What have you done to your Tacoma today? 1st Gen Edition

Finally got around to having my are shell color matched. Picked it up a few months ago for $100 on craigslist, $180 to paint it. Not bad seeings as all the windows and struts are in perfect condition. Now deciding on what kind of mount I want to throw on it for a rtt. Read a lot about the weight capacity and I think I'll just bite the bullet and try it for awhile. Prinsu rack or just a basic Thule system? Any input would be great!

 

Prinsu will not work, you need the roof to be flat all the way down like mine is

 

I was thinking of mounting it to the shell, rather than the roof itself. Not sure if I'm willing to take the gamble of it being able to hold the weight though. I keep going back and forth.

 

That's what I was meaning, your shell needs to look how my shell is. You might be able to get a 5' one and make it work

Edit: nvm you already have a 5' bed, so I don't think it's going to work with that shell

 

Shells can hold weight just fine but it has to be applied in the right areas or you'll bend it. Most people use racks that bolt to the side just below the corner where the roof meets the side. Some really nice ARE and LEER canopies have top rails but they are stronger and designed for that.

 

That makes sense for sure. I've looked at so many setups its just hard to decide on one. Between getting new leafs for the rear to handle the added weight, rtt, and mounting its going to add up quick $$$. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

I wasn't sure if they made on shorter than 5 ft. Probably going to have to be a thule or yakima unit.

 

I would NEVER put a tent up that high anyways. Would be super tippy. You can kiss your highway power good bye and MPGs.

 

One of the many reasons for going back and forth on what i want to do. May decide to ditch the shell and do a bed rack, but love being able to keep things out of the elements.

 

Would a trailer be an option?

 

It looks like the shell still might clear. How far off the back of the cab does the prinsu stick?

 

No clue, I don't have one yet

 

Isn't that your truck in the pic? I'm asking how far off the back of the cab your current prinsu sticks

 

Oh I'm a dumbass, I thought you meant for the camper shell. Uh not sure off the top of my head shouldn't be more than 3 inches and that's more than it for sure

 

I'll just have to call and get some dimensions of the racks to fit my double cab and I may just end up mounting on the cab instead of the shell. Would love to keep my shell on.

 

They don't make them for double cabs yet and the roof isn't very stable according to Zac the owner. But they're apparently working on one

 

I spent last night installing a deck and rear speakers, I will be installing the fronts today. Already a big difference from the 18-year-old units that were in there.
Tomorrow I plan on doing all of the interior lights in LEDs. Pics to come of the finished product.

 

Did you adjust the height of the lever on the brake proportioning valve?

 

No pics today, but I did some detailing under the hood! Cleaned the baked-on mud from the underside of the hood and the majority of the engine bay. Also ordered a cheapo LED light bar to start out my modding adventure!

 

I'm trying visualize this. Are you saying after putting it in gear you release the brake pedal and the truck will not move or roll freely?