Walk through cab?

[B-Lazy]

Anybody try this? Ive wanted to remove my rear window and waterproof the seal between my cab and shell to have a crawl through compartment, but now it would be cool to have a complete walk through making it more like an explorer.

 

[doyouquaxu]

the bed is solid mounted to the frame, the cab is rubber mounted. you'd have to figure out a way to make a flexible joint between the shell and the cab, or to mount the bed in a way to keep it from flexing as much.

either way, why not just get an explorer?

 

[B-Lazy]

Yeah I know that it is going to need something that will be able to flex. I was just wondering if anybody did it and what they used. Just getting opinions. Ive seen someone suggest using an accordion seal but i was wondering if there were any other ways of going by it.

 

[Mark_88]

I did it on my first Ranger that was a standard cab...the seal between the two is the most important thing...the second is heat...the OEM heater simply will not heat all that space effectively...I ended up putting in a plastic partition...when the temp got to -20 it was unbearably cold in the cab...

That can be fixed, but it is a consideration...

I also tried a convertible top with a tonneau cover that was pretty neat...I actually liked it...the convertible top was flexible and when I opened the tonneau the top would fold to allow the top full range...I have pics somewhere...

 

[B-Lazy]

I live in southern California so I probably will never drive my truck in -20. But what did you use to seal it? It was just a thought but I was thinking to somehow get some kind of canvas material that would use button snaps inside the cab and shell so in summer i could take the shell off and have like a bronco or blazer set up. If you ever come across those pics I'd love to take a look!

 

[Mark_88]

OK...one problem out of the way...you won't need to worry too much about heat...

I can't remember exactly how I fastened it to be honest...on the convertible top I had affixed something to the back of the cab and was using the snaps...still have some left over, actually...

When I used a camper cap I think I fastened sheet metal to the cab and didn't actually fasten it to the cap so it could move around...but put rubber seal under the sheet metal that gave it a seal...never had a leak...also used aluminum tape to seal the sheet metal forward seam...the aluminum tape used to seal ducting...

It did look a bit odd but I was happier since I could actually use a bucket seat and lean the seat back far enough to give me some space...

Trimming the back wall was a bit tricky...what I did was cut down on the box and the cab but wrapped the metal from the cab back over the box and sealed it with rubber (I think) or those pool noodles cut in half (they are actually perfect size) and then sealed that all up with aluminum tape...

However...if you want a really good looking truck...I was inspired by a guy in CA that cut out the back window and wall and used fiberglass to finish...not sure where I saw the photo but I have a copy of it somewhere on CD...if I can find it...

 

[fyre82]

My truck had an accordion boot on it when I bought it.
It attached to the window frame of the cab and the frame of the shell.
I think I still have it somewhere around.

 

[logman7777]

JC Whitney used to carry an inflatable boot that went between the camper shell and the cab.