Maintenance & Care Guide for Century Truck Caps and Fiberglass Tonneau Covers
Mar 9 2026
LEER LIFE / CENTURY TRUCK CAP CARE
Proper care can help preserve the appearance and functionality of your Century truck cap. Follow these guidelines for new-paint curing, washing, waxing, window care, moving components, mounting hardware, seals, and routine maintenance.
Century truck caps are designed to provide durable cargo protection and a finished appearance for your pickup. Each Century product features a professionally applied automotive finish designed to complement your truck.
Like other painted vehicle surfaces and mechanical components, a fiberglass truck cap, truck topper, or camper shell benefits from routine care. Following the recommended maintenance practices below can help protect the finish, maintain functionality, and support long-term performance.
Caring for a New Century Truck Cap: The First 90 Days
Your Century truck cap features a professionally applied automotive paint finish. Like a freshly painted automotive surface, that finish needs time to fully cure.
First 90 Days
Give the Paint Time to Cure
- Do not wax or wipe the painted surface during the curing period.
- Avoid commercial or high-pressure car washes.
- Allow the finish sufficient time to cure completely before beginning normal waxing and paint-care routines.
Following these precautions helps give the finish time to harden properly and maintain its appearance.
How to Protect Your Century Truck Cap's Paint
Once the initial curing period is complete, careful cleaning and protection can help preserve the painted fiberglass surface. Avoid habits that can scratch the finish or expose it to unnecessary chemical damage.
Don't Dry-Wipe
Never wipe a dusty or dirty cap with a dry cloth. Dirt on the surface can scratch the finish as it is moved across the paint.
Avoid Chemicals
Take care not to spill antifreeze, coolant, or other chemicals onto the painted surface.
Protect the Finish
Do not scrape ice or snow directly from the surface, and use only polishes intended for automotive clear-coat finishes.
Washing & Waxing a Century Fiberglass Truck Cap
After the initial 90-day curing period, regular cleaning and waxing can help maintain the cap's finish.
Cleaning Tips
- Wash the cap regularly with cool water and a mild detergent.
- Clean the surface in a shaded area to help reduce water spotting.
- Use products designed for painted fiberglass surfaces.
Waxing the Finish
Once the paint has fully cured, apply a quality wax designed for automotive clear-coat finishes. Regular waxing can help protect the surface from UV exposure and environmental contaminants.
Your local authorized Century dealer can also recommend appropriate products for protecting fiberglass and applicable aluminum surfaces.
Century Truck Cap Window Care
Cap windows are designed for regular vehicle use, but seals and window assemblies should still be cleaned carefully.
Avoid directing high-pressure car-wash sprays or pressure washers directly at the windows. High-pressure equipment can force water past the seals. Gentle washing is the recommended approach for cleaning cap windows.
Monthly Century Truck Cap Maintenance Checklist
A quick monthly inspection can help identify small maintenance needs before they affect how the cap operates.
Lubricate Moving Components
Once a month, inspect and lubricate applicable moving components, including:
- Sliding window tracks
- Door hinges
- Door locks
- Window mechanisms
Use an oil-based lubricant for these components. Avoid using silicone or petroleum-distillate spray lubricants, such as WD-40, on gas props.
Quick Monthly Check
Moving components ? Mounting hardware ? Window and trim seals ? Signs of moisture ?
Inspect Truck Cap Mounting Hardware
Check the cap's mounting hardware monthly to make sure the attachment points remain secure. Typical mounting components can include cap clamps, J-clamps, bolts, and washers.
Century guidance also identifies secure mounting using 1/4-inch Grade #5 bolts, 1-inch washers under the bolt head and bed rail, and lock washers under each nut. Because the correct attachment method can depend on the truck and cap installation, contact an authorized Century dealer if you have questions about mounting or adjustment.
Inspect Window & Trim Seals
Exposure to weather can cause sealing materials to change over time. Periodically inspect the cap for:
- Seal shrinkage
- Gaps around windows or trim
- Signs of moisture intrusion
If shrinkage occurs, Century recommends resealing with a silicone-based sealant.
Protect Fiberglass Surfaces Over Time
Painted fiberglass can weather gradually with continued exposure to sun, precipitation, road contaminants, and other environmental conditions. Regular cleaning and appropriate waxing after the initial curing period help preserve the finish.
Professional Century Truck Cap Service & Support
Much of this routine maintenance is straightforward, but an authorized Century dealer can also assist with inspections, adjustments, and maintenance. Dealer service can be useful for checking mounting hardware, locks, windows, seals, and other functional components.
Need Help With Your Century Cap?
Connect With an Authorized Century Dealer
Your local dealer can help with cap maintenance, fitment questions, service, available options, and finding the right Century truck cap for your pickup.
FIND A LOCAL DEALER EXPLORE CENTURY TRUCK CAPSKeep Your Century Truck Cap Looking & Working Its Best
A Century truck cap is built for long-term use, but routine care is an important part of preserving its appearance and functionality. Pay particular attention to the first 90 days of paint curing, then establish a regular schedule for washing, waxing, lubrication, hardware inspections, and seal checks.
A few minutes of preventive maintenance each month can help keep your camper shell ready for everyday cargo, work, travel, and outdoor recreation.
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Looking for a Century Cap for Your Pickup?
Explore Century fiberglass truck caps for cargo protection, everyday use, travel, and outdoor recreation, then connect with an authorized dealer to confirm fitment and request pricing.
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