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Help Identifying my Shell?

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by DoktorSlowburn, Sep 18, 2024.

  1. Sep 18, 2024 at 6:20 PM
    #1
    DoktorSlowburn

    DoktorSlowburn [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2024
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    206
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    Chris
    Escondido, CA
    Vehicle:
    1997 White Tacoma SR5
    4runner seats and center console, ARB rear locker, Icon 1.5” AAL, Bilstein 5100 on 4th notch in front (to support future tube bumper & future winch), 4600s in the rear. In-Cab CB radio. Hella 500 Driving lights. All-Pro Baja front bumper.
    Hey all. Looking for help identifying the shell on my 97 SR5. It was already installed on the truck when I bought it a few weeks ago and has absolutely zero branding. I looked everywhere you’d normally expect to see a serial number or identification plate of any kind- nothing.

    Specifically I’m looking for a replacement gasket that fits between the shell and the rear glass on the truck. The shell is just open on the front side and water has been getting down onto the carpeting on the inside of the shell.

    I know there are aftermarket options to resolve that issue, but this shell seems to have come with the weatherstripping built in. It actually creates a rather nice seal everywhere but the very top. One of the pics I’ve included is of me spreading that seal apart, although it might be kind of hard to see.

    Additionally, if you’ll notice the carpeting on the underside of the shell is covered in what seems like a white dust or sand. Does that look like mold? It wipes off fairly easily and I plan on vacuuming it this weekend, but I’m worried the whole thing may just be trash.

    IMG_2584.HEIC.jpg
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  2. Sep 18, 2024 at 6:23 PM
    #2
    50Buck

    50Buck Living rent free Timmy the Tool's head

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    Could be one stage white paint that wasn't protected. It gets dusty/powdery if it's not waxed and cared for.

    I wouldn't say the shell is trash unless it's structurally failing. If it's still sound then some TLC can restore it.
     
  3. Sep 18, 2024 at 6:28 PM
    #3
    Notoneiota

    Notoneiota Well-Known Member

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    Mike
    Oakdale, MN
    Vehicle:
    14 Tacoma DCLB TRD Sport
    Mostly stock with a few minor mods.
    I'd check with a local topper shop. Most of the topper companies get their windows and rubber seals from the same company. They make/mold the fiberglass but buy all the accessories from companies that make windows for rvs and toppers.

    I'd try to find a front window for the topper. A new one will run you at least $500, but maybe find something off a trashed topper.

    My guess is the white stuff is dust. I get a lot of dust in mine even with a front window.
     
    DoktorSlowburn[OP] likes this.
  4. Sep 18, 2024 at 6:52 PM
    #4
    DoktorSlowburn

    DoktorSlowburn [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2024
    Member:
    #456061
    Messages:
    206
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Escondido, CA
    Vehicle:
    1997 White Tacoma SR5
    4runner seats and center console, ARB rear locker, Icon 1.5” AAL, Bilstein 5100 on 4th notch in front (to support future tube bumper & future winch), 4600s in the rear. In-Cab CB radio. Hella 500 Driving lights. All-Pro Baja front bumper.
    Good to know it’s not trashed, I was hoping to make it a camping setup. On the first point though, to clarify I was referring to the white dust on the carpeting inside the shell. The paint is beyond repair lol, which is fine. I’m going to be giving the whole truck a Monstaliner paint job pretty soon. The clear coat is at the point where it isn’t even faded, it’s literally disintegrating :rofl:
     
    50Buck[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Sep 18, 2024 at 6:54 PM
    #5
    DoktorSlowburn

    DoktorSlowburn [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2024
    Member:
    #456061
    Messages:
    206
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Escondido, CA
    Vehicle:
    1997 White Tacoma SR5
    4runner seats and center console, ARB rear locker, Icon 1.5” AAL, Bilstein 5100 on 4th notch in front (to support future tube bumper & future winch), 4600s in the rear. In-Cab CB radio. Hella 500 Driving lights. All-Pro Baja front bumper.
    Interesting. I’ll look around to see if there are any places local to me. A front window for the topper would for sure be nice, I can’t think of any reason I’d ever need to reach through the rear window.
    And thanks for your input on the white dust, was hoping that’d be the case. Still gonna wear a mask when I vacuum it though, shit is everywhere.
     

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