Camper shell window repair

What's going on guys,
I really want to get my truck ready for some glamping but my campershell has seen better days, there is no rear door like, whatsoever. It's just a hole in the back. And the driver side window frame does not hold the glass in place anymore I have an idea to fix the side window problem just no clue where to start for the rear door. Any ideas?
I was thinking of getting plywood to cover it up but not sure how to keep it water tight. Tried plexiglass but same thing. Cant figure out what to get to keep it waterproof. Any thoughts?,

Also, I dont have access to a garage or anything, trying to go low budget aswell. Ill try to get pictures tomorrow. Thanks for your help!!

 

First thought is keep an eye out for a craigslist budget replacement. If you are set on fixing what you have you can find some rubber gasket material with self adhesive to go around opening for a seal (like your door seals). I have found lots of different sizes on Amazon. If you go with plywood, you will have to waterproof it first. Plexi would allow you to see out of the back, not sure how important that is for you. Piano hinge would be better than cabinet or door type hinges. Then you will also need a way to keep it closed (hasps with locks?) and gas struts or a prop pole to keep it open when you are getting in and out. By the time you buy everything needed and take the time to put it together, you may have enough tied up in it to have bought a replacement rear window unit from the manufacturer. Can make better suggestions after seeing pics. Hope this helps!

 

Thank you, it's so hard to find a decent price camper shell that are in good condition, I would look on Amazon for a whole new replacement assembly but I have no idea what brand or model my shell is, I think it's a Leer but that's just a guess, I will update tomorrow with pictures

 

Sorry, hectic last few weeks.
I think I fixed the side window problem, we'll see after a few weeks, put a piece of angle iron in between the 2 windows onto a metal piece in the middle, they shouldn't be able to slide now, I'll have to put 1 or 2 more pieces in later.



For the back window I'm probably going to get some plywood and stain it or something to make it waterproof, with some piano hinges, thinking about getting some car door seal or trunk seal to seal it up, shouldn't be too hard

 

Looking like you are going to get it buttoned up soon!

 

What's the make of your camper shell? You might be able to locate an original back glass door & frame for your camper shell, if it's still available.

 

I want to say Leer but the badges aren't on it anymore, I don't even see where they would have been. I've seen other tacomas with the same looking shell that have Leer badges

 

That back glass door for a leer topper is about $500 or more depending on model from a leer dealer so I’m told by leer dealer.

 

If you decide to use plywood, consider marine grade ply. I've had a scrap piece in the yard exposed to all the element for 12 years and it still has not delaminated. Good luck with the fix!

 

My father-in-law had his topper back window broken out by a brick; I bought a sheet of plexiglass, traced out the pattern of the window and replaced it. Just a thought.

 

Lol I tried that too, got to the last few inches of the cut and it broke. Plus I dont think it was strong enough, it was the thickest plexi the homeless depot had but it was very wavy. Decided to give up on that idea

 

I replaced my side window after someone smashed it with polycarbonate. Acrylic will crack if you hit it with anything, polycarbonate will be stronger than glass.

I made a template out of masonite and then traced it onto the polycarbonate.

 

I highly suggest watching fb marketplace and craigslist for a used cap with the parts you need. The back window will be tricky because it will need to come from a similar width vehicle, so I would just look at small truck caps.

The side windows are a little more universal.

 

My rear window got a rock too (I suspect a rock thrown by my neighbor's lawn mower). That was in 2005.






I traced the shape, went to Tap Plastic and ordered tinted Lexan. I have this window ever since.

 

What about some real thick clear vinyl. Something like what would be used for a convertible top rear window. Fasten it on top with some flat iron and silicone, down the sides with snaps.

 

One thing about Lexan - this thing is tough, much stronger than tampered glass but it scratches easy. For cleaning never use a regular or never scrape frost from it. Use microfiber cloth and dedicated lexan cleaner. I found the Plexus Plastic Cleaner the best - we used it to clean airplane's windscreens.



Bit pricey but one can can last few years of normal cleaning (for example

Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant and Polish (13-Ounce)

https://www.amazon.com/Plexus-Plastic-Cleaner-Protectant-13-Ounce/dp/B00092CKN4 )

To save Plexus I first rinse the mud and dust and then wipe clean with Plexus and microfiber cloth.