| 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 |
