Educate me on camper shells...

How generic are camper shells?

IE, are they absolutely specific to a Make/Model, or are there molds with each one fitting 2-3 different trucks?

Trying to find a shell for my 04 double cab, and I'm having a hard time of it.

 

They design them for a specific make and model. For example a single cab and an extended cab taco have different cab shapes, and therefore different shells.

But, the rules can be bent on occasion, but it varies wildly. I have an ARE DCU from a ranger for mine - and it fits mostly, but not perfectly.

Best place I've seen is craigslist, but occasionally you'll find used shell dealers around.

 

Cool. You have a picture of the shell on your truck anywhere?

 

Got ya. Looking for an OEM look, and wanting to get it paint matched if necessary.

 

For anyone interested, this article has been helpful.

https://axleaddict.com/rvs/Tips-for-buying-a-used-camper-shell

 

Yeah I wanted something light and with a roof rack. Sounds like you'll want something fiberglass.

 

I've driven a few hours to get both of mine Just gotta find the right one to venture out to.

 

Dcsb is probably a Tacoma specific camper shell because of the size. they’re around on Craigslist here and there

 

They pop up in the 1st gen marketplace on occassion: https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/1st-gen-tacoma-parts-marketplace-1995-2004.121/

Otherwise your searching Facebook marketplace or craigslist.

But as others said, the 04 DC has a short bed. You definitely need to find one pretty specific to it.

 

I just circled @JasonLee 's driveway like a vulture...

 

Softopper for a a Tacoma is the same as a Chevy Senoma short bed.

 

It is rare to find a 1st gen DCSB shell in good condition, especially if you have preferences on windoors, color, rack, etc.

If you want it to fit well, it has to be made for a 1st gen Toyota Tacoma short bed. Not a Chevy S10, not an Explorer SportTrack, not a Subaru Baja. Unless it's a softtopper. Then get whatever.

Facebook marketplace, Craigslist are probably the best sources.

I picked up one from a Toyota dismantler that sells parts on eBay outside of Sacramento, CA. I was looking through photos and have a good eye for recognizing the 1st gen DCSB sized shells and called them and asked about the "gold one with the roof racks." They said it came off a 2001 so I jumped in the truck and picked it up. Sold that one to @TMFF . Then I found another one on Craigslist that was listed a bit higher price than I felt it was worth but went and bought it anyway because I hated the truck with an uncovered bed. Sold that one to @Madjik_Man and he had it painted to match his truck and it looks great now.

 

@nchiker1 - where are you located? Possibly in North Carolina?

 

Yup. The peeling clear coat, chips, duct tape, duct tape residue and cracked fiberglass around the gas strut mount... I still considered that in great condition. Lest the god awful color

 

Um... I know the poster claims it's almost 76" long... but my eyes tell me this is a short bed off a 2004...

@nchiker1 - CONTACT THEM
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/pts/d/raleigh-camper-shell-from-toyota-truck/7239715290.html

 

You are the vulture of all vultures. You can find a scrap of meat on a carcass a 1500 miles away.

The only TW notifications I get now are you tagging me in posts to buy shit

 

Are you making coy suggestions that you're going to turn the 1998 into a shortbed and need this shell?

 

That would quite possibly be my worst move yet...

 

CRAGISTLIST PRO TIPS FOR SEARCHING:

Go to your local craigslist, Auto Parts section and paste this EXACTLY into the search bar:
(2001 | 01 | 2002 | 02 | 2003 | 03 | 2004 | 04) toyota tacoma (shell | canopy | camper)

It will search for all the tacoma years that had the short bed and all the silly terms people refer to what you're looking for.
Then you have to use your brain and eyes to look through the results to find the SHORT BED ones and ensure it's for a tacoma.