How to: Fix leaky camper shell windows and save an old topper!

[@sergioflores7169]

Butyl tape can be used on the side windows. It's the same stuff they use to hold the clear plastic moisture barrier inside car doors. Very sticky yet still removable and weather proof.

[@johnvas4173]

The perfect video, HP. The seals, the gaskets, interior paint and where to buy everything also lifting the shell on its nose to work on the interior is brilliant. I just picked up a Century cap for an 02' Ranger Stepside. Took a year to find one locally. I paid $230 for it with a roof rack already installed, color matched and dry windows so far. You covered all the bases. Thanks, man!

[@HighPriority]

Thank you man, I'm glad I could help! Yea seals for these things seem to be a pain to find but that website I linked helped me a lot. I dig the roof rack, I almost bought one with a rack but it needed back glass.

[@johnvas4173]

@@HighPriority You made the right decision passing on the other. It's easier to find a rack than replacement glass and cheaper too. Just when I thought I did away with people asking me to move stuff for them, my boss saw the roof rack and asked if I'd pick up and install his 75" TV from Wally World. I charged him $200 so he basically bought me my shell. Winner winner chicken dinner. Thanks again.

[@HighPriority]

@@johnvas4173 Yeah I think so as well, I tried finding replacement glass and it was damn near impossible! Boom! there ya go! nice bit of cash on a side job haha.

[@t3angling575]

Fricken awesome video. Mine seals are aging faster than normal due to extreme weather changes. Exactly what I needed. I believe you have an ARE topper there. Looks very familiar with window fittings etc. thanks much. This video made it to my “Saved” list!

[@HighPriority]

Right on I appreciate the support! When I looked for guidance on this job myself I couldn’t find a thing on it so figured ok I’ll make a video to hopefully help other people so I’m glad I could help.

[@polarlab113]

The best thing for dealing windows I got from the local automotive glass shop.Glazers mastic or butyl tape is the way to go it will virtually last forever and stays flexible in all temperatures

[@HighPriority]

Thanks for the tip I’ll have to check it out.

[@polarlab113]

Yes!!!!this is the best and only video to watch when you need to find the process.all the other vids only show plunking the cap onto the truck and maybe cleaning the windows.HA HA.This guy is conscientious and capable.Showing the proper seal and the installation of same.The window project I have done on two caps.Nice job!

[@HighPriority]

Wow thank you! Best comment I have gotten, I really appreciate the kind words! A lot of videos don’t show what people are really looking for and I try to do that haha.

[@VTEEEEEEK]

Chive on! My leer leaks too, you gave me just the right visual and idea of how it goes together! Thanks a bunch

[@HighPriority]

Right on! Glad I could help and thank you for watching. Links to the seals I used are in the description but if I had to do it over again I think I would use a hair smaller diameter seal, just since I fought these ones so much.

[@iamgriff]

Neat trick with the pipe to roll the cap backwards! Thanks! I learned something today!

[@HighPriority]

Haha right on! Glad you liked that. I think I saw it somewhere else so I can’t take full credit haha.

[@bob_frazier]

I'm finishing up a similar project, a Brahma Canopy for my 1989 Toyota 4X4, but your $100 purchase steals the show - wow. I used the peel and stick window sealant that they use on houses. It was a pain, as I hand cut it into 3/4" strips, but it seems to have worked and it was cheap. Also, the window frame screws (as you know) are drilled into an aluminum channel, which expands and then does not hold new screws very well. What works really well was either gently tapping that expanded metal back into shape with a hammer or using vice grips to crimp it back far enough so that the new screws hold. Thanks for the tip on the locks. I also found a full, new looking carpet kit.

[@HighPriority]

I appreciate you watching the video Bob! Glad your project is working out, getting it to do what you want for cheap is the best part haha. Yea I got this shell for a steal but I did have to drive 3 hours to pick it up, well worth it though.

[@Xboomer1]

Thanks for suggesting how to get a new key!!!! I just ordered one for my Snug Top on my Ranger.

[@HighPriority]

Awesome! Glad I could help.

[@theKevFiles]

Thanks for the details here. Butyl tape would be better for the windows, I think. I now have a plan to do mine soon. I like the idea of painting the inside fiberglass.

[@HighPriority]

Thanks! Yea I think the black looks so much better than the dirty white.

[@billcowhig5739]

Second your advice of using butyl tape to seal around the windows. I just did it to the three in my camper and now trust those seals. His comment about starting the screws and slowly tightening them in several passes seemed to work well

[@lifelong5425]

14 Ram 8 foot long box ....unable to find the colour, the box or the retail folks that almost always ways never called back, must be nice to let potential customers just fade away.......nobody had what I needed....so, finally stumbled cross Canyon State out of Phoenix...1999, plus install and taxes...2300 bucks, and that is a basic shell. So, you did really well on that, the fixes look solid, and the match to the truck is excellent...100 bucks....ahhhhhhhh..Good find.

[@HighPriority]

Thank you I appreciate it. Yea I got lucky. Most used I was finding were more $$$ and had broken windows or totally wrong colors. This one I though was more gold in the pics. Figured I would live with it, but was so happy when we out it in and it was damn near perfect haha.

[@MrBluesluver]

Great video and very useful info. I just picked up an old Leer topper cap for $135.00 that is missing a sliding window and probably needs resealed too. This video will help alot. Thank you. BTW, you are right about the cost savings and you get to recycle an old cap.

[@HighPriority]

Right on thank you! Good score on your topper as well. It doesn’t take much to get them dialed in.

[@snort455]

thanks for the video. U gave me some ideas for my old top

[@HighPriority]

@@snort455 good deal thanks for watching. Yea a little love and they come around.

[@Theworldisabeautifulplaceyakno]

I use to make those kind of slider windows for my day job. I know the ins and outs of the entire build. Those D seals are definitely what you need to keep water out but you want a larger outside seal for the latch edge since it'll be used and moved around quite a bit.

[@HighPriority]

Good to know, I will have order that fatter version for the hatch. Thank you!

[@campgoerOne]

Good video! I need to do this to my truck shell as well! Thank you! 😊

[@jasonthurman9922]

How are the window seals holding up? I’m debating between that rubber seal , and butyl tape

[@seymourwrasse3321]

I just got a topper for $100, I guestimated I would have to put anther $100-150 in it, your video just confirmed I was close. I figured the same as you, way cheaper then buying new. Worse case scenario, I figured if the guy I got it from found an idiot to buy it, so can I !not much of a gamble either way. thanks

[@HighPriority]

Yea I think if you wanted to sell it again you wouldn’t have too much of an issue and only having a few hundred wrapped up in it helps too!

[@Chris-zp6eh]

Update? How are the windows holding up? Any leaks. Tipping the canopy up to work on it while still on the truck is great! Allows me to do everything myself. Thx for the vid.

[@HighPriority]

Windows are doing really well. I’m actually using the enclosed bed for storage while my garage get some work done, new video coming in that soon!

[@marioswanson]

Great video, I purchased my cap for $250 not much needs done. I have two small leaks that I need to determine the location. I replaced the lock, molding around the glass and the hinge for the gas shock. I added rubber molding that was for a garage door to the top of the tailgate to prevent the glass from rattling around. Next is to replace the taillight on top and wire it in.

[@HighPriority]

Nice score, $250 isn’t bad at all. Yea I need to replace/fix the third brake light on this one still. Orally forgot about it 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@luc1288]

How long did this take you?

[@JeffBromley]

Great info, I like it. Nice work. I put felt in my topper for condensation trap, feels and looks nice. But your paint looks good 👍

[@HighPriority]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@derpcakesies]

I just inherited an old truck with a discontinued camper. Been a pain sourcing glass and hardware. Seems im stuck jerryrigging something for the rear window

[@ProvinceOfPosen]

I had to fix some of my seals, after cleaning off the old seals I used tubes of silicone sealant. Leaks fixed.

[@t3angling575]

Meant to ask, assuming you water tested after the install, did it leak anywhere at all?

[@refsquadmk18]

Buys $100 topper, has to put $200 into fixing it. I just bought a new $3000 topper and am going to have to do the same thing. Ridiculous QC issues from ARE

[@MrAlittle5150]

I just bought the same exact topper for my 2005 Silverado 2500, very similar to yours set up. I'm having the same issue. Do you think Windshield Urethane Adhesives would work for a seal? The black caulk they used for installing new windshield. I also have a slightly larger gap on the one side of the back window when its closed. The only thing that is different on my topper is I have a push button in the middle of the rear window to open it.

[@HighPriority]

On the front glass behind the cab? I imagine that sealant would work fine. May be kind of messy dealing with and a pain in the ass to repair later if it leaks but if you get a nice uniform bead I bet it would be fine.

[@eddylee587]

Good work on the camper top! Great info and product list. Something I've been needing to do to my Leer XL100. Thx!👍

[@HighPriority]

Right on glad I could help! There isn't much info out there on resealing windows so I figured I would share mine.

[@eddylee587]

@@HighPriority We have almost the same camper shell. I have the single lock. It's a Leer XL100. started ordering my parts last week. Fixed the rear door glass seal yesterday. Mine a long bed though! Over 300 lbs Anyway, thanks again!!!

[@jessedalt0n]

Ever find out what model shell that is just got the exact same one for my Silverado

[@HighPriority]

Some people in the comments here have said it’s and ARE Z series, another said it was a Prospector cap, and I believe someone said it could be a Century cap so maybe that will help you do some research.

[@nealinator]

Good video. Thanks for sharing. I enjoy fixing up something and making it nice(er) again. Doing the same somewhat with a shell I just picked up. Also thinking I will paint inside as well. With a flat black I think vs satin. I thought about trying to put the poly fir type stuff...but probably way more trouble than it is worth.

[@HighPriority]

Thanks for the kind words, i appreciate it. Yea I would like to get maybe a carpet kit for mine or the fir stuff to line to ceiling but you are right, probably a pain haha.

[@jimdailey1985]

Truck looks good.

[@HighPriority]

Thanks I appreciate that!

[@clay_k223]

A Cool super glue setting trick to piggy back the WD40 trick. Sprinkle baking soda on the glue. Instant super strong set.

[@HighPriority]

Nice! I will definitely give that a try some time. 👍

[@mauriceperez8333]

Great video man, thanks for the tutorial and info. Just one question though. Did the quarter windows leak also. I have an ARE cap just like yours with the crank windows, and they leak. Was just wondering how those come off.

[@HighPriority]

So far my quarter windows seem ok. The seals are starting to shrink and come out though so I may be doing these sooner than later. I will post another vid on that disassembly when I do.

[@Lapeerphoto]

Looks good - If doing it again, I wonder if you'd go with a thinner weather strip? Sounds like it made it hard to reinstall. I just bought a used one for $200, in a little better shape, no leaky windows. But it's red and my truck is green. So, I'm getting ready to repaint it when the weather warms up a little. I'll check out the weather strip, I'll replace mine when I take the windows out to repaint. Thanks !

[@HighPriority]

Yea honestly I would go smaller seal. I thought I was doing myself a favor by getting something that would really compress and not leak when I think the smaller seal route would have been just as good and much easier to install. That site I linked it really great with all the different sizes on there, hopefully you find the ones you need.

[@eddylee587]

Justin, What size tires and lift is on your truck.

[@HighPriority]

They are Weld 16x10 wheels on 305/70/16 Toyos and the lift is a 6" RCD with the T bars turned down a bit.

[@a.c.e.c.4429]

Great video, nice work!

[@HighPriority]

Glad you liked it! Thank you!

[@brandonhannay9888]

I was looking at one I knew the guy I asked him if he wanted to trade for it and I gave him 2 cordless impact with 2 battery for it then I bed line the whole thing and got a roof rack all for under $200 bucks

[@HighPriority]

Hell yea man that sounds like a great deal! Never wanted a shell on any truck but I needed one and I’m really liking it.

[@Raymasseyus]

Caps don't generally look as good but they are so useful! I am doing this to mine now. Good as new soon.

[@a.c.e.c.4429]

Curious about that door trim though. I have leaks there and the seal runs down aluminum channels molded into the aluminum. Also, everything is riveted together there.

[@HighPriority]

Hey, I just looked at my set up for the rear door and mine is just flat aluminum with a D shaped seal stuck to it that the glass door closes onto.

[@chrisolsen6178]

that looks like a Jason cap. What about the rear crankout window? I think you need to use a double sided tape on this one. I will let you know

[@bhclark6128]

Great video! Do you have any issues with condensation on the inside? I just picked up a used top and was considering covering the interior of the shell with trunk carpet or whatever that stuff it called. I hear that helps with the condensation when truck camping.

[@HighPriority]

Thank you! I haven’t noticed any condensation issues so far. I do get a little water in around the tail gate in heavy rain as that isn’t sealed at all. Also I think one of my crank out windows lets in a bit of water since I haven’t sealed those yet but other than that it stays very dry. I debated carpeting mine as well decided in just paint.

[@Zestbodimer]

hey thanks for making this video! Im working on upgrading a cheap topper i got off marketplace as well.. I know you said black satin paint.. but did you use water based? oil based? Latex? Enamel? and did you spray or paint it on? besides cleaning, did you do any other prep ( like sanding, or priming) ?

[@HighPriority]

Nice score! The paint I used was just the basic Rustolium satin black spray paint in the can and I believe it was an oil based paint. I sprayed it when it was mounted on my truck but it would have been a lot easier if i had it off and standing up. As for prep before painting I just used water, some Pine-Sol and a scrub brush to really clean the surface, then rinsed with water before painting, no priming or sanding.

[@Makeitliquidfast]

The heck with the camper job we want more of the square body resto in the background, stepside longbed probably an 1985? 4x4? For sale?

[@HighPriority]

Haha thanks! It’s an 82 4x4. I have some content in the works on that, not sure people want to see me pull drivetrains and rebuild stuff though haha.

[@Makeitliquidfast]

@@HighPriority you'd be wrong, everyone wants to see that classic stuff step by step, if you make a video it will go over great.

[@HighPriority]

@@Makeitliquidfast I appreciate that I really do thank ya! Time to get to work haha. I have had that truck for almost 25 years.

[@Makeitliquidfast]

@@HighPriority well my trailer is ready let me know when I can pick it up!

[@HighPriority]

@@Makeitliquidfast Will do!

[@EZBinTx]

Awesome video man!!!! Great work! Did you re try the water test?

[@HighPriority]

Thanks Mike! Water test went well, no leaks!!

[@senglebe]

I believe I have the exact same shell, it’s a century. Nice truck! I’ve got a 2000 Silverado with the 6.0, it’s a great tow pig.

[@HighPriority]

Good to know the possible make, thanks. With no markings I had no idea what it was.

[@justin98tx]

Awesome vid thanks for the info!!

[@HighPriority]

Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it!

[@minipeppers6928]

Where can I get all the weather stripping rubber pieces for camper shells at? I just picked one up for $70 and weather strippings around the windows are cracked or gone.

[@HighPriority]

The seals I used for the windows as well as the cap itself to the truck are listed in the description. The seals I used for the windows worked well but I feel were a bit thick and hard to compress to get the window back in. You can go to this site and look at all the seals they offer: www.trimlok.com/rubber-extrusion/epdm-seal/d-profile If I were to do it again I think I would use Trim-Lok seal #1333 or #1153 Series D. Those ones are just not as fat and I think would be easier to use on the windows. Great score on the $70 shell!

[@paryshnikov]

Great video, thanks! Did you do anything special to remove the old seal on the side windows and prep them for the new one?

[@HighPriority]

I just scraped that old dry foam junk off with a razor blade and I believe I used some scotch-brite as well as a degreaser where the new seal stuck to.

[@LongWalkerActual]

WD-40 will breakdown just about any adhesive, including contact cement. So, should easily dissolve the seal adhesive. Also works GREAT on vehicle wiring harnesses that have that really tacky OEM adhesive. 👍👍

[@calbuilder7357]

But does it leak now that you repaired it?

[@HighPriority]

No leaks. Sorry when I finished this video I totally left out the finale of the water test. I did post a short clip to my Instagram showing leak free windows.

[@BlackExellence940]

Any idea where I can find a replacement glass

[@HighPriority]

What model shell do you have?

[@benshute3994]

This good video. It will help me ty

[@HighPriority]

Awesome man! Glad I could help.

[@lennonlopez982]

This is an ARE Z series cap

[@HighPriority]

Thank you Lennon for letting me know, I had no idea.

[@lennonlopez982]

@@HighPriority thank you for your video man. I had no idea where to find seals and what seals to use for that matter. I have a newer z series but no back window. 😕 Thanks again happy camping!

[@chrisolsen6178]

could you have gone to 3/8 or 5/16 thick or was that not enough?

[@HighPriority]

I could have possibly gone down to 3/8 and been ok. I know it was really tough compressing the size I used. Or I think that company has a thin wall so maybe that could be an option as well. I’m still leak free abs this was over a year ago now so that’s good.

[@midnightexpress1567]

Great job

[@HighPriority]

Thank you John! I appreciate you watching.

[@zpw49]

How fast did the trim lok d seal get to your house? On Amazon right now it says 1-2 months

[@HighPriority]

Wow! I believe mine was prime and came in just a few days. Maybe that seller ran out of inventory.

[@bernardinobautista499]

Nice job

[@HighPriority]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@jannezack]

So where is the test? Does it leak or did that work?

[@HighPriority]

Yes, sorry for not including the followup. I took a quick video today washing with a pressure washer, head over to my Instagram and check it out @highprioritydiesel

[@nintendude1988]

I need to find the seal for the back window (possibly both the one that squishes when it's closed and the one that covers the tailgate when it's closed) but am having no luck searching for them :(

[@HighPriority]

What model shell do you have? I can try and help.

[@nintendude1988]

@@HighPriority it's a century. I believe I may have found it though. Just need to go measure the T channel. I believe they are called single leaf bottom door seals.

[@gear_up_guy]

Just use a small bead of clear silicone to seal the window...for the side windows.

[@HighPriority]

Ahh that may work for a while but I would rather just replace the seals that are worn out.

[@Renrondog]

Then how do you remove it later if the glass breaks?

[@johnwyoder]

Well... That's what I did. Unfortunately, even using an expensive sealant, it only lasted about 6 months. So, after it warms up a bit more this Spring, I'm going to pop the windows and put new seals on them. 🙂

[@justforfun3897]

Great info… thanks!

[@HighPriority]

Thanks for watching! Glad I could help.

[@jaydelbrugge9835]

flex seal

[@HighPriority]

haha lets try it!

[@rileyhunter3736]

I think that's a prospector cap witch they don't make anymore

[@HighPriority]

Yea I have no idea haha. Absolutely zero marking or tags on this thing.

[@smashbash3506]

Looks like a century camper shell

[@HighPriority]

Thanks! I saw one similar going down the road, had a thought to chase the guy down to see it haha.

[@christophersherman9091]

That’s def. An ARE cap

[@The_regular]

Looks good, it was pretty cool watching tony hawk rebuild a camper shell (PS, this is the 69th comment)

[@HighPriority]

AHAHA thank for the laugh, glad you liked it!

[@The_regular]

@@HighPriority I did, and used a lot of your useful tips doing my shell on my 2002 F-150 super crew

[@jerseyred9554]

Bitchin' video man Very well done, precise ,and full of details. I myself am shopping for a top for my F150 and I also found a $100 cap, off of the same truck, but I'll most likely be doing the exact same thing. Great job 👍

[@HighPriority]

Thank you I appreciate that! Good luck on your hunt for a top.

[@jerseyred9554]

@@HighPriority Today I bought an Eagle truck cap from a fella in Pa. It was on his GMC Silverado but it fit well enough on my F150. He listed it on Marketplace for $250 and after meeting with him and talking a bit he sold me the top for $100. I'll have to repaint the roof in the spring, probably just go ahead and paint the whole piece. Oh, and the windows leak...... 😂😂

[@HighPriority]

@@jerseyred9554 nice buy, you got him down to a great price! So much better than shelling out almost 2 grand for one. Thanks for the update, let me know how the repair goes.

[@dirtyaznstyle4156]

$100 vs $1500 for a new one?

[@HighPriority]

Yup. A brand new topper/shell is up in that range. Probably $1200 to $2000.

[@MrAlittle5150]

Your looking at closer to $2000

[@HighPriority]

@@MrAlittle5150 it’s so wild! When so many used ones are out there for much less than a new one. It’s just hard combing through them all to find one that will work and matches haha

[@dmoconnellusaf]

Chive On!

[@HighPriority]

Heck yea brother!!

[@stonemtnrubicon]

Just bought mine everything leaks 2,000 wasted

[@HighPriority]

Ahh man that sucks! Bought new?

[@stonemtnrubicon]

@@HighPriority yep...takeing it back...

[@ls1powered240sx]

Kinda stupid they put the key number on the lock. Thieves use Google too.

[@HighPriority]

Yea that really surprised me as well. I figured I would have to buy new locks with keys until I searched that number. Like they say, locks only keep honest people out. Thanks for watching.

[@regortex3364]

Why go to the trouble of getting proper keys, you can open those types of locks by manipulating any key that will fit physically in the lock. Good locks exist, but truck cap manufacturers don’t use them.

[@MrAlittle5150]

I have the same exact topper and mine has the same number.

[@elvegd]

Bought used topper. Prepare a seal between bed and cap. Bought new locks. And worry. It's 127 key's for everyone.. One... Everybody have the same keys??? It's nonsense. For what nee that kind locks???

[@HighPriority]

Locks just keep honest people out anyway. Just like anything, if they want it bad enough they will get in there

[@elvegd]

@@HighPriority yea. That's it. No secure at all. Last time in Philly stilers work good. And not cheap tools in cap not good idea.

[@HighPriority]

@@elvegd yea thieves suck! Even though it locks, I still pull out stuff I care about, even in the cab.

[@rob_dc8258]

Hey great video! It seems like you’re the only one who did a reseal with the flapper windows. I picked up a cap just like yours last weekend for a steal and I need to reseal the side windows too. Since the seal seemed a little big, for you, what size would you recommend?