Third Gen Shells w/Least “Lip”

I’m new to the shell world so I hope this question makes sense. I want to install a shell on my fiberglass bedsides. Since I don’t have normal steel ones any overhang is going to cause me problems. I’m looking for a brand with the least amount of overhang if that’s even a thing. From my reading it seems like some might have more than others.

I have no idea what these dimensions are and I’m going to see if I can find a dealer that might know, unless you guys know.



Here’s a crappy pic with what I am looking for. The overhang is going to be B in the pic. Like I said if someone has A and B measurements that would help too.

You may have seen a similar question in the show your shells thread, but I figured this is more appropriate as it’s own thing.

 

i am not sure i understand the question and i do not recognize the truck and bedrails in the photos but, can offer you this...

i have owned ARE and Leer, and researched them along with Snugtop for the 3rd Gen Taco. the ARE CX has the least lip if I am understanding you correctly. The Leer 100R is similar. the snugtop had the most lip but seemed to be the highest overall quality of the three.

 

I think you got it.

The pic is my truck. I just needed something to draw on since I’m on my phone. Figured I’d use the bed of my truck.

The drawing is a cross section of a shell and that piece I need the measurement of is what sits on the bed. So B is going the lip that hangs over the plastic bed caps and maybe the bedsides but that what you said.

From pics I’ve seen it looks like ARE has the least lip so your comment makes sense. Same with the snug top comment.

 

Looks to be a 3rd gen taco with fiberglass rear fenders

 

Is that some kind of custom bed? You will probably have to find a company that is willing to make a custom shell if that’s the case.

I have an ARE shell. I’ll post a pic of the “overhang” for you in a few when I can get outside. I can tell you that ARE’s customer service is dog sh*t so I wouldn’t expect them to be willing to make you a custom product. I do love my shell though, it’s very well built.

 

Here you go. It’s about a half-inch of overhang on the inside and maybe a 1/4 inch of overhang on the exterior. I think that’s what you were asking about if I understand correctly.

 

Yeah just wider fiberglass bedsides. I’m good customizing it, I just need the least lip.

I’m going to have to build something for the shell to sit on since it would destroy the bedsides. If it has a small lip I’m good (I hope). If it has a big lip I’ll have to cut it off so it sits flat. Balance between having it sit even with the cab or below/above.

 

Thanks for those pics! Perfect. Looks like ARE it is.

That's also good info about the inside overhang. I didn’t think about that. I was only thinking the outside.

Now to find a used one. Not sure if I want to start chopping a new one. Haha

 

Noooo problem and gotcha, that makes sense that you’re gonna build something to rest it on. I do think the build quality of the ARE is top notch. I’ve seen some posts from people who got banged up ones new from the factory but mine has been really solid.

I see a fair amount of them pop up for sale here on TW so hopefully you can find one soon.

 

I think it varies by model. My ARE Z Series had significant vertical overhang including color matched trim molding over the lower edge. Of course that could be sliced off but the Z Series wouldn’t be the best choice to mount on glass bedsides. Unfortunately I sold the shell so you can’t measure it.

 

That’s going to be the tough part. It seems even within manufacturers it’s different. If I found a shell for 500 bucks I wouldn’t mind cutting it. But not sure I want to slice up a $2k shell.