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Topper Direct Bolt-Down

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by Chicco, Jan 26, 2019.

  1. Jan 26, 2019 at 9:08 AM
    #1
    Chicco

    Chicco [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2019
    Member:
    #280688
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    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kirk
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road
    ARE DCU cap
    I'd like to eliminate the clamps on my new ARE DCU shell on my 2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road and direct-bolt the canopy to the truck bed. Would anyone have experience with the best method of attachment and spots to drill? I plan to, on occasion, remove the shell so hardware access will be a consideration. Would insert-nuts be desirable if applied redundantly?
    Thanks.
     
  2. Feb 4, 2019 at 7:44 PM
    #2
    Mtn Mike

    Mtn Mike Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Mike
    Spokane, WA
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD OR AC
    It seems like this would be hard to do without insert nuts because unlike older bed designs, 2nd and 3rd gen Tacoma beds don't have a lip where the bolt could be accessed to put a nut on. My cap is installed with clamps that bolt to the rail track. How else would you do it?

    0204191933.jpg
     
    outxider likes this.
  3. Feb 4, 2019 at 9:06 PM
    #3
    outxider

    outxider Never stop exploring. Rest in Paradise Big Bro.

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    Sang
    East Bay, CA
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    06 DCSB 4x4
    A few mods here and there and counting....
    OP, i think this is one of those times where the supplied mounting hardware is good enough for install/removal. No need to complicate things and besides how/why would you do this?
     
  4. Feb 5, 2019 at 5:52 AM
    #4
    Chicco

    Chicco [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2019
    Member:
    #280688
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kirk
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road
    ARE DCU cap
    Thanks guys, I did make the direct bolt-down and it wasn't easy. One of the ARE dealers I'd, earlier, spoke with said he always installed this way. Though I didn't purchase through him and, therefore, I didn't feel comfortable inquiring further as to his approach on this model, I was set on eliminating the bulky clamp system and studying the situation noodled it out. For the rear, I accessed the bottom nut location via the taillight recess. The front meant reaching up from the floor using three 9" socket extensions. In both conditions the bolt hole location was very limited and involved careful planning. As for my motive, I'm building camper cabinetry and a bed system that bolts to the side-rails. The clamps were in the way. It's pretty trick, over designed and taken far too much time. I'll follow up with pics soon. Thanks again.
     
    stbear, Mtn Mike and outxider like this.

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