How high is the roof, above the bed rail? (camper/topper question)

[Brad54]

I'm evaluating camper shells for my '62 K10 step side. (I'll be modifying whatever I get to rid on the step side box, but be fleetside width).
Measured from the top of the bed rail, how high is the top of the roof on our trucks?
I've got a bare bedside here, and I measured it as 18 inches from the flange to the top of the bed rail.
I've got one topper, and I'm looking at another... my topper is 30 inches and has a round top, the other I'm looking at is 40 inches, slab-sided, flat top (with a rolled front edge transitioning from the front panel to the roof of it... late 60s/70s design)
Thanks,
-Brad

[The Rocknrod]

Maybe this will help?
I have the book from the GM Heritage Center that shows a step-side but I'm at work right now.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440879

[The Rocknrod]

Hows this?

[Brad54]

Thanks!
Trying to figure out how much the topper I'm going to restore will sit above the cab.
Or, more accurately, how little headroom I'll have camping in it!

[DPowers]

Brad,
I can get a measurement if you want of the one on mine. Got a super deal on it and originally thought I didnt like it. But has grown on me.

[Brad54]

Originally Posted by DPowers

Brad,
I can get a measurement if you want of the one on mine. Got a super deal on it and originally thought I didnt like it. But has grown on me.

Yeah, I'd appreciate that! Height from the floor to the peak inside would be great.
Here's a pic of the one I'm going to restore/rebuild.
It'll go on my '62 K10 long-step... It's for a fleet side; I'm going to make a notch in the side to clear the fender-mount spare tire, and the bottom piece will be an aluminum "shelf" that rests on the stepside bed rail, but extends out over the fenders to be as wide as a fleet side. I'm thinking I'll make the inner structure out of aluminum "spars" and attach the outside sheeting and the inside paneling to it, which should keep it light.
I've got a single-wide window for the spare tire side, and I'm about to pick up a later '70s or 80s camper shell than has a man door for the back panel and some interior vents I'll incorporate into it.

[DPowers]

Gotcha. Let me see what I can do.

[DPowers]

Here you go

[66x3]

That rounded top topper is cool and will look great on a long step 4x4! There is a topper near me that is taller and has a short cab over about half the length of the roof of the truck. Part of me wants it and part of me says I don't need it since I already have a full size camper.

[Brad54]

Originally Posted by DPowers

Here you go

AWESOME! Thanks so much for taking the time to measure that for me!
Thats a huge help in my planning.
I've got a very comfortable cot that I envision using to sleep on, and four feet total might not be enough, with how tall the cot is.
Lowering the cot might work, or just making a new one (They're pretty simple construction). Raising the topper just a couple inches would probably be okay, too. Yours is just peaking up above the cab of the truck, and it looks good.

[Brad54]

Originally Posted by 66x3

That rounded top topper is cool and will look great on a long step 4x4! There is a topper near me that is taller and has a short cab over about half the length of the roof of the truck. Part of me wants it and part of me says I don't need it since I already have a full size camper.

Thanks! Yeah, I'm looking forward to taking this truck to deer camp and out west for bird hunting with my two Airedales.

Taller would be better for those trips... but a quick spur-of-the-moment overnight or weekend at a state park, the smaller topper will be easier to put on and get going. (I'll hang it from the 12-foot ceiling in my shop).
Ideally, a vintage Alaska Camper would be perfect, and when I get older, I will probably start looking for one in earnest.
Right now, I've got a bunch of vintage camping gear that I like using--including a vintage "Camp Kitchen" that was made when nuts were square.
I'm 49... when I hit 60, I'll probably appreciate being able to stand up and walk, and get dressed, in an Alaskan. By then I'll probably like cooking inside as well. At least roasting birds in the oven.