New (to me) shell advice

Hello!

I picked this up today for around $300. It’s in good shape, but needs a little TLC around the edges.

I’m curious what you’d suggest to make the glass slide smoother and also curious what’s you’d suggest to keep it attached to the bed. Currently I’m using what’s pictured, but am curious if there is an inexpensive alternative that may be better.

Thanks in advance!

 

I don't see any pic?

 

I’m not sure why they’re not loading.

Also curious if it sitting back 1/2” likes this to accommodate room for the 3rd brake light is ok?

 

Not enough info or pics to reply.

 

There will be overhang as it covers past the black plastic on the bed rails. Doesn't look like that much imo. As far as windows sliding, they will not move as if they were on ball bearings. They sort of stick as they slide.

As far as attaching to the truck, you want the proper tacoma specific mounts that go into the rail system. My leer attachments cost me 20-30 for all 4.

 

Let’s try again here...

 

Room for the third brake light.

 

First issue is I dont believe that is the right cap for tour truck. That bn looks like a access cab or double cab long bed cap for a tacoma. The regular cabs have a different shape on the back of the cab so the caps are shaped differently.
The wrong cab will fit, but when you are driving and the truck flexes, dont be shocked when its rubbing on your cab. This is also the reason for a bit extra overhang in the back, since you can't fully slide it forward.

As far as that mounting piece it's to far zoomed in for me to realize what I'm looking at.

 

Thanks for your input. I was worried about that. I’ve been looking for a very long time and was excited to find this. It fit(s) perfect aside from the issues mentioned above. I don’t want to finagle it to work, I’d rather have the right one for my truck.

 

There should be a serial # on the cap somewhere. I'd send that to the manufacture and ask what it's for exactly. Looks like a nice cap, especially for 300.

 

Silicone spray.
Mine is attached to tie down rails by adapters. Should be available at any new cap retail on order. They work excellent.

 

I know there’s a serial #, but I can’t find the name of the manufacturer anywhere. Any thoughts what it might be based on looking at it?

 

I'd just hit up a local topper dealer with the number. If it's not one of his he may just say " don't know, that appears to be a ....... brand topper."

 

I agree with Hawkshot (great feedback).
Here is a shot of my Leer, you can see the equal distance at the cab and a slight overhang at the rear.

I just want to add, I have some concern over that mounting bolt. Can you post a better pic?

 

Yep, wrong shell for your single cab. No idea about your mounting with that picture but I will say go with six, not four, clamps. Toyota's crappy bed design makes it hard to get a good seal to begin with so some work is needed. Ideally you need some sort of seal under the plastic bed rails, some people use silicon, some use thin weather stripping. You'll need to build up the low area in the front of the bed, there are links for the correct size foam seal in other shell threads. Using six clamps instead of four will allow you to more evenly distribute the clamping force along the length of the shell so you get a better seal as well as helping to reduce the chances of movement which will damaged your seals. Periodically check and snug your clamps, it's just part of having a shell.

There are sprays made for lubricating the felt in window channels but they're pretty much a temporary fix. Dirt, mud, bugs, bird crap, etc get in the window channels along with UV and wind from driving and it just wears out over time. You can scrub the channels and the window edges with a toothbrush and that will help but eventually they all harden and need replacing. Mine need replacing on my 2006 shell.

I can't tell from your pictures but there is usually some sort of rubber seal, usually a flap, and possibly some sort of rubber bulb seal along the inside of the rear window.

 

For $300 that is close enough. I think you'll be happy with it, I would.

 

I wouldn't be if it starts rubbing the paint off the back of my cab

 

This is all incredibly valuable and helpful feedback. My current plan is to keep it on.

I’ve been checking on it daily for lateral movement and/or rubbing. Running the paint off would be a deal breaker, but so far, so good.

@zachshere here is another picture.

 

Do you guys throw loc-tite or anything on to keep the nuts from backing off (to keep it attached to the bed).

 

So is it being held on by a vertically placed bolt? In addition to the bottom nut, are there any rectangular washers or anything else hidden from the picture?

If it’s just a bolt and nut, I might be looking for the clamp system these guys are talking about.