1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Tidy Camper Shell Blackout Solution

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by w8tdstrgecube, Oct 8, 2021.

  1. Oct 8, 2021 at 8:00 PM
    #1
    w8tdstrgecube

    w8tdstrgecube [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 17, 2020
    Member:
    #328351
    Messages:
    351
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2004 Gold Regular Cab 2.7L Manual 4x4
    I have been searching forever and ever for a blackout/curtain solution for my A.R.E. CX classic shell that doesn't involve curtain rods and custom sewing. I keep a lot of climbing and camping gear in my truck, and I'd prefer to keep it out of sight, out of mind.

    My solution wound up being custom. I sourced some static cling blackout film from Amazon. It goes on pretty much like window tint (clean windows, apply solution, squeegee, etc). The hardest part of this project was getting the dimensions for the windows. I was able to make mockups out of fabric and cardboard, then slit the film with a straight edge in the major dimensions. My windows have rounded corners, so I hand-fitted the film in place with a razor blade, and then cleaned it up to the correct radius afterwards.

    The film can be removed and reapplied with soapy water, so it's a breeze to pull down, throw in a drawer, and put back in place when I want privacy.

    One window done so far:



    Passenger side window:



    Difference from the outside with topper lights on:

     
    Last edited: Oct 8, 2021
  2. Oct 8, 2021 at 8:04 PM
    #2
    tonyly

    tonyly Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2014
    Member:
    #142662
    Messages:
    143
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tony
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    01 Tacoma Prerunner Ext Cab
    I need some of those. Can you provide a link to where I can get it?
     
    w8tdstrgecube[OP] likes this.
  3. Oct 8, 2021 at 8:09 PM
    #3
    w8tdstrgecube

    w8tdstrgecube [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 17, 2020
    Member:
    #328351
    Messages:
    351
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2004 Gold Regular Cab 2.7L Manual 4x4
    I wound up custom making these! I can give you a link to the film I used, but as far as I know, there's no pre-cut or ready-to-install solution anywhere on the market (and I have spent a lot of time looking).
     
  4. Oct 8, 2021 at 8:11 PM
    #4
    tonyly

    tonyly Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2014
    Member:
    #142662
    Messages:
    143
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tony
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    01 Tacoma Prerunner Ext Cab
    Yeah, if you could provide a link I would appreciate it. I assume you are putting the film in the inside, right?
     
  5. Oct 8, 2021 at 8:13 PM
    #5
    w8tdstrgecube

    w8tdstrgecube [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 17, 2020
    Member:
    #328351
    Messages:
    351
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2004 Gold Regular Cab 2.7L Manual 4x4
    Link here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073TVRQ5D?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

    Yep, film goes inside! Was kind of a battle to fit it, because my slider windows are framed and the tracks sit in kind of a recess. Getting a "good enough" fit involved several mockups and then a slow process of modification with a razor blade.
     
    KeNnETT likes this.
  6. Oct 8, 2021 at 8:15 PM
    #6
    tonyly

    tonyly Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2014
    Member:
    #142662
    Messages:
    143
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tony
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    01 Tacoma Prerunner Ext Cab
    Thanks, Brian.
     
    w8tdstrgecube[OP] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top