Camper shell boot?

I found I pretty good deal on a camper shell. It's a are mx. Practically brand new. Be trading my tool box plus some cash. The only thing I don't like is the fact that there is no front window it had the compression boot. Is there anything that can be done to prevent rubbing paint off? What would it cost to add a window?

 

You can get a fixed, slider or fold down window for 125-200$. The boot will rub the paint off down to the primer like it did on my 96 taco. I have the boot turned in so it wont rub and the dogs get air. Not too much rain here so its not a issue unlike you where it rains often.

 

The rain wouldn't be an issue till it's time to camp. Is it easy just to push the boot into place if it starts raining while camping?

 

Call your local ARE dealer. If you give them the serial number of the top they can tell you how much it will be to put a window in. I had mine switched from solid front glass to a slider and I think it was around $200.

 

I guess you could install it without the boot. You'd get some moisture and dirt in the bed from the open gap between the shell and cab, and if anyone was riding back there it would be pretty load and potentially uncomfortable?

But it might work out good if you just use the back for hauling things that don't need to be 100% dry and clean.


-- OR --

Maybe you could apply some decal material onto the cab areas where the boot will rub. That might protect the paint? They sell bulk clear decal material used to cover paint surfaces to protect from rock chip damage, that sounds like it should be tough enough for this. Here is a 3M product Autozone carries.

 

That's not horrible. I don't know if I should just wait it out and see if one pops up with the window for the same price.

 

The decal material looks promising. As well as getting a replacement window.

 

I like the clear decal idea.

 

I think that's what I will do. Either the 3m spray or vinyl. Vinyl would probably last longer. Now I just go to sell a kayak and make the drive to get it.

 

Hello, this compression boot that you mentioned, does it surround the entire window of the truck or only the center portion that opens? I sometimes contemplate buying a camper shell for my DCSB & want it to be light, with screens for camping, & possibly have the compression boot.

Thanks!

Great idea on the clear decal material!

 

From the picture I received from the guy it looks as though it surrounds the whole window. Not sure if it seals to the window or the body.

 

Good news is that the rubber boot on the ARE does not touch the paint. It seals against the window and the window trim.

 

Excellent! Good to hear that, smart design. So many are just an inflatable donut.

Anyway, thanks for the folow-up. Always good to hear how these things sort out in the end.

Cheers!

 

Nice! I need a boot for my camper! and great idea with the 3M product, didn;t even think about that, thanks!

 

You bet TacomaJack09. Glad the idea was helpful. If you wouldn't mind floating me some reputation points I'd be obliged. Some haters lately have dragged down my otherwise stellar rep.

 

you got it!

 

side view

But yea I took the chance and it worked out where it only hits the window.

 

Looks great OP! I've been looking for a mid rise shell like that for camping. My cab height gets a little cramped at times.

 

Thanks I like the look as well as functionality. I originally wanted a cab high but this one showed up on Craigslist and was affordable.
I feel I was pretty lucky. I decided I wanted a shell for camping a few weeks back. I looked for probably 3 days. I expanded my search by 50 miles and found this one. He was asking 750. I shot the guy a text with an offer of 350 plus my toolbox. He accepted and told me that he would hold it for me. I sold off a couple of things at the flea market and on Craigslist. I went and got it on a Sunday. Within a week I had a had a shell. Seems like it takes most people months to find a good deal.

 

Looks great!
I just picked up an ARE cx series shell and really like it.
You got a killer deal on that shell! These things aren't cheap to buy new