Accordion Rubber Boot Replacement Gloassary

Term Definition
accordion boot A flexible, ribbed rubber boot used to seal a pass-through opening between a truck cab and bed or shell. It allows for movement and vibration without compromising the seal.
compression boot A soft rubber boot that compresses between two flat surfaces (such as cab and shell walls) to create a seal. Unlike accordion boots, it does not stretch or flex significantly.
cab-to-bed pass-through An opening cut between the cab of a truck and the bed or camper shell to allow air, sound, or access. Typically sealed with an accordion or compression boot.
blow-through A large hole (often rectangular) cut between the truck cab and bed to allow subwoofer sound pressure or airflow between compartments. Requires sealing with a boot.
camper shell A removable shell or topper that sits over the bed of a pickup truck, sometimes modified for camping or storage. Also called a truck cap or topper.
topper Another term for a camper shell; covers the truck bed and can be sealed to the cab using a boot for cab access.
gasket A rubber seal placed between mating surfaces (e.g., boot and vehicle wall) to prevent water, dust, or air intrusion.
weatherseal A seal designed to protect against environmental elements like water, dust, and wind. Often refers to the sealing edges of the boot.
extrusion A manufacturing process used to create rubber seals (like accordion boots) by pushing material through a shaped die.
flange The flat mounting surface or lip around an opening where a boot or gasket is installed. Provides area for compression and sealing.
u-channel steel clip Embedded within some boots to help grip the vehicle sheet metal and maintain tight compression around the opening.
cab wall The rear wall of a truck cab, often modified with a cutout to allow access or airflow to the bed.
bed wall The front vertical wall of the pickup bed where the other side of the boot is installed.
subwoofer porting Use of a booted pass-through to allow audio pressure from subwoofers in the bed to enter the cab, improving sound performance.
round corner cutout The practice of rounding corners (often with a hole saw) when making a cut in metal to fit a boot, since boots cannot conform to sharp corners.
hole saw A circular cutting tool used to drill large, round holes—ideal for rounding corners and starting cuts for boot installations.
sheet metal The thin metal panels that form the vehicle body, including the cab and bed. Boot installation often requires cutting into sheet metal.
epdm rubber Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer—a durable synthetic rubber used in accordion boots due to its UV, ozone, and temperature resistance.
sealant Any adhesive or filler (such as silicone or urethane) used along the boot edges to enhance waterproofing and air sealing.
mounting surface The flat, clean surface on the cab or bed where the boot or flange is attached and sealed.
sound transfer The ability of a booted opening to transfer audio pressure from one chamber (like bed) to another (like cab), useful for stereo builds.
port tunnel A ducted structure, often boot-sealed, that channels air or sound between the cab and a box in the bed.
cutout template A pre-measured guide used to mark the shape and size of the opening needed for boot installation.
bolt-on flange A rigid frame around the boot or shell that is bolted in place for a secure mechanical seal.
tarp shielding A protective cover used inside the vehicle during cutting to catch metal shavings and protect the interior.
sub flex box A custom subwoofer box in the truck bed that connects to the cab using an accordion boot for bass transfer.
water intrusion A common concern with poorly sealed boots where rainwater can enter the cab or bed. High-quality seals prevent this.
cab flexing The slight motion between a truck’s cab and bed during driving, which accordion boots are designed to handle.
pass-through boot kit A packaged set that includes a rubber boot, flange, sealant, and sometimes hardware for DIY installation.
window an opening in the side of a vehicle for the admission of air or light, or both, commonly fitted with a frame in which are set movable sashes containing panes of glass.
pickup a small truck with a low-sided open body, used for deliveries and light hauling
rubber a material made by chemically treating and toughening this substance, valued for its elasticity, nonconduction of electricity, shock absorption, and resistance to moisture