Camper Shell and Tailgate Issues

Me and my grandpa have been restoring a 1989 Bronco for my first vehicle. After finishing the painting process, we decided to put the tailgate and camper shell back on. While putting the tailgate back on, we didn't have a single problem. The window rolled up and down nicely, it was spaced evenly, and it shut smoothly. The camper shell is a completely different story though. It bolted down easily and looked great, but it wasn't aligned properly. One side had more room than the other did. We loosened the screws and gave it a slight push in order to space it evenly on both side. Sadly, it chipped some of the brand new paint in the process. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> After shutting the tailgate, we attempted to roll up the window. It went up about half way and was stopped by the weather-strip and rubber in the camper shell. It was hitting the camper shell rubber on the left before it was even touching the right. In order to fix it, we tried pushing the camper shell to the left, but the camper shell wouldn't budge. It wasn't even bolted down... Anybody have any ideas? 

Hey Major, welcome.

Reading through your post, it sounds like you may have attached the shell with the tailgate open. If that is the case, you may have the bed slightly twisted. Try to un-bolt the shell at all points. Then close the tailgate, and then tighten the shell mounting bolts to just  snug. Try the window then. If all is fitting well then tighten the bolts gradually.

Good Luck

yo Mjor,

As RON ADVISED;

& some additional info by Steve

Tailgate Alignment



http://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/737406

The tailgate gap should be the same at the top as at the bottom. If it's too wide at the top, the bedrails need to be bent inward.

The best way to bend the bedwalls inward is with a large ratchet strap hooked into the body crossmember at the bottom rear of each quarter panel. Use the ratchet only to take the slack out, then sit on the strap to bend the body. If only one side needs to be bent, install a brace (a 2x4 cut to fit will work) from the bottom of that side to the top of the side that doesn't need adjustment.



Check progress frequently.

Read & See more @ http://www.fourdoorbronco.com/board/showthread.php?5224-Bronco-Tailgate-Alignment

Also, when tightening the bolts, always tighten the front ones around the top of the cap first so you don't get cap leaks.  Start in the center and then the next one on either side and so on.

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