Anyone put a 1st gen canopy on a 2nd gen?

I've been looking since last fall for a canopy for my '06 DC long box. Cheapest price I've found new is $1850 and haven't seen one locally used. There is no way a new canopy is in the budget. Was curious if anyone has put a narrower canopy on?

I see lots of the older models availible cheap but they're about 2 1/2 inches narrower. Put one on last fall but it was dark out & couldn't get a good look at it. The edge was sitting on the boxrail, but only 3/4 inch each side. I'm thinking 6 L brackets between the canopy & anchor rail would keep it secure. Has anyone tried this yet?

 

i doubt it will fit, the first gen bed is smaller than the 2nd gen

 

it wont work.

 

After almost 6 months of looking for a canopy made for my '06, I got a Unicover that was made to fit an older Taco. While I was looking, the cheapest canopy I could find that was made for a 2nd gen was $1700.That canopy was on a '05, purchased new when the truck was. No vented windows, no lights.......sweet f**k all plain jane. For lifting side windows I was looking at $2400 plus tax.

Being the cheap bugger I am, I splurged $100 for this cap. I realize it is butt ugly. Don't really care. I prefer function over form. All lift shocks & locks work, no holes or major dents. It is all aluminum so is very light & has the side lifting windows I wanted. Paint might follow once things warm up here.

So if you're looking for a canopy with a low budget & aren't fussy, there are always options.

 

^looks just fine to me.

 

The 2nd gen are wider in the front, I got 1 1/2 overlap each side in the front. Back end is about the same width.

 

I have to agree. I see a very practical canopy there - rack on top, side doors, and if you do give 'er a new paint job I think you'll be quite pleased with the results.

Great job on finding something that works for you!

Something to ponder for the future. I had a very limited budget as well when I was searching for a canopy. I ended up cold calling rental car places where I noticed that they had canopy's on their Tacoma's. I was fortunate and eventually, and I mean eventually, (it took over a year) found a rental car establishment that was turning over a few Tacomas and I was able to pick up a canopy for quite cheap.

 

Hey Halfling ,

Is that a Leer DCC ?

 

Hey Canuckle head

It's a Unicover.

 

Cool .

Good scrounge .

 

Im in the same boat, I don't really care what it looks like as long as it keeps me mostly dry when im camping. Curious as to the width on that one, I suppose I could modify something to fit. Plenty of $100-$300 Canopy's. 6'3x5ft which is a bit narrow but perfect length.

 

X2 and great story man, That's dedication.

 

I would say dont do it, I remember back in 04 when the 05's just came out someone tried it and it messed up the bed and cracked it. I will try and find the post on TTORA.

 

I don't know how the bed would get cracked from the canopy... but I'm all ears. I don't want to mess up my truck.

edit-
Found the thread. http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=991&highlight=canopy+bed+crack
The link in the 1st post by the OP with the crack. This does concern me because I do alot of firewood hauling. I have mine mounted with clamps to the C channel. Is this how the proper 2nd gen canopies mounted?

 

I made it through about 10 pages of the 2nd link. I do think I should be carefull on how I secure the canopy, but this explanation made the most sense to me.

Thoughts?

 

The 2nd Gen Leer RCC canopy I have coming is secured to threaded blocks in the bed rails .

I have a hard time understanding how the cap , mounted this way , could crack the bed .