Bed Rails for Gen 1

I've noticed bed rails for newer Tundras and Tacomas, but not for Gen 1 Tundras. Is this a relatively simple conversion for my '05 AC? Thought about replacing my OEM bedliner with a spray on liner of some type (thoughts/) and hoped to add the rails concurrently. It would make securing gear easier and more efficient.

 

These types of rails?
https://realtruck.com/p/steelcraft-truck-bed-rails/stc-613407/?gclid=CjwKCAjwhJukBhBPEiwAniIcNZN0ox8vzLyvpwgtOWz36KIM9_vNhzIeMWfb0JfVXiJQwxLCEALgsxoCRIoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I dont think i'd trust em with a heavy load.

 

@2006 Tundra AC has them on his truck, but it's RCLB. https://www.tundras.com/threads/a-kids-tundra.89748/

 

This is what I had in mind.

 

A couple of folks have pretty solid setups for that on here, but the only person coming to mind is @KNABORES at the moment.

 

Yeah, but they're on my "other" gen truck. My FGT has a full depth tool box and factory rear tie down loops for storage and cargo securing.

 

Ah - failed to realize that. I'm positive there are some 1st gen folks rocking them on their '00-'06 trucks also, but they'd need to chime in on that.

 

Seems like it would be doable, just not sure if a simple bolt on w/o inner bracing would work. I assume the length could be modified from existing rails, but...

 

You can make your own with Superstrut

edit: like this

https://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-Strut-Channel-Slotted-Steel-45YV76

 

Has anyone done this. I'm a complete novice w/ no experience or knowledge on how to attach the rails. what inner bracing past the bed's sheet metal is needed and how is it attached?

 

I'd imagine bolts & washers would be better than sheetmetal screws. But none of my trucks have ever had those.

i did help my buddy line his enclosed trailer with a bunch of this style e-track to tie down a sxs & a few dirtbikes, but they were mounted to plywood.

 

For a different Gen, but essentials are the same, just adapt them over.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-unistrut-bed-rails-cheaper-option-than-oem.1906/

 

looks doable. I'll put it on my list. Thanks.

 

I did this in my truck bed. I bought the rails off ebay (for a tacoma I believe) and installed them using rivnuts and a step drill bit. Measure the length before buying the rails if you go the oem direction because our truck beds have different shapes than the modern trucks. We don't have flat sections the whole length of the bed. I think I got 5'5" rails despite having a 6 foot bed.

 

Yup, I think it was @csuviper did a how-to thread. Later gen truck but, unlike the OEM tracks, it can be cut to fit.

Edit: https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-unistrut-bed-rails-cheaper-option-than-oem.1906/

 

These are a great help. Thanks very much. I'll do some investigating and measuring over the weekend. I currently have a factory bedliner which I expect needs removing before the mods. Also heard the holes should be drilled prior to having the bedliner sprayed on. So far, the projects are: Install new flasher unit, remove driver's seat & clean carpet (and become wealthy from the change and lost lottery tickets), replace rear bumper (mystery ass accident) and bed/rails work.

Guessing this may take more than one weekend with figuring in taking naps.

 

Do you have the duraliner? The '04 i pulled my cap from had a totally different and arguably better plastic bedliner than what i have. Post a pic.

 

Will try today.
My problem with my liner is (old guy issue: shoulder injuries) that on the passenger side, the lip of the liner has pulled away from the rail and until it gets hot enough to be malleable, I don't have the strength to push it far enough in to attach the tonneau clip across it to attach it to the rail. So, "Summer good. Winter bad."

 

P.S. I love that little "flippy thing" on your truck. I've had one for years. One of my best purchases for the truck ever.

 

This what I have. It looks to be the same as yours. I realize that the rails could be attached over this, but I'm not sure the tonneau cover could attach the rails over the top of the rails and bedliner combination. Guessing that the bedliner or tonneau cover and I would be parting company.

 

Try again.

 

If you can make out the bulge in the bedliner above the 2x6, that's where the latch should attach, but I'm unable to make do so.