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Advice on sealing up truck canopy - weatherseal prep, carpet question

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by hansolex, Dec 5, 2016.

  1. Dec 5, 2016 at 9:37 AM
    #1
    hansolex

    hansolex [OP] Scoundrel

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    So I've done a lot of reading on here and other forums on the subject, but I'd like some specific advice about prepping the cap so I get a good seal. Background: '98 Tacoma extended cab, located in Western Washington where it's very damp. Truck's new to me, and I've never had a canopy before. Looking to do the bed platform thing and want to stay reasonably dry. Sick of breaking down wet tents! Cap and windows are in good shape, but the old seal is destroyed. All the PO used it for was moving his dog around, so he didn't care. Leaks a small but not insignificant amount. Truck bed rails are professionally Line-x'd.

    IMG_6700.jpg

    I'm going to replace it with an EPDM bulb seal like Ultra Cap Seal. First question: what's the best way to prep the cap side? Lots of old seal residue and unevenness. Do I sand it smooth? Use some Goof-Off like product to clean off the old adhesive and then prep with alcohol? Not sure. Really don't want the seal to unstick itself because of poor prep.

    IMG_6704.jpg

    Second question: the canopy liner, a sort of all-weather carpet material, folds over the inner edge of the cap. Seems like I might be better-served by cutting away the folded-over carpet and adding another compressible layer of weatherstripping along that edge. Anyone have an opinion either way?

    Hoping to make it cozy and dry in one shot here. Would hate to have to pull it on and off again due to poor prep trying to chase down a leak. Thanks for the help in advance.
     
  2. Dec 7, 2016 at 6:28 AM
    #2
    tntacomaguy

    tntacomaguy Well-Known Member

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    Have the same questions myself ... hopefully someone will chime in soon
     
  3. Dec 7, 2016 at 6:37 AM
    #3
    jpneely

    jpneely Well-Known Member

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    goo gone would be a good start to remove any old residue. that and a quick sanding. id just either glue the carpet back to the shell, or you could cut it away. if you re glue it itll be less likely to start to coming un-glued later on. that weather seal youre using would be sufficient. if you have any low spots along the bed rails (like my second gen does) id fill those in with caulk or some sort of sealer that the weather seal will be able to conform to easily.
    the only place my cap leaks from is where my side bed rails meet the bed rail behind the cab itself, and that's due to that low corner. besides that I think you've got yourself a damn good start!
     
    hansolex[OP] likes this.
  4. Dec 7, 2016 at 7:13 AM
    #4
    hansolex

    hansolex [OP] Scoundrel

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    Thanks JP. I'll start with the Goo Gone and see how it goes.
     
  5. Dec 7, 2016 at 7:15 AM
    #5
    jpneely

    jpneely Well-Known Member

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    the cleaner it is, the better seal youll get! those weather seals do a darn good job as is. now sealing around the tailgate? that's a different story! I just left the gaps open so I could at least get a little air in there at night. otherwise it gets real stuffy, especially with a woman friend and a dog in there with you.
     

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