pic request: period camper shells - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Lippyp · 09-18-2008, 09:08 AM

I know a lot of people don't like them but I have a hankering for a period camper shell for my 67 long fleet. Its a weekend toy now so will rarely ever haul anything and it would be handy to be able to sleep in the back if I go to car shows further afield and it woul cover anything I do haul in it and keep it secure and dry.

The cost of getting an original shipped over to the UK would be pretty prohibitive but I fancy having a go at making one from scratch. Theres a junkyard near me that specialises in breaking trailers so I reckon I can get used aluminium sheet from them fairly cheaply to clad it in and also things like windows etc, having one in plain polished aluminium would be pretty cool IMO but I'd like it to look in keeping with my trucks roots hence the need for some pictures.

If anyone has any pictures of period camper shells especially on "our" trucks then post em here so I can get some ideas. I'm specially interested in what they did out back and also any details of how they clamped on would be good. Interior detaisl would be useful too, did tey have a sliding window in the front to match the slider on my cab?

Shyguy · 09-18-2008, 09:55 AM

It will be interesting to see a period correct camper sheel. Here is a picture of the one that was on mine when I bought it, but I know it was not period correct because it was narrower than the bed in the back. It was held on by 4 c-clamps made out of aluminum that can be picked up at most camper places.

I have since taken it off because I use my truck here on the farm and it got in the way.

Danny

CG · 09-18-2008, 10:09 AM

I love the period camper shells. Ive ben trying to get one for years, but they seldom come up, and when they do they are too far away. One of the board members in Jersey was going to sell his but changed his mine...If he changes it back I will figure out a way to get it out here.

Here is a shot of my 71 K20 with an older GemTop canopy. Its not exactly what I was looking for, but its getting closer. Once I get around to painting my bumpers white, the tailgate letters, and mirror arms white it will help tie it in better. Im thinking about removing the wood grain and painting that area with maybe a couple of thin green stripes.

70cstjr · 09-18-2008, 11:04 AM

i know this isnt what you probobly looking for but i found this

**special-K** · 09-18-2008, 11:36 AM

How about those ones that splayed out at the bottom on the sides,then taper back in to the top.The back slants forward and the side widows are usually bubbled?We never had them back east but I remember seeing them in California and other western states.There`s a mid-late`70s truck with one on it sitting in Luray,VA.The first time I saw it I looked at the tag and sure enough,Washington plates.I`ve been meaning to get a picture and hopefully talk to the guy when I`m down there.
I had a Winnebago one,level with cab roof.I gave it to a friend,years ago,to use as a shed.I was just over there and looked for it thinking I`d see if I could get it back.But,it`s gone.
How about this for period correct?:

I had this around 1980-81.The top was on it when I bought it.I guess it`s about as old as the truck.

Lippyp · 09-18-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

[IMG]I had this around 1980-81.The top was on it when I bought it.I guess it`s about as old as the truck.

Thats the kind of thing, ideally I'd want the roofline to be level with the cab and the sides to taper in to stay within the sillouette of the cab. Didn't realise that some of them had a proper door rather than a top hinged tailgate.

Keep em coming, I reckon that some sliding side windows from a 1960's Series land rover hard top would look right in the sides and they're easy to find cheap over here.

DirtyLarry · 09-18-2008, 01:14 PM

Not very good pictures but here is the time period shell that was on my 72’ when I got it. Years ago I picked up a 70’ that had the time period type camper shell on it as well. Both shells got dropped off at the scrap once the trucks got running. I never was a fan of those old school shells. It seems everytime I get one of these old trucks it has a shell on it that costs me money to throw away. Next time, I'll have to look you up

Both shells were held on by bolts that went straight down from the shell right through holes that were drilled into the top of the bed rails. They didn’t have those fancy clamps back then like they do today.

1972 C20 I drug home in 2002

1970 C10 I bought in 1991 while still in High School

PanelDeland · 09-18-2008, 01:29 PM

I had a '74 Ddddd....dodge 1/2 ton.
It had one like the Yellow truck special posted.The green truck Dirty Larry posted is the same just with woodgrain trim.
Lippy, if you are planning on sleeping in it very often you may want the style that is higher than the cab.They have much better headroom and a bed can be put crossways across the front giving some bed space for camp gear and under bed storage.I realize the look (of the short ones) is probably what you are after but most were a bit taller than the cab in that era.

72 cheyenne pdx · 09-18-2008, 03:10 PM

I have a period correct 72 camper shell. The only mod that was done to it was my wife's grandfather was a canoeing addict and he put a rack on top of it. I can take pictures of it. I need to restore it as well as the weather stripping is all original and is in bad shape, so it is leaking now.

CG · 09-18-2008, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72 cheyenne pdx

I have a period correct 72 camper shell. The only mod that was done to it was my wife's grandfather was a canoeing addict and he put a rack on top of it. I can take pictures of it. I need to restore it as well as the weather stripping is all original and is in bad shape, so it is leaking now.

Id love to see pics of it. Sounds cool.

65-72 chevytoys · 09-18-2008, 04:47 PM

Was there one for the blazer that had an opening for the camper to access the front seats? I thought I remember seeing a picture of one before and thought that was

**Classic Bowties** · 09-18-2008, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65-72 chevytoys

Was there one for the blazer that had an opening for the camper to access the front seats? I thought I remember seeing a picture of one before and thought that was

Here one on a blazer...

72freak · 09-18-2008, 08:06 PM

I have a period one for my Longhorn project. Yes...its the correct length for a Longhorn Ill take a picture tomorrow.

DirtyLarry · 09-18-2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Classic Bowties

Here one on a blazer...

That is a actually a “Four Wheel Camper” on the Blazer. They were offered on Jimmys, Blazers, Scouts and Broncos from the early 70’s though the late 70’s. Very neat campers. There was one for sale in Denver a while back on a '77 Blazer for a decent price. I would love to have one of those someday.

http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/

PanelDeland · 09-18-2008, 05:28 PM

There's apic of a Blazer camper at the 2007 Norwood meet in the meets section.

**special-K** · 09-18-2008, 08:39 PM

The door on back makes entry much easier and you get a better seal.It makes them more of a dedicated mini-camper.Back East they are all gates`n`hatches,rarely have I ever seen a door on one.But,they are(were) all over the West.

Another Blazer gizmo:

stllookn · 09-18-2008, 09:37 PM

I checked the mfg. plates on these and they are from that period.

desertrat · 09-18-2008, 09:59 PM

WOW, white wall mud terrains and chrome factory wheels? Also they look deep for factory wheels. I like them!

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Another Blazer gizmo:

Jtrux · 09-18-2008, 10:11 PM

i have a set of those hubcaps for my blazer, at least i know what it will look like when i finally put them on

clos69 · 09-19-2008, 05:46 AM

found this on another site..

Lippyp · 09-19-2008, 08:01 AM

Some great pics so far, lots of different styles out there it seems. It will be for the odd night here and there so not major usage so whilst I get what you're saying about the roof height I'd like to keep it within the cab profile (especially with the price of gas at the moment being roughly $8.12 for a US Gallon) Lots of ideas here and I quite like the idea of the proper rear door. Any inside shots would be a bonus. I was thinking of making a thinwalled steel box frame and then cladding it in aluminium sheet as I can't weld aluminium otherwise I'd make an ally frame to keep the weight down.

72 cheyenne pdx · 09-19-2008, 12:15 PM

I took pictures of mine but for some reason I can't get them on my computer. I will try again tonight.

65-72 chevytoys · 09-19-2008, 12:28 PM

"Chevrolet has made no announcemtent as to the availability of the Sports Camper..."

-Four Wheeler Magazine.

Cool a super rare concept blazer that is worth a bazillion $$ at Barret Jackson

7DEETWO · 09-19-2008, 01:39 PM

It looks cozy to me.....

Lippyp · 09-19-2008, 02:17 PM

Blimey, that last one looks like a a caravan (trailer!) thats been rammed from behind by a truck! I bet thats got a good drag coefficient!

09-18-2008, 09:08 AM	#1
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	pic request: period camper shells I know a lot of people don't like them but I have a hankering for a period camper shell for my 67 long fleet. Its a weekend toy now so will rarely ever haul anything and it would be handy to be able to sleep in the back if I go to car shows further afield and it woul cover anything I do haul in it and keep it secure and dry. The cost of getting an original shipped over to the UK would be pretty prohibitive but I fancy having a go at making one from scratch. Theres a junkyard near me that specialises in breaking trailers so I reckon I can get used aluminium sheet from them fairly cheaply to clad it in and also things like windows etc, having one in plain polished aluminium would be pretty cool IMO but I'd like it to look in keeping with my trucks roots hence the need for some pictures. If anyone has any pictures of period camper shells especially on "our" trucks then post em here so I can get some ideas. I'm specially interested in what they did out back and also any details of how they clamped on would be good. Interior detaisl would be useful too, did tey have a sliding window in the front to match the slider on my cab? __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

09-18-2008, 09:55 AM	#2
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: pic request: period camper shells It will be interesting to see a period correct camper sheel. Here is a picture of the one that was on mine when I bought it, but I know it was not period correct because it was narrower than the bed in the back. It was held on by 4 c-clamps made out of aluminum that can be picked up at most camper places. I have since taken it off because I use my truck here on the farm and it got in the way. Danny Attached Images __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

09-18-2008, 10:09 AM	#3
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,995	Re: pic request: period camper shells I love the period camper shells. Ive ben trying to get one for years, but they seldom come up, and when they do they are too far away. One of the board members in Jersey was going to sell his but changed his mine...If he changes it back I will figure out a way to get it out here. Here is a shot of my 71 K20 with an older GemTop canopy. Its not exactly what I was looking for, but its getting closer. Once I get around to painting my bumpers white, the tailgate letters, and mirror arms white it will help tie it in better. Im thinking about removing the wood grain and painting that area with maybe a couple of thin green stripes. Attached Images Last edited by CG; 09-18-2008 at 10:13 AM.

09-18-2008, 11:04 AM	#4
70cstjr Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: laura, ohio Posts: 935	Re: pic request: period camper shells i know this isnt what you probobly looking for but i found this __________________ PROJECT CIRCUIT RIDER

09-18-2008, 11:36 AM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: pic request: period camper shells How about those ones that splayed out at the bottom on the sides,then taper back in to the top.The back slants forward and the side widows are usually bubbled?We never had them back east but I remember seeing them in California and other western states.There`s a mid-late`70s truck with one on it sitting in Luray,VA.The first time I saw it I looked at the tag and sure enough,Washington plates.I`ve been meaning to get a picture and hopefully talk to the guy when I`m down there. I had a Winnebago one,level with cab roof.I gave it to a friend,years ago,to use as a shed.I was just over there and looked for it thinking I`d see if I could get it back.But,it`s gone. How about this for period correct?: I had this around 1980-81.The top was on it when I bought it.I guess it`s about as old as the truck. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

09-18-2008, 01:14 PM	#7
DirtyLarry Windy Corner of a Dirty Street Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pueblo West, Colorado Posts: 2,926	Re: pic request: period camper shells Not very good pictures but here is the time period shell that was on my 72’ when I got it. Years ago I picked up a 70’ that had the time period type camper shell on it as well. Both shells got dropped off at the scrap once the trucks got running. I never was a fan of those old school shells. It seems everytime I get one of these old trucks it has a shell on it that costs me money to throw away. Next time, I'll have to look you up Both shells were held on by bolts that went straight down from the shell right through holes that were drilled into the top of the bed rails. They didn’t have those fancy clamps back then like they do today. 1972 C20 I drug home in 2002 1970 C10 I bought in 1991 while still in High School __________________ Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles Instagram

09-18-2008, 01:29 PM	#8
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: pic request: period camper shells I had a '74 Ddddd....dodge 1/2 ton. It had one like the Yellow truck special posted.The green truck Dirty Larry posted is the same just with woodgrain trim. Lippy, if you are planning on sleeping in it very often you may want the style that is higher than the cab.They have much better headroom and a bed can be put crossways across the front giving some bed space for camp gear and under bed storage.I realize the look (of the short ones) is probably what you are after but most were a bit taller than the cab in that era. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" Last edited by PanelDeland; 09-18-2008 at 01:30 PM.

09-18-2008, 03:10 PM	#9
72 cheyenne pdx Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Portland Posts: 382	Re: pic request: period camper shells I have a period correct 72 camper shell. The only mod that was done to it was my wife's grandfather was a canoeing addict and he put a rack on top of it. I can take pictures of it. I need to restore it as well as the weather stripping is all original and is in bad shape, so it is leaking now.

09-18-2008, 04:47 PM	#11
65-72 chevytoys Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wesley Chapel, Florida Posts: 1,113	Re: pic request: period camper shells Was there one for the blazer that had an opening for the camper to access the front seats? I thought I remember seeing a picture of one before and thought that was __________________ 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500LS SWB 5.3L 2004 Corvette Z16 #770 Wish I had not sold 72 blazer

09-18-2008, 08:06 PM	#13
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: pic request: period camper shells I have a period one for my Longhorn project. Yes...its the correct length for a Longhorn Ill take a picture tomorrow. __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere!

09-18-2008, 05:28 PM	#15
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: pic request: period camper shells There's apic of a Blazer camper at the 2007 Norwood meet in the meets section. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

09-18-2008, 08:39 PM	#16
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: pic request: period camper shells The door on back makes entry much easier and you get a better seal.It makes them more of a dedicated mini-camper.Back East they are all gates`n`hatches,rarely have I ever seen a door on one.But,they are(were) all over the West. Another Blazer gizmo: __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

09-18-2008, 09:37 PM	#17
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: pic request: period camper shells I checked the mfg. plates on these and they are from that period. Attached Images __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

09-18-2008, 10:11 PM	#19
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: pic request: period camper shells i have a set of those hubcaps for my blazer, at least i know what it will look like when i finally put them on __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

09-19-2008, 05:46 AM	#20
clos69 Its Topless Season!!!! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: fort worth, tx Posts: 1,657	Re: pic request: period camper shells found this on another site.. Attached Images __________________ -Carlos- The of America *1967 SWB Custom C-10* *(Celeste)* Join the *Patina Club*



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09-19-2008, 08:01 AM	#21
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	Re: pic request: period camper shells Some great pics so far, lots of different styles out there it seems. It will be for the odd night here and there so not major usage so whilst I get what you're saying about the roof height I'd like to keep it within the cab profile (especially with the price of gas at the moment being roughly $8.12 for a US Gallon) Lots of ideas here and I quite like the idea of the proper rear door. Any inside shots would be a bonus. I was thinking of making a thinwalled steel box frame and then cladding it in aluminium sheet as I can't weld aluminium otherwise I'd make an ally frame to keep the weight down. __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

09-19-2008, 12:15 PM	#22
72 cheyenne pdx Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Portland Posts: 382	Re: pic request: period camper shells I took pictures of mine but for some reason I can't get them on my computer. I will try again tonight.

09-19-2008, 12:28 PM	#23
65-72 chevytoys Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wesley Chapel, Florida Posts: 1,113	Re: pic request: period camper shells "Chevrolet has made no announcemtent as to the availability of the Sports Camper..." -Four Wheeler Magazine. Cool a super rare concept blazer that is worth a bazillion $$ at Barret Jackson __________________ 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500LS SWB 5.3L 2004 Corvette Z16 #770 Wish I had not sold 72 blazer

09-19-2008, 01:39 PM	#24
7DEETWO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA Posts: 73	Re: pic request: period camper shells It looks cozy to me..... Attached Images

09-19-2008, 02:17 PM	#25
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	Re: pic request: period camper shells Blimey, that last one looks like a a caravan (trailer!) thats been rammed from behind by a truck! I bet thats got a good drag coefficient! __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

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