Shell window, mount gear

seen a couple of these DIY, wanted one

apparently the way is get T slot rails, drill holes in your shell or window frames to bolt them on and seal holes
Seen one guy put flat metal bars vertically and weld studs on them, cut to length, to slide recovery boards on

just today found out there’s a source that actually makes them, thought I’d share

ig remoraoffroad

eventually want something like this for my cheapie traction boards
both as improvised shade and accessible mounting not taking space in my bed

no idea what I’d do with a second one though
while I do have more gear clutter (jack, hi lift, etc) that’s much heavier to put there than traction boards…

I think one poster in another forum who made his own had them even hold up to the use of carrying liquid storage tanks



this is another one I’m trying to figure out
The inside
Supposedly dollar store had these cage panels but is out of stock
Rest is probably U shape clip brackets from Home Depot or something

 

I usually remove a few of the small hex head screws around the window, maybe add a bracket and mount what I want and replace with a longer sheet metal screw that is suitable for the task. I'm real careful about the length so it doesn't go through the shell.

 

here's where I'm at if anyone has suggestions

grid, 14x14", 9x9mini squares
bulk, shelf, $30 from Amazon, flat black




mocking up inside the shell window to figure out where to put it.
The outer thick wire lines up right over the frame bolts
which means if I raise or lower the mesh a little, the bolts can get clamps put on them to hold the mesh.

To not fully block the window opening, I may use pliers to cut out the very middle section horizontally. There will still be plenty of grid for mounting things



picked up the smallest clamps I saw at Home Depot, $2 for a pack of 20, probably enough.
(side-note, more grids might even stick to the headliner with enough velcro)

I think if the clamps can turn sideways a little bit, they will fit the mesh.


Here's the problem I see.
1. the clamps are plastic not meant for this. Hold a grid and stick shovel + axe on? They may snap.
2. Home Depot had 1/4", it doesn't hold the grid tightly. Things will probably move, shake, rattle, rub

I'll have to guesstimate a weight limit for gear. Small stuff like hang a medbag, tape, etc? Sure.
Mount Hi-Lift jack? No.

in search of better mounting, I've found at a hardware store
1. smaller size "wire clamps", only slightly, 3/16
2. they're metal so stronger than plastic, rubber liner, so they do squeeze the mesh tight, but small 3/16 size may not have enough slack in the sleeve to tilt if needed
3. maybe it will take buying multiple sizes, experimenting to find what works, then return the rest
Could I make my own? Yes. But that's a pain.
4. rubber-line metal ones cost more, almost $2/ea, versus plastic is $2 for 20, and guy above who did this on 3rd gen *appears* to have used plastic



I'll see if I can add a fan to the above grids, or if gutter liner is needed in addition. Difference is smaller gaps to less ability to mount gear and hang things, than the Amazon cage

either/and will also add breakin deterrence


TL;DR order yallselves a Amazon bookshelf stick it all over your truck n lemme know how u do it

 

Whole sub-forum for taco shell talk right over yonder:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/tonneau-covers-caps-and-shells.198/

 

I would not mount anything heavy to it. Take a look at a shell with the window removed sometime and you'll see that most of them are using the cheapest, smallest diameter bolts they can and there's usually not much fiberglass material between the window opening and the through bolt for the frame (assuming you have a frame style and not just a gasket).

In the second picture you can see how little material is in the window frame, the bolt closest to the tailgate looks like it's barely though the bracket holding the wire panel. I would have used shorter bolts or at least put caps on the bolts to avoid banging my hands on them (because knowing me I'm sure I'd figure out some way to leave skin on them); same with the rearmost roof track mount bolt protruding through the Yakima Capnuts. I'd also put the shovel as low as possible. Not trying to rag on the truck, just observations.

The sides aren't designed for loading and vibration associated with weight on them so I'd use fender washers or something to help disperse the force/reduce vibration. While I was at it, I'd probably use Nyloc nuts, wave washers or something to secure the nuts since I want to make sure the frame stays securely clamped to help prevent water intrusion or loosening.


Side note, on the picture with the expanded metal, that's the way I would have oriented it as well since it's less likely for a dog to be able to get their claws stuck in it if they happen to paw at it. My ex had dogs and it was just something I thought about when I had my first Tacoma- I'm kinda OCD like that though.

 

Hey OP if you’re still looking for a set of these Remora mounts I have a brand new set in my garage DM me

 

I am not thank you, switched to a rack and ST
But my buddy may be, PM inbound