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KB Voodoo rails and fiberglass topper/shell

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by ADVmedic, Apr 9, 2023.

  1. Apr 9, 2023 at 9:59 AM
    #1
    ADVmedic

    ADVmedic [OP] Active Member

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    I've got a 14 DCLB and I'd like to get a fiberglass (or maybe some other) topper for it. Previously I had a wedge camper and replaced the rails with KB Voodoo sides and tailgate. The rails are shorter so there are height differences between sides -> front and back compared to stock. Does anyone have the KB Voodoo rails and tailgate and also has a topper/shell? What has been your experience with this combo?
     
  2. Apr 9, 2023 at 7:06 PM
    #2
    TacoTuesday1

    TacoTuesday1 Well-Known Member

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    Jun 19, 2019
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    I do. Shell is a DCSB Snugtop. Probably Rebel.

    I mean. It fits. But I also have a Relentless Fab tailgate reinforcement, that seems to extend a bit further outward.
    So even though I pushed the shell a bit with a pole jack (towards pass side) to make both clear each other and happy,
    they started rubbing (during tailgate open)

    I think that:
    1. likely due to Relentless part sticking out a bit, could maybe use a trim
    which, keep in mind, I'm still happy with the part. The stock plastic dented my tailgate...

    2. More likely to blame, is bed shift over time. Though I had Bed Stiffeners on before the shell, they were put on AFTER high miles.
    So the truck probably wasn't build from factory with the nicest panel gaps. That may have shifted
    My tailgate gap is not even to the bedsides at left vs. right.
    I would bet it's due to the bed not being perfectly centered to the frame, held on with the big Torx bolts.
    Maybe one day I can loosen them and try pushing it centered by eyeballing it, or measuring on the sides.
    Or trim that part of the shell a bit.

    Another thing to consider, is waterproofing when mounting a shell, if you want to.
    That's something that has to be done on any shell, regardless of whether you have factory plastic rail tops or not.

    To seal where it meets. First off, the front of the bed tray has a removable plastic piece (kind of rectangular) that is designed from stock (bed open) to let a ton of water through it.
    So yeah. A shell will probably fit. Just like mine did.
    But there will still be work to do, to make it watertight.
    I've seen people use different stuff. Whether it be 1x1" foam strip on the left/right sides,
    and removing the front piece, to re-install it with globs of waterproof silicone. It's kind of ugly but hopefully removable if needed.

    Which, is easier to do/prep FIRST before you put the shell on. Because if you just go slap the shell on, well now that's 200lb sitting atop your bed that's hard to take off, to get any kind of access for working on stuff.

    You can check out shops in your area to ask what their installs involve, and price cost. I've heard quotes of at least $200 to lift the shell off with a forklift, waterseal it, and set up the wiring to power Dome Light and 3rd Brake Light; which I still need to do.

    You can always try and find out. Or even acquire used plastic ones, or from a junkyard, just to have handy IF you need them.
    I imagine shells are designed for the crappy stock parts, but hopefully work with KBvoodoo, as mine seems to.
    The roof of my shell might sit a TINY bit lower, but not noticeable.
    If I ever put Sherpa racks, I'd just install/adjust them accordingly to compensate.

    Also, SnugTop (I wanted a Leer) is designed where the sides overlap downward, to try and help keep water out. So regardless of what you have going on underneath atop the bedsides, it will tend to hide it.
     

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