Box rail installation?

I would like to build a rack system for the truck box for hauling a canoe or kayak. I have a mig welder and have access to the services of an excellent metal shop that can bend steel to make rails for the truck box. With this system I can have a headache rack for hauling long pieces of tube steel as well. I also have a soft top roll cover installed and would like to leave it in place when the rack system is being used. Is it possible to install a metal rail on the truck box securely?

 

Good info here

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/64974-brand-new-building-ladder-rack-advice.html

 

This is how my headache rack installs using the factory bed rail system

 

Thanks for your replies. Is it possible to remove the plastic rail and get to a strong point below the plastic box rail so that a metal rail placed on top of the factory plastic rail will be held firmly in place and support a box rack system that I can fabricate?

 

Not really , under the plastic bed cap it's just sheet metal , I have a pic somewhere , hang on

 

Thanks OZ-T for the pictures. These have given me enough info to do what will work for me. This forum is a great place to exchange ideas.

 

I was told the plastic box rail cap is glued on with double sided tape. I tried to lift one end a bit and it seems to come up somewhat easy. I would continue but I have a tonneau soft top cover in place that I think will have to be removed first. Has anyone had any experience removing this plastic cap piece?

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6665700#post6665700