T-Track for 1st Gen bed?

I'm getting a used camper shell that comes with clamps that fit the 2nd and 3rd Gen T-Track system. Rather than revert to old school c-clamps I've heard that I can get a T-Track system installed in my 1st Gen bed. Does anyone have any info/links about this?

 

https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/front-runner-universal-track-1800mm.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303783772368

 

And this will work on a 1st Gen? I assume I'm basically drilling through the bed walls, right?

 

I Have no clue about the t-tracks for 1st gen but I own both a 1st and second gen and both have camper shells. I can see how it might be nice to install the rails for fist gen but personally I'd stick with the tried and true c-clamps myself (for the 1st gen/yours). I guess you can find or make proper mounting points. I did a quick looksy and it seems you will probably have to take out/cut out some of the plastic bed lining part. The c-clamps work great

For your reference

 

Id personally stick with the C-clamps for the first gen. I have camper shells on my 1st and 2nd gen. I'm sure you can modify and put the rails on yours. The c-clamps work great... I guess having added tie down spots with rails might be useful but?! I'm sure you'll have to cut and modify plastic bed liner to make sure the rails will be attached to something secure

For your reference



For your reference full disclosure the shell on my first gen wasn't made for it but works fine and stays dry

 

You would have to drill through the bed rails yes. I do not have experience with the oem kit for 2nd gens installed on 1st gens. I have installed the front runner kit on my truck with much success.

 

I know this was posted a while ago, but this is what I plan on doing on my 1st gen. I haven't used a set of c-clamps I've liked for camper shells and tonneau covers due to the larger bed rail depth on 1st gens. It's a real pain to take on and off.
Using L-tracks will do the trick.

 

I'm looking to do this exact L-track setup on my first gen. Do you think it would support a bed rack and rtt by itself or should I reinforce the bed rail area?

 

That’s not my photo but I have l-tracks installed the same way and decided to not use them to mount my topper. They are only mounted into the thin sheet metal edge of the bed rail, so it would be easy to start to bend that upwards. If you use clamps you are clamping up and down in the same spot, so it’s much more secure. The bed rail l-track offsets the force to an angle which might be a problem over time.

 

Nicely done!

 

If you wouldn’t mind can you send me or post some photos of how the campers sitting on the t tracks after you finished?

I’m selling my at overland off my 3rd gen to someone with a first gen and they’re looking for how to mount it. Thanka