARE STARTING TO LOOK REAL GOOD TO ME...Will give you an update on what I get back in Two Weeks..

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FDNY

Member

Reged: 02/26/02

Posts: 49

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality [re: 93Cobra]

04/21/02 06:58 PM Edit Reply Quote

Phil...just posted my CURRENT EXPERIENCE WITH A.R.E..wish I had found your post earlier..the TOPPER CAME IN HORRIBLE..and the Window Pop Arm came off and hit me in the head..and Bryan thinks they do QUALITY WORK..A.R.E might want to get their HEAD OUT OF THE SAND..LUND AND LEER CAN AND WILL GET THE NUMBER ONE SPOT IN CAP TOPS WITH THIS KIND OF POOR WORK!!!!

Edited by FDNY (04/21/02 07:03 PM)

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Suburbanite

Unregistered

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality [re: FDNY]

04/26/02 12:11 PM Edit Reply Quote

Sounds like the folks at A.R.E. have developed a severe case of H.U.T.A. (Heads Up Their A**ses) syndrome! Not much point in reasoning with anyone in such a condition, as the conversation tends to be one way. Can understand continuing to pursue a resolution on principle but considering the time you've already "wasted" I'd just post on a couple of other widely read forums, & leave it at that.

Good luck.

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality [re: 93Cobra]

07/26/02 08:48 AM Edit Reply Quote

Hey 93 Cobra and FDNY, either of you guys have an update?

I'm looking at adding a cap to my '02 Silverado and ARE is one I'm looking into. I live 15 miles north of their Ohio plant, so I see ARE everywhere. But as I'm paying attention I see a lot of the same problems you guys are listing above. It appears that some people just don't care. Like yourself, I want the best for my money.

Other caps I'm looking at are Leer, Covermaster and Ranch. Anyone have experience with these companies?

TK2

2002 Z71 5.3L

Ex-Cab 4dr

* Lund bug shield.

* Pendaliner bed liner.

* Husky Mud guards.

* Ventshade Quik-snap Visors.

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FDNY

Member

Reged: 02/26/02

Posts: 49

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality [re: TK2]

08/11/02 05:08 PM Edit Reply Quote

TK2..sorry for the delay..did not get E-Mailed that you had posted.

Here it goes..The A.R.E. Cap had to be sent back to the factory and after putting up a big stink..they replaced the Cap. Now, after they screwed up the first one, you would think they would try alittle harder the second time. But, no they screwed it up again...this time the whole back window was scratched up...the local dealer replaced it...Got home and found that there were two radical cracks in the paint inside the rear opening...took it back to the Local Dealer as I was afraid it might spread over time. His solution was send it back and wait another month..and who knows what you would get this time...Or, put clear nail polish on it to prevent the spread and he reported to the factory and wrote it on my warranty in case it spread. I could have sent it back, but, at that point I was tired of running 80 miles one way to get to this Dealer. Don't know about the other caps, but, if, I were you I would steer clear of A.R.E. ...as they seem to be putting out poor quality work these days...Good Luck with your Cap choice..I personally will not use A.R.E. ever again...To many problems for that kind of money!

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SxViper

Journeyman

Reged: 03/13/02

Posts: 96

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality [re: FDNY]

08/12/02 07:03 PM Edit Reply Quote

Ok I have to say I have a ARE and its 10000000000x better than leer... I will never buy another leer cap or product in my life and all my friends will not either.

Here goes Ordered cap 100xl top of line painted to match truck. Waited over a month and no cap. Called dealer and they said oh we forgot to order it or order didn't go through. Ok waited another 1 and 1/2 no cap... Called up and they looked into and said should be in a week. Finally got the call the cap was in.(thank god no snow as of yet) Went to pick up the cap and found one with my name on it. Check it out before going in. Wrong cap!!! Went in to ask if they had my cap. "yes we do and everything is all set just pull up your truck and we will put it on" I stop them right there and said can I see the cap first. Sure right out side. Told the guy that the cap was wrong and he state there is no way its wrong. Finally got him to pull order and went outside to find out wrong cap... Boy was I mad now 2 and 1/2 months no cap. Snow was coming very very soon. They assured me that I would have a cap in less that 4 weeks. So I let them re order the cap once more. Got this cap in about 4 weeks. Had problems from the get go. Leaked water through all the screw holes holding the windows in place. Returned the cap to the dealer and had it set back. First time it came back still leaked. Sent back a second time. This time I called and asked them to run a hose over it to see if it leaks. They told me not to bother to come down due to it leaking again. Third time back they pull the decals off the side and repainted the cap and claimed they fixed all the leaks by replacing seals and a couple of windows. Never cleaned the rust stains down the inside but it was fixed according them. I took a close look at it and found that someone had simple sealed over the screws thus allowing water to get into the screws and rust them. Asked the dealer and they stated they did it. I would not accept the cap and left without a cap. This had been going on for over three months and I was finally done dealing with the dealer and was going to the top of leer for the second time. The funny part is they replaced the side decals with new style ones but left the one on the back window old and falling off(which it wasn't falling off when first sent to them) So for the 2 years I supposly owned the cap I had it for less than a year with things in the bed of the truck getting as wet as not having a cap. LEER is a pile junk no quality control.(claimed they ran the cap through the dunk tank 3 times each time sent back and no leaks were found, I don't think so) So don't bash ARE fisrt try and they had it right. Prefect unit no problems no leaks and the dealer is great. I had my brake like blow out a couple leds they just simple gave me a new. The dealer was going to install it but was rather busy and asked if I could come back, or would I like to do it myself as it was a simple fix. Simply put ARE is a very good cap and company.. Don't know why you had a run of bad luck. Sorry to hear it but don't get a leer!!!!!! I know of to many people with problems with theirs... My dad had one that simply fell apart going down the road. LEER == JUNK ARE == GOOD STUFF.

Sorry about the long post but felt people should know about Leer junk they build.

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FDNY

Member

Reged: 02/26/02

Posts: 49

Re: A.R.E. Toppers and lack of quality [re: SxViper]

08/12/02 07:36 PM Edit Reply Quote

I had heard that Leer does not back their Warranty ...A.R.E. is a far better product, but, unfortunately they are cutting back on workmenship lately. I understand they are or have moved their plant to Nevada..and that was part of the problem I was having. The people who they had left behind to do the work were skipping on corners. I was also very disappointed in their Customer Service, they never did get back to me after many E-Mails of complaints.

But, again I have heard from many friends and on the net that Leer stinks..if, A.R.E. continues to put out Caps like I got, they also will be right behind Leer in Poor Customer Satisfaction.

The A.R.E. Cap I had before on my Ford never had any problems..it was this particular one that caused all the grief. I probably will never buy another A.R.E. Cap for the sole reason they did not even contact me or really care about the problem or ever buy another Ford Truck, but, that is another issue.

SilveradoWV · September 15, 2002

I didnt read all of that, but will share my ARE experience! I purchased an ARE LSII Fiberglass bed cover (the hard tonneau cover thing) and after I got it I noticed the paint was very thin in spots and you could see the primer, also it was developing dimples! So I told my dealer and they called ARE to see when the next truck was supposed to deliver so that it could pick up my lid and take it back! The truck had just ran and no one had placed any orders so it was going to be two weeks before the truck would run again, so I kept my lid on till the truck came, the dealer took it off, put it on the truck and about 2 weeks later I got it back fixed and re painted for free! All was covered under the Lifetime warranty! Other than the time delay which was kind of expected I had no problems! When I took it back top the dealer the guy said he couldnt see what I was talking about with the paint being thin, but he said it doesnt really matter, as long as I wasnt happy with it, it would be sent back and covered under warranty!

Tucson_02Silverado · September 15, 2002

Well.....First I think most people of this forum are capable of doing a search!! and researching this as opposed to taking just one experience to heart. Second, if weighted, I think that the complaints were over 90 percent with the outfitters they were dealing with. 10 percent with A.R.E. Why would a competent outfitter accept shippment and then install a top that had been dropped? Why, if so unhappy, are there people still wanting to wait for a second or third product to ship? Why is it A.R.E.'s responsibility to refund money when A.R.E. doesn't sell direct only through outfitters and the outfitter took his money? Another one is that he states that his outfitter has noticed bad quality consistently from A.R.E. why did the outfitter still sell him one and why did he still buy one?

Anyway, I'm a bit P.O'd about the second reply even being posted. There could have been a lot more courtesy involved by stating your b*tch...wait was yours even in there..... and post just links. Now if permitted by the forum moderator, I'll just update my original post.

REDNECK · September 15, 2002

Hey Tucson_02 Silverado

This reminds me of holding a door open for someone..and they don't even say Thank You!!!

You should be thankful someone took the time to point out that A.R.E. is having quality problems, so that the next person does not get screwed by this Company. Who seems to have lost the ability to do QUALITY CONTROL ON THEIR PRODUCTS.

So next time when I see you coming, I'll make sure I slam the door in your face.

SilveradoWV · September 15, 2002

Not sure If I am mixed up in this or not but sorry redneck, I am not saying anything against your mile long post but me personally I have no time to read all of that, but hey not saying its not useful, well I dont really know cuz I didnt read all of it just some to get the idea!

Tucson_02Silverado · September 16, 2002

SilveradoWV, no way are you in the middle.

As far as the middle, REDNECK is trying to make this personal. My b*tch about REDNECK's reply is one does REDNECK have an opinion on this thread or is the collection of posted thread it. Two REDNECK could have shown a little more forum etiquette have been better presented the reply, for EXAMPLE:

'.....I don't have an opinion, but I found a lot of people who do not like this product... see threads *&84722'

As being thankfull, I am of the other posts within the topic of Product Reviews and the others of this forum. That is the very reason I am taking the time to review what I purchased with my own money and represent the product from my point of view which is consumer. I'm not the moderator, but I would think this is not the forum topic to be posting b*tch's about products unless it is part of the full review. I'm the one that purchased the product, I'm the one who is taking the time to account my experiences with the product (good or bad). For this particular item you should be thankful that I am taking the time to participate on this forum so that you could post a reply and take the time to put in little cutesy barfing faces instead of your own experience with the product of this thread. In my opinion this topic should be personal experiences with product not ..oooh ooh my neighbor or my uncles second cousins daughters grandson...crap.

This is last word on REDNECK in regards to this particular issue, why because I do not know who you are or do I know what type of person you are, you've only represented yourself with your postings. REDNECK you take things personally to easily. I commented on your posted reply not they way you look or smell, so chill a bit. BTW why would you get pissed at a rude individual not saying Thank you for holding the door open or other like acts. By you being courteous is all that should count and by you becoming pissed at them doesn't that bring you down to their level. That last part is rhetorical. (if you want to answer this not the place, cut and paste and use the other topic of rants)

REDNECK · September 16, 2002

Personally you sound like a A-hole to me. This thread is for posting good and bad about products..I showed you that A.R.E. is not all what its cracked up to be. So, if, you find that offensive YOU'VE GOT THE PROBLEM!!!!

Do you work for A.R.E.?????????? Sure sounds like it.

Anyway I accept your apology for trying to help out an obvious A-Hole!!!

If, anyone else reads this I would appreciate your feedback as to why this A-hole is offensive, when someone is trying to help them out!

Explain this one.

SilveradoWV · September 16, 2002

Uhh, let me see! Tucson_02Silverado has the product and gave a review here in the product review forum. Redneck gave a bunch of reviews, not sure if any were his, but not sure if thats the issue or not; most of which were bad I assume! I have an ARE product not the specific model listed but again ARE, in which I gave a review of my latest experience with my product by ARE and the ARE company themselves. Then something about door holding and slamming, and some occupational questions! Hmmm, I think thats all I can come up with?

MountaineerTom · September 17, 2002

Please refrain from personal attacks, namecalling, or whatever you want to call it. Obviously some like the product and some don't like the product. No need to bash each other over it.

Let's leave it at that.

REDNECK · September 17, 2002

The issue is not if we like the product or do not like the product.

The issue Im having is that I took the time to show complaints from others and Tucson_02 Silverado..takes the offensive to attack me for posting opinions of others.

I have never seen anything like this when you try to help someone out and HE FLIPS HIS LID!!

Hope your other members are not like Tucson_02 Silverado..because this guy is unbelievable.