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Leaky Bed Shell / Camper Top

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by hnmorris4, Dec 4, 2009.

  1. Dec 4, 2009 at 7:02 PM
    #1
    hnmorris4

    hnmorris4 [OP] Active Member

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    I purchased a shell about a year ago from a dude on Craigslist. I got a good deal on it compared to those new. One problem though, it continues to leak!! It doesn't leak very much, but if you happen to leave anything back there, chances are it will get wet. I've tried sealing it with weatherstripping and also silicone but nothing works. Does anyone have any suggestions? I also found out shortly after that the cap I purchased is for an extended cab truck, and mine is a regular cab. The cap is a little bit longer than the bed by like an inch or two, but the problem seems to be in the front and sides where the cap meets the edge of the truck bed. Has anyone else had this problem of leaky caps and if so, how'd you fix it?!?! Thanks!
     
  2. Dec 4, 2009 at 7:18 PM
    #2
    smuook

    smuook Daily Driver "Plus"

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    I recently redid the weather stripping on the topper. I removed it... flipped it upside down on the grass... then cleaned up the old rubber and adhesive. Bought some thick (3/4") weather stripping from home depot (not just the flat rubber, but the really thick stuff that has air pockets in it). I covered where the cab meets the bed. It wasn't very wide, so I ended up using two rows of it. Then I flipped it right side up... back on the truck. The weather stripping compressed under the weight of the topper and sealed it all very nicely. No leakage.
     
  3. Dec 4, 2009 at 7:28 PM
    #3
    cheehab

    cheehab I bleed Black and Gold

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    A rule of thumb for me is to replace my weatherstrip whenever i take the cap off and put it back on. I've never had any leak issues with the gap between the bed/cap. the only leaking issues i've had in the past was when my removable front window(window between the cap and the cab) was not seated properly. check the seals around your glass esp. on the front window. good luck!
     
  4. Dec 4, 2009 at 9:58 PM
    #4
    humanoid

    humanoid bite me

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    I had a '99 Xtra Cab PreRunner SR5 V6
    Regular cabs and extended cabs (Xtra cab) have the same beds. Maybe the guy you bought it from didn't have the right information or sold you the wrong cap.
     
  5. Dec 5, 2009 at 5:14 AM
    #5
    EnolaGaia

    EnolaGaia Well-Known Member

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    Right ...

    1995.5 - 2004 fleetside Regular Cab and XtraCab beds have identical dimensions. The only difference is in the profile of the rear cab wall (Regular Cab = vertical; XtraCab = sloped forward).
     
  6. Dec 5, 2009 at 8:12 AM
    #6
    RattleTractor

    RattleTractor Lube: It's the key to penetration.

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    Dang...I was going to say this. You beat me to it.

    Essentially, since the bad dimensions are the same for each cab model, then the cap should fit. However, the cabs do have that different shape, so the fit for the cap might be slightly off.

    On an unrelated note, I have a mini truck cap (pickup, for those who want to get technical) and not a Tacoma cap. It fits quite well and looks like it was made for my truck. The bed dimensions are the same, but the cabs were different and it still fits.

    Just check the front bed rail...that may be the most likely place water is getting in.
     
  7. Dec 5, 2009 at 4:00 PM
    #7
    hnmorris4

    hnmorris4 [OP] Active Member

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    I'll investigate the window seals, that might be my ticket. Before I purchased the cap, the measurements did match and I assumed that it would fit. Later on I discovered that the cap doesn't line up with the cab correctly so I have to slide the cap an inch back to keep them from rubbing...
     
  8. Dec 6, 2009 at 10:42 AM
    #8
    EnolaGaia

    EnolaGaia Well-Known Member

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    01 SR: Double Cab conversion, S/C, lowered.
    Yep ... If the cap is designed for an XtraCab its leading edge slopes forward, which in your case caused a 'clash' with the vertical Regular Cab rear cab wall.

    Sounds like the main cause of the leakage is mounting the cap 1" farther back than it was designed for.
     

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