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Camper Shell! HELP

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by MEDICDUDE423, Sep 21, 2013.

  1. Sep 21, 2013 at 9:04 AM
    #1
    MEDICDUDE423

    MEDICDUDE423 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I just purchased a used camper shell! Its a good thing for me i need dry stroage. The bad part is I applied the Raptor spray in bed liner over the rails earlier this year. How can i seal the shell? Anyone had any experience with this? Thanks in advance :eek:
     
  2. Sep 21, 2013 at 9:10 AM
    #2
    AR15xAR10

    AR15xAR10 AR10 is 5 ARs better

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    Please refer to build (click signature picture)
    https://www.google.com/search?q=lee...urceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8&hl=en-US&espv=1
    You can find a gasket from a camper shell parts reproducer or you can contact the specific brand of the shell you bought for a gasket. Or you could 3M double face tape, and try to rig up your own some how.

    I would start with that. My used tacoma came with a Leer 100(don't remember the exact model letter) and it has a gasket on it that seals extremely well to the stock plastic bedrails. The only thing on mine that leaks is the side windows.

    Hope i've helped! Best of luck!
     
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2013
  3. Sep 21, 2013 at 9:12 AM
    #3
    MEDICDUDE423

    MEDICDUDE423 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks AR, Ill do that. Any idea on placing some interior lights, this camper doesnt have any but i would like to place some that are wired into a switch.
     
  4. Sep 21, 2013 at 9:18 AM
    #4
    AR15xAR10

    AR15xAR10 AR10 is 5 ARs better

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    Please refer to build (click signature picture)
    I'm not sure about aftermarket lighting but my cap came with a light on the inside that is right where the outside third brake light is, it is wired in with the third brake light on the cap and has its own fuse (stuffed down in the bedside with the rest of the wiring). I love that handy little light but the switch on it only works off/on when you have the parking lights or headlights on.

    Having lighting in a cap is fantastic, if i were you i would fins one of those threads of guys that put the lights up inside their bed rails and inquire about how the ran their wiring.

    Again best of luck my friend!
     
  5. Sep 21, 2013 at 9:25 AM
    #5
    vtrguy

    vtrguy Well-Known Member

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    Your best bet for the gasket is ^

    If you want to make an overhead light, I was going to make one out of a Sienna overhead compartment off ebay (fairly cheap) so you get a little storage too.

    Make sure that you have a fiberglass lined shell. You should have about 1" difference between the roof while inside the camper, and the roof on the exterior. This will ensure you aren't putting screws through the whole thing.

    If you run 12v straight to a led light, you could even use a reed switch to go on whenever you open the glass (which is what I plan on doing).

    Good luck!
     
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    #5
  6. Sep 22, 2013 at 7:53 AM
    #6
    obscurotron

    obscurotron Well-Known Member

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    Too many to list, and I've probably forgotten a bunch.


    What I'd do is this. First, I'd apply a good bead of clear silicone to the sealing surface of the shell. Then I would put a foam rubber seal on the wet silicone and let that set up. Then I'd run another big bead of silcone on the bed rails, then set the shell in place.


    For lights, I ran 12V from my Blue Sea to the rear and installed a couple of waterproof light bars from SuperBright LEDs -> http://bit.ly/1aWk8rv (I used the 12" ones). I also bought the little attachment clips they sell for like another $5. I installed the clips by taking 2 screws out of the interior frame of the rear window, then put the screws through the clips and the screws back in. Slide the light bar in the clips and the mounting is done. I bought a switch at Rat Shack and a small project enclosure. Wired everything up and sealed it with the wife's hot glue gun. To mount the switch, I used a glue I found at a hobby store - M6000 I think it's called (I know it has '6000' in the name). Home Depot carries it, too. Glued the enclosure box to the ceiling of the shell, using a long clamp to hold it in place while the glue set up.


    A few months later, I wanted more light, so I got another one of those bars and used 3M tape to attach it to the inside of the shell's rear window. With the rear window closed, the bar sits about 4" below the first one and gives me plenty of interior light. The bonus is that if the window is flipped up, you now have one bar lighting the interior and the other lighting the exterior. This is great for loading/unloading gear in the dark.


    If you need pictures or more info, PM me.
     
  7. Sep 22, 2013 at 10:29 AM
    #7
    stikle

    stikle Well-Known Member

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    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.

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