Rail Mounting Clamps

Edit -Solved- Post #10

Recently picked up a bed rack for the long stuff I carry now and then. Noticed the C clamps are conveniently just barely not compatable with the Tacoma rail system. Looking for ideas. Y'all are welcome to heckle me for not using search well enough or being dumb too.

So far, I think my options are-
Spend the big bucks and get some. by far the worst option, on principle.
Buy some 3" bolts to allow the C clamp to reach under the rail- does this affect the fixation somehow?
Buy some raw aluminum blocks and machine and tap it myself. Somehow the raw blocks are more expensive, but at least I'll have fun and not do the work I'm supposed to be doing.

I remember a guy on here posted a neat solution for this, but I can't find it.

Pictures coming with the sun.

 

C-clamps, or similar clamps of how a cap would mount or the T-slot’s for attaching to bed rails? Will wait for pics.

 

Similar clamps as how a cap would mount. These are the hardware included. Just too small.

This is how the support beam sits. I found the other dude's solution and it relied on the lip of the support reaching over the rail, so that option is out.

 

Drill though using hardware like what Leer installed on my canopy?



Or aftermarket clamps designed for the Toyota bed tracks, about $30 for four?

 

I think this would work fine- are just these metal rail pieces sold separately? I already have 2 of the 3 parts from the aftermarket system and would rather find or make the third if I can help it.

 

$45 API Clamps (4 Pack) Silver Compatible with Toyota Tacoma - 2005 & Newer - Mounting Channel Track Truck Topper Cap, Camper Shell

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K2K1QG9?_encoding=UTF8

 

also have these, have big old flat washers on top of mine against the topper

 

Looking for bed rail t-nuts that have holes perfectly sized and threaded to match the pieces you have? I think new clamps are easier and not much more cost...

For example, this part is $12 each -
https://truckoutfittersplus.com/Leer-Topper-Clamp-85467.html

 

There it is. Yup, more expensive than just buying new clamps. Can't believe I can't find just a T-nut with an extended flange anywhere. Should be a buck each. Thanks y'all.

 

I couldn't bring myself to spend $80 on $10 worth of hardware. So I threw something together that may work for the next guy not wanting to overpay.

Purchased a set of 8 toolbox tie downs for ~$14.


Of course, I didn't expect it to work perfectly and it didn't.

There was too much space between the top clamp piece and the J tie down, preventing the cantilever from applying any downward force to the bed rail.
Originally I had cut and beveled cedar inserts to fit in the space, but I found some old outdoor plastic trim which fit perfectly and ended up using it instead. Some of y'all may recognize the purple.

As I wrenched down the retaining bolt, the plastic deformed appropriately and the end result is pleasantly secure. It worked well with ~100 lbs on the rack.
Of course, the day after I finished someone listed a set of proper clamps on marketplace for $20 but I had fun. Put the money saved towards a date night where we went over budget anyway. So in the end I suppose I still overpaid.