How to Install Accordion Boot - Camper Shell onto a Truck
Many truck owners like the look of a camper shell over the bed of their truck, and they appreciate the benefits provided by the shell. Some like it so much that they wish to make their camper shell a permanent part of the truck. This can be accomplished by using what is known as a truck boot to seal the gap between the cab and the shell and make the interior a unified space.
Tool and Supplies Needed
- Accordion Boot
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife
- Superglue
Installation Instructions
- Remove the truck's rear window and the front-facing window on the camper shell. See the owner's manuals for the truck and the camper shell for specific window removal instructions.
- Start at the bottom center of the window opening. Slide the spring clips on one side of the accordion boot over the truck's rear window flange.
- Slide the spring clips on the opposite side over the flange of the camper shell's front-facing window.
- Work your way around the window perimeter until you get back to where you started.
- Overlap an extra three inches of accordion flap on top of the driver's side accordion flap and glue it there with the superglue.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I install the boot myself?
Yes, most customers install the boot themselves with basic tools. A helper and soapy water can make the process easier.
- Do I need glue to install the accordion boot?
The rubber boot does not require glue for installation. It has a spring clip embedded in the rubber. When the boot is placed over a flange, the clip squeezes the rubber securely. The only optional gluing is at the seam using cyanoacrylate (SuperGlue). Avoid petroleum-based adhesives like rubber cement.
- Will the Accordion Boot or Compression Boot Gasket Material work if my fiberglass shell opening is bigger than my truck window?
In order for the accordion boot to work, both openings must be the exact size. If the fiberglass shell opening is larger, use the compression boot instead.