Bestop supertop install help

I've got my new bestop installed but I'm stumped on the tailgate bar. The instructions regarding that part are vague at best. Does anyone with a bestop have any advice. This is how I tried installing the gasket first.



I cannot close the tailgate like this. Please help! Thanks in advance.

 

I'll get you some pics just looking for my keys

 

So actually it looks like you have it on right, I had the similar issue when I first installed it. I had to push the rails forward towards the cab

 

Gotcha. Ok so you just loosened the bed rails and then moved everything forward? That makes sense. Thanks for the help bud!

 

Secure your top! Mine blew off in a crazy powerful wind storm. Sheared and bent the middle bolt of the front 2 clamps. These Bestop have not been redesigned for the 3rd generation Tacoma. There is a massive gap between the truck cab and the front of the topper and it sits naturally higher than the cab. My theory is it created a nice pocket for the wind. Anyways I hope this helps maybe get a few more clamps

 

Yup I loosed the 4 clamps and moved the besttop forward, I bought it used so I had to install without any instructions. This is where it sits on both sides. The rail is flush with the bed cap on both sides. Make sure the little flip doesn't touch the cab because it will run the clear coat when the bed flexes! Don't ask how I know! But I did end up buffing it out.

 

Willing to sell your clamps??

 

Sure I have 2 non bent ones.

 

Pm'ed!

 

Thanks guys! I got it working now. I had to move it over an inch and half closer to the bed. Seals up nice now! I like the look better with it closer to the cab. I'll get some pics tomorrow in the daytime.

Yes, I plan on buying a couple more clamps to put closer to the middle. I've seen a couple people say they lost their top when driving fast into in really powerful head winds.

If anyone reads this prior to install, do not listen to step 5 of the instructions when it says to align the front of the bed rail to the front face back bed rail! Get the width correct per the instructions and adjust the front-to-back position with the tailgate bar step (step 23)!

 

Just got my bestop also. What a pain the rear bar is on the 3rd gen. So just moving the bars flush with the bed caps solves the issue? I just got the thing and am about ready to sell it.

 

Yeah I recommend loosening the clamps, putting the tailgate bar on and closing the tailgate. It will align it for you that way. Just don't slam it. Once you get the tailgate fully latched, open the gate back and then fine tune the position and tighten the clamps. (Have the windows open so you can reach in and get to the clamps). Hope you got it figured out. It was frustrating but I love it now that it's on!

 

Thank you, I'll give that a shot. Wish they would of redesigned these for the third gen.

 

I bought mine used also, found the tailgate bar fits nice upside down.

 

Guys I got this issue figured out. It seems Bestop didn't change their kit between the Gen2 and Gen3 Tacomas. The problem is that on the gen 2 truck the top of the tailgate is about 1/2" lower than the top of the sidewalls of the box. On the gen 3 the top of the tailgate is flush with the top of the box. I had a devil of a time getting them to understand the problem and what I needed but in the end the solution is simple. Get them to send you corner brackets with part number 412.09P and 412.08P which are the left and right corner brackets that work. They have the tabs about 1/2" higher so you can install the rear bar right side up and use the provided weather strip. The fit is perfect now.

happy happy.

 

Nice hopefully it's a great solution for everyone who would choose Bestop.