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A 355nation (CCP) presented by
rrcn

Project Name
How To: Checkmate Tonneau Cover Clasp Install

Project Description
All in all, the installation instructions for the Checkmate tonneau covers are absolutely terrible.

Skill Level
Easy

Project Vehicle
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Colorado
Year: 2006
Engine: 2.8L
Power windows: Yes (aftermarket)
Sun Roof: No

Tool Needed
Drill
Screwdriver
1/8" drill bit
Marker


Project Time
less than an hour

Project Cost
This is part of the tonneau cost.

It's not difficult, but if you haven't installed one before, it will take some time...well at least it did for me.

Anyhow, what's really vague is how you're supposed to install the clasps that secure the tonneau down. It tells you to look for the predrilled holes, but there are none, so don't bother looking for them.

So here's my quick little write-up :high5:


From the end of your tonneau, measure out 6 1/4" and place a mark over the small groove. This groove will act like your center punched marking. By marking over the groove, the clasp should clear the bedrails.

But before you drill your hole, place the clasp over the marked location and double check to make sure it clears the edge of the frame. Obviously if it doesn't, your cover wont shut.

Once you're sure it'll clear, drill your 1/8" hole. This hole will be where the leading screw will go into.





Screw in that one screw and using the other free hole, mark the second location.

Drill and drive in screw number 2.


Now for those who have a bedrug you will need to pull the rug back.

Next, close the lid and place the latch over the clasp as shown.




Mark around the latch as best as possible while holding the tonneau down to ensure as flush of a fit as you can get.



Open the tonneau and place the latch in the outlined location. Since the clasps are rubber which means they're stretchable, I shifted the latch a hair further down so that when I go to lock it in place, I can stretch the clasp down to make sure I have a super tight fit.

Then mark and drill your holes.



Secure the latch in place.



Start reapplying the rug in place and press against the latch so it can mark it's location into the foam backing.



Pull the rug back and make your incision from the rear (foam side).



Then reapply the rug making sure the latch pokes through.



And there you have it.









 

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Re: How-To: Checkmate Tonneau Cover Clasp Install

hmm I did mine on the end frame section not the sides

i think i like how you did yours better
 

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Discussion Starter · #9 · (Edited)
Re: How-To: Checkmate Tonneau Cover Clasp Install

Nice write up. How does the front attach?
If you purchase the quick release latches, you have a set of three predrilled holes in the two piece hinge setup. One side of the hinge is riveted into the cover while the other end will come in a baggy.

You would first slide the hinges on the cover and proceed to put the cover in place.

Center it up and outline the latches on the bulkhead after crawling underneath it.

Remove the cover and then remove the hinges from the cover.

Line up the hinge on the bulk head to the markings you make while under the cover. Next, mark and drill the predrilled hole locations into the bulk head.

All that's left is to screw it in the hinge with the supplied screws and slide the cover back on.


If you bought it with the standard hinges, like mine, you'll have to center up the tonneau and crawl underneath and outline the hinge location.

Have your helper stand in the bed holding the tonneau up high enough for you to be able to get in there with your drill.

Drill through the latch and then into the bulk head. With these hinges, you won't find any predrilled holes in the hinges. You should have enough screws for three holes per hinge.

And again, screw it in place with the supplied sheet metal screws.
 

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Re: How-To: Checkmate Tonneau Cover Clasp Install

Nice write up. How does the front attach?
depends on the hinge style

the quick release you screw the one hinge section to the bed while the other is already riveted to the cover. You have the cover at a 45 degree angle and simply slip the hinge from the cover into the hinge on the bed
 

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Re: How-To: Checkmate Tonneau Cover Clasp Install

If you purchase the quick release latches, you have a set of three predrilled holes in the two piece hinge setup. One side of the hinge is riveted into the cover while the other end will come in a baggy.

You would first slide the hinges on the cover and proceed to put the cover in place.

Center it up and outline the latches on the bulkhead after crawling underneath it.

Remove the cover and then remove the hinges from the cover.

Mark and drill the predrilled hole locations in to the bulk head.

All that's left is to screw it in the hinge with the supplied screws and slide the cover back on.


If you bought it with the standard hinges, like mine, you'll have to center up the tonneau and crawl underneath and outline the hinge location.

Have your helper stand in the bed holding the tonneau up high enough for you to be able to get in there with your drill.

Drill through the latch and then into the bulk head. With these hinges, you won't find any predrilled holes in the hinges. Three holes per hinge.

And again, screw it in place with the supplied sheet metal screws.
dont need to stinking helper I did it by myself ;-)
 

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Discussion Starter · #12 · (Edited)
Re: How-To: Checkmate Tonneau Cover Clasp Install

dont need to stinking helper I did it by myself ;-)
Of course you didn't "need" a helper, you had the quick release hinges.

The standard hinges are attached to the cover. You try holding the cover nearly vertical and drilling through everything at the same time. That's what I thought. ;) :p :p

Curious though, how do you latch the cover down with everything screwed into the tailgate edge??? Pics?
 

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Re: How-To: Checkmate Tonneau Cover Clasp Install

Of course you didn't "need" a helper, you had the quick release hinges.

The standard hinges are attached to the cover. You try holding the cover nearly vertical and drilling through everything at the same time. That's what I thought. ;) :p :p

Curious though, how do you latch the cover down with everything screwed into the tailgate edge??? Pics?
the rubber latches are on the tailgate side of the frame but the metal brackets are on the bed sides by the tailgate
 

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Re: How-To: Checkmate Tonneau Cover Clasp Install

Oh, OK.

That works too.
you were thinking I attached them to the tailgate didnt you lol
 

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Re: How-To: Checkmate Tonneau Cover Clasp Install

thats what I was thinking, how the hell is he going to get it open or how the hell did he get it latched.

:naughty: :naughty:
 

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Re: How-To: Checkmate Tonneau Cover Clasp Install

thats what I was thinking, how the hell is he going to get it open or how the hell did he get it latched.

:naughty: :naughty:
telekinesis
 
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