Show me your shell!

I've been gone for 7 weeks on a road trip.

The door is an option for the ARE cap.

Thanks

Bummer

Some one here said "We didn't buy the truck for the mileage."

 

Montrose, CO

 

I have this same topper. See post #5792 in this thread for the one con regarding install. Overall, I'm happy with manufacturer quality but I noticed one of the gas struts on my windoor was mounted a bit off but it does it's job. I would also recommend upgrading to the ProLock on the back if you drive in dusty conditions (read: dirt roads) a good amount.

 

Painting the red cap to match was going to cost me just north of $600. I was ready to drop it off, but luckily the shop I was going to use was booked through the end of the month because I found one already color matched!

So I went from an ARE Z Series to Leer 100XL.

I think the ARE was a little nicer but not nice enough to justify the cost difference of over $500. Both have the same venting windows and fold down/sliding front window, plus the pyrite mica already had towers and crossbars.

 

Great looking truck and you absolutely made a good choice.

 

Got the ARE Z-series installed today... Dig it so far.

 

^^ Looking good!

 

^^^
^^^
Clean

 

Holy cow I love that!

 

Picked up my shell today. Only paid $300 for it. Already bought the paint to match my truck. Sold my tri fold to my buddy so I am only out of pocket for $100.
$100 for a shell. Can't pass that up. Worth the drive to socal from Vegas

 

Hey TP, looks good! I just ordered my Z series yesterday and can't wait. It looks like the shell rises as it gets close to the tailgate. Is that an optical illusion?

 

I just picked up used Leer shell last week from craigslist. I've been loving it so far

 

Anyone else have leaks in front tiltdown slider on are shell mine is brand new and water was pouring in

 

It does look that way in the pic, but not in real life... must have been a weird angle. It's flat to all the way to the back...

 

Would love to see more of the contractor style toppers on here.

 

If my shell does not have rails on top, can they be added and what is a safe weight to have on top?

 

You are best off getting the serial number off your cap and contacting the manufacturer to see what the weight limit is. They may give you both a static and dynamic load limit.

 

Yes, you can add tracks to your topper. I purchased a Leer a while back and added Yakima tracks which I cut to size. It was a pretty simple project. I took my time laying the tracks on top of the cap and using tape to hold them in place while I measured their placement. Then mark the holes to drill, look over everything several times to make sure you're drilling the holes properly. Add some silicone and bolt the tracks on. Then you can add all kinds of attachments to the roof. I had a roof top tent and awning all mounted off Yakima bars.

 

cool thanks for the info guys. I just stated getting it ready for paint last night. Sanded it and now ready for primer. Painting it on Monday.

 

Coming to my truck in about 4ish weeks from Belair Shells in Garden Grove CA!

It will look basically the same as this.. with the windoors, tailgate kept, surfboard racks, ect. The only change will be two more inches in height and blue stripes to match my beloved surfy tacoma! I'll be sharing pics of the build out and searching the forums for questions.

If anyone wants to share some early thoughts, I'm excited to listen and learn!