DIY: Unistrut Bed Rails - Cheaper option than OEM

Thank you very much for providing above dimensions. Do you happen to have OEM rail sizes or if someone could measure i would appreciate it.

Once again thanks a lot

 

I assume OEM this is 1" inch rail? Inside diameter?

You have already helped me a lot otherwise I would spend more money than what actually I need

 

You are the best, thanks a lot for those measurements.

Hahahaha you are right truck and money doesn't go well hahha

 

@csuvipor, I have really enjoyed your post, and being able to find exactly what I'm looking for due to yor excellant organizational skills, but I really expected more.

WTH, no digital caliper?

 

Thank you very much for helping me out with measurements.

Below I have attached few pictures of my painted rails and instead of two clamps per section used only one to attach undercover flex. Very solid and no need to worry about loosing it up previously used clamps.

 

Were you able to get a bolt with the same head pattern?

 

@LKSR5-14 I am looking at getting the same cover for my truck. Did you buy the T nuts and attach your existing claps to Unistrut and did you use 1-5/8 in. x 13/16 in size unistrut? Did this help resolve the issue?

Also how are you liking your cover?

 

I like cover and yes I did use existing clamps (actually only one part of the clamp) other half I separate and didn't need it. Very solid install with unistrut. Yes that's the size.
Use black glass paint to protect from rust..

 

I bought and installed the 1 5/8" x 13/16" version. Can someone confirm that the OEM tundra cleats work with this before I order them? TIA

 

Following.. Great ideas on this thread..

 

Thanks @csuviper ! I have the OEM tonneau cover but not the rails so the empty brackets were begging for this fun DIY mod. Metric threads on the tonneau brackets are exactly the same M6-1.00. I used stainless steel hardware and got the superstrut end caps so I’m in about $45 with paint. Now I need some tiedowns.

 

Found at Lowe’s by all the other superstrut parts. 2 for $5. They are bright blue so I had to paint them.

 

Bought the parts last week. Just painted them with bed spray

 

Finished

 

Love this mod. Haven’t put the D-rings in the floor yet but got the rails and and love it. Thanks!!

 

Probably a stupid question, but how did you locate the tapped holes behind the factory plastic shell?

 

Did mine yesterday and installed them today. The ONLY issue I had/have is my paint. I couldn't find spray can bedliner so I used self etching primer and flat black Rust Oleum paint (which wont hold up)
$88 was my total. I used Superstrut from Lowes though, it was bit more expensive than Home Depot.

For my CM I used;
2 - 10' Super strut 1 5/8" x 13/16 https://www.lowes.com/pd/SUPERSTRUT...ld-Galvanized-Half-Slot-Channel-Strut/3128119
3 - Superstrut ChanB end caps 2pcs https://www.lowes.com/pd/Superstrut-1-in-Universal-Strut-Bracket/50225781
14 - M6x1 20mm Hex Head
14 - THICK 1/4 x 1 1/4 fender washer
1 - Rust Oleum Self Etching primer
1 - Rust Oleum Flat Black paint


I opted not to drill any additional holes, instead connecting two precuts to make one larger where needed. Side rails were cut 59 1/4" and the front rail was cut 57". I noted the front rail does not fit 100% into the channel in the bed sheet metal, so I used some double sided 3m tape behind it to prevent any possible rattle (I think there is enough of that back there to begin with)

 

Do they have something like this at Lowe’s? Going to head there soon to get the materials to do the mod haha

 

I'm in the process of doing this. Can anyone take some close up pictures of cleats or d rings attached to the rail?

I think I may prefer the tacoma cleat over the tundra cleat but I'm not sure.

 

Install complete.

 

Install complete only for the front of the bed against the glass since my racks don't allow for side rails. Girlfriend wanted to choose color... had to compromise...

Also did ammo can mod. Again, had to compromise LOL