Camper shell source

[Steeveedee]

Hi Folks,

I have searched the intertubes for a bit but have not found what I was looking for (well what my wife was looking for- if it was up to me, the shell would be gone and I would use it for my wood working projects and stuff like hauling- after all, that's what a truck is for). My '70 Chevy truck needs a new camper shell, this one is toast. It has been on the truck since at least 1973; the boot leaks and the top caved in (I propped it up and sealed it, somewhat, but it still leaks a little, and it's getting stinky in there with the mildew).

My wife wants an old-school top like in the pic. But all I seem to be able to find is fiberglass. Anyone have a line on this old style? I could make one myself, but it would be more money than I want to spend, plus the time.

Please ignore the newly painted Buick GS in the foreground, I don't feel like snapping a new pic tonight.

TX, Steve

[Steeveedee]

Don't see an edit button...so here is a little more info. I want a completely new top, not one pulled off another truck. Methinks it's going to have to be home made, which will probably cost me a coupla grand, plus my time.

[PAWS 72]

You would have to show the GS wouldn't you. Nice car.But dad put one on his truck when it was 3 days old.His was a 71. We had to put a new top in his and then we built the sides back.

If you are a half way handy man its not to hard to do with it being wood. Now aluminum thats a different story.If you were close I would tell you to bring it to me.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by PAWS 72

You would have to show the GS wouldn't you. Nice car.But dad put one on his truck when it was 3 days old.His was a 71. We had to put a new top in his and then we built the sides back.

If you are a half way handy man its not to hard to do with it being wood. Now aluminum thats a different story.If you were close I would tell you to bring it to me.

Thanks, PAWS 72,

I'm more than handy. I could skin the siding off that old top and nail it to the new one. I also do wood and metal working as hobbies, and have done construction for a living, in the past. But that would still cost me over $1100 in materials, by my estimate (of course, I was estimating it to be a cabover camper, which it is not, now, but that different is chump change). What I have found is that people in the business can produce that product for not much more than I would pay for the materials...unless it is made in Chinee, and I don't like their track record for the amount of toxic substances in their products.

[vectorit]

These guys make top notch campers made to order.
They are located in San Diego

I have one on my '70

www.callencamper.com

[SS Tim]

Callen does make nice campers!

If you want to build one here is a source for period style plans.
http://www.boatdesigns.com/Husky-Pla...ctinfo/50-180/

There is also Lifetime Camper Shells.
http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/

[Steeveedee]

Thanks guys, it looks like I have my answer!

[jocko]

And so now that you have your answer, you can go ahead and post a pic of that longhorn ANY time now....
Welcome to the forum. Look fwd to seeing your truck.

[Steeveedee]

Yeah, I'll have to do the truck some justice! I also post at a Buick forum, and that pic was taken for a post over there, on "what I did on my Saturday". The truck was just loomin' large in the background, here.

[jocko]

well, it has what is just about my fave color combo, so let's get snappin!! Ha, looking fwd to some pics. Take care.

[Steeveedee]

Hey Jocko, I also had a '69 Camaro RS that was Hugger Orange, with a black vinyl top. I think that the white painted top on this truck is a bunch cooler, in terms of inside temperature.

I'll get some pics here soon, and make one my avatar. Probably be a week or so.