Fitting Leer cap bolts without breaking

Just bought this used Leer truck cap and have a couple questions about mounting, with this style of mounting brackets specifically. The bolts turn but never become snug. I’m afraid of tightening them to get them snug and end up breaking something. Any insight would be helpful. I have already ordered replacement locks and struts for the rear door, but I am also looking for the gasket/seal that goes around the rear door area, if anyone has information on that as well. Thank you

 

Not familiar with the kind you have, but I used a set of these clamps on mine and they hold OK.

$49 API Clamps (6 Pack) Silver Compatible with Toyota Tacoma - 2005 & Newer - Mounting Channel Track Truck Topper Cap, Camper Shell

https://www.amazon.com/API-Clamps-S...0&sprefix=topper+clamps+tacoma,aps,214&sr=8-7

As for the glass gasket, let me know if you find a seller. I've looked all over and haven't found any.

Good luck, nice looking rig!

 

Thanks, I’m going to order those clamps to use in conjunction with the ones I have.

I also noticed the seals in my sliding windows are shot, so I’ll have to replace those if I ever want to use the sliders. I only paid $500 for the cap so hopefully seals/gaskets aren’t too expensive. My fiancé isn’t a fan of the mix matched colors but I think I’m going to Line-X the exterior of the cap at some point

 

I had those same clamps on my old Tacoma. They never seemed to tighten up all the way. I was in the same boat as you had to buy something extra to keep them in place

 

I saw this photo in the reviews of the clamps mentioned above. The review said his cap had slid off prior lol. I think I’m going to double up on clamps just like in the photo

 

It’s because they are tightening against a fibreglass flap which starts to bend at a certain torque.

don’t overdo it or you will crack the fibreglass! I get the bolt tight enough that it won’t rattle then add another couple turns.

 

FYI ran across a site that has leer gaskets:
https://truckoutfittersplus.com/truck_topper_parts/Topper-Door-Seals.html

 

That's the nature of these fiberglass caps. Tighten the bolts down just until the fiberglass starts to bend down and then stop. Check them every few months.

Those c-clamp style ones won't fit your cap. Those are for the aluminum ones

 

Awesome. Looks like that T Channel seal might be what I need. Thank you. My next challenge will be fixing the window spline on the sliding side windows. It’s all bunched up in the channel and rock hard (probably from Arizona sun).

 

And that is false information on the clamps sir. From manufacturer web page:
“Designed for mounting Truck Caps with fiberglass rails”

 

Those clamps fit on mine fine, but I do have to check them once a year or so because the shell still moves a little bit; even with all six on there.

I'm considering drilling thru the bed rail and bolting it down, that might finally secure it.

 

I've experienced the same...washboard just works the shell back off the truck. I just keep an eye on it and re-place and retighten it as needed. Nice find on the gasket though!

 

Here's what I did on mine. I got two pairs of the C clamps -- one pair went in the middle, on the sides, and the other pair went along the front. This reinforced the four OEM bolts. The topper hasn't moved in three years.

 

Great idea putting them on the front too. Why didn't I think of that?

 

Those API clamps worked great. I used all 6 (3 on each side). I would have put two up front but my cap does not have enough of a lip to clamp onto. It’s probably way overkill but I’d rather have the peace of mind knowing it’s not going anywhere