Mounting a shell

I realize it's probably not rocket science but what do I need to mount a used fiberglass shell on my 2017 Tacoma? Should I use foam tape or the kind with round beads? What kind of clamps? How to be sure before trying it on that it will fit? Any other advice would be appreciated.

 

Use this on the sides

$33 ESI Super Cap Seal 23 FT (1 1/2" Width x 1/2" Height x 23' Length) EPDM Rubber for Caps 200 lbs or Less

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C7VU9BA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_D3g7zbSATGAA5

And this on the front rail

Front Rail Seal 6ft EPDM Rubber

$16 ESI Front Rail Seal 6ft EPDM Rubber

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0WVV72/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_h4g7zbXV36QS4

Clamps are dependent what kind of cap it is. To ensure fitment, you can either get the serial number and email the company, or just put it on your truck and see.

 

I see you recommended one that's 1-1/2" wide for the side rails. There are others on Amazon that are 2-1/8" wide and have three beads. Was there a reason you recommended the narrower one, or were you just pointing me to the general type?

 

@grrck

 

It's a fiberglass shell made by Century. No serial number. I was asking because I don't see how standard clamps like in the link below could work because the rail track thingamajig is in the way: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_gnr...oma+camper+shell+clamp&ie=UTF8&qid=1508687851

 

My Century (which is the same as a Leer) uses clamps that use the bed rail. Nice and clean.

Make sure you seal the bed joints near the cab. Any polyurethane sealant will work.

SB

 

I guess I'll take fatfurious2's resend of the original reply as saying yes it should be 1-1/2" for the side rails? Right?

 

www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-shell-pics.399254/page-7
scroll through here. lots of good info on sealing the corners with caulking before you instal to help keep water out

 

Thanks for the advice on the sealant, didn't know that.

I'm not finding any clamp that uses the bed rail. For example the Amazon link I sent is the full result from a search on "Tacoma camper shell clamp" and it doesn't look like any of them would work. Are these rail clamps something I need to get OEM from Toyota?

 

Im not sure. I was sending @grrck here for some info

 

These were installed by the Century Dealer. I seriously doubt they are Toyota's

 

I just recommended that style of side ones. I have shitty foam on the side of mine and it doesn't leak, so it doesn't matter too much what's there. The problem area is the front rail.

For the clamps, there are some made specifically for our side rails. I can't remember if they're made by leer or ARE, but I was able to buy them from a local cap store.

 

Yikes! Thanks but it doesn't look like that would work for me. The shell bottoms don't extend in that far.

Hey where did you get the thing you used to attach the eyebolt to the track?

 

My local cap store is completely focused on high $$ items like caps, tonneau covers, etc. If you ask about installation accessories they pull out a catalog, which wasn't much help.

 

Look on here about 3/4 of the way down under Toyota....
Description: Tite Lok Clamp #TL3-24 - Designed for 2005+ Toyota Tacoma and 2007+ Toyota Tundra with track system
http://www.truckoutfittersplus.com/store/topper_parts_clamps.htm

 

Aha, that looks like what I need! Thanks!

 

Other than width and length, what other measurements should I be checking on a used fiberglass cap? The seller has it on an older Nissan but says it doesn't quite fit right and says he thought it was made for an older gen of Tacoma. At the front it has a slight lean forward and there's a scoop top front center for a big cab brake light, which must have been 2nd gen Tacoma?

Does anyone think it will fit decently before I drive an hour to try it on?

 

No chance that it will fit well. Not worth the drive IMO

 

Do you have any pictures of it?

 

Here are some photos of the Century shell.