Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ryanmcb · 12-17-2013, 02:21 AM

I don't post much but I have a question.
I have a truck that has a vintage shell (Gem-Top). I was just wondering if there is a market for these things for people trying to keep a period look. Looks like all aluminum, wind out windows, locking handle with key. oh yeah, this thing is near mint, seriously. Been in a garage it's whole life.
Anyway, as I lifted off the truck and put it in the shop I wondered if people want these things and didn't know who else to ask but truck guys.

One more question. I found it interesting that it has camper registration tags. It looks like just a topper to me. I really don't think I would have to register anything like this in my state. Is that pretty common elsewhere to register a shell?

**LockDoc** · 12-17-2013, 09:34 AM

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I would put it on craigslist and see what happens. It probably isn't going to bring a lot of money but that would be better than taking it to the salvage yard... It looks like it is in good shape.

I think the camper registration would be for getting into the state owned campgrounds, not for actually registering the shell itself.

LockDoc

**Ol Blue K20** · 12-17-2013, 09:49 AM

I like it wish you were closer

**LockDoc** · 12-17-2013, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

I like it wish you were closer

I would like to have a vintage one too...

LockDoc

**TBONE1964** · 12-17-2013, 11:15 AM

I had one on my 1964 short bed and I could not give it away. It was a GEM-TOP and was installed at the dealership when the truck was new. I posted it for sale everywhere and thought that someone doing a period correct restoration may be interested but not so.

It may be one of those things that always sell like hot cakes until you want to sell yours

Good luck,
Tom

Fatherof3 · 12-17-2013, 11:29 AM

If you have a place you can hang it up out of the way I would hang on to it.
The day will come when people are looking for those

Sammy · 12-17-2013, 12:27 PM

Had one several years ago. Someone gave to me. Super heavy thing, cab height. Found that the rear upper lift door get weak from abuse. Finally just unloaded it some place. Forget where I left it but used it as a cover for firewood storage for years.

ryanmcb · 12-17-2013, 01:38 PM

Ok, thanks everyone for the input. I really don't want to store it, it just gets in the way. I don't want to scrap it because it is soooo nice and I think someone out would use it/appreciate it. I'll probably just list it cheap and hope someone can use it.

Tropical Snowstorm · 12-17-2013, 02:00 PM

I always look out for stuff like this, I would love one for my truck since I actually take it camping/hunting and think the newer sleeker campers look out of place on older trucks.

ryanmcb · 12-17-2013, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tropical Snowstorm

I always look out for stuff like this, I would love one for my truck since I actually take it camping/hunting and think the newer sleeker campers look out of place on older trucks.

Cool, sounds like there may be a few out there that would appreciate it. BTW, I love your truck. Great color combo

67swb72klb · 12-17-2013, 02:06 PM

you might try the tin can tourists
there was a group of them at a show i went to last summer

http://www.tincantourists.com/

ryanmcb · 12-17-2013, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67swb72klb

you might try the tin can tourists
there was a group of them at a show i went to last summer

http://www.tincantourists.com/

Awesome! I have been on their site for 20 min. Very cool stuff. I am trying to find someone local from their club to ask. Thanks for the tip

**DaHos** · 12-17-2013, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tropical Snowstorm

I always look out for stuff like this, I would love one for my truck since I actually take it camping/hunting and think the newer sleeker campers look out of place on older trucks.

Same here, I would gladlly pay good $$ for a clean vintage shell than put a latemodel "topper" on it !!!!!

**MusicMan70** · 12-17-2013, 07:39 PM

I would take it if you were closer.

brad_man_72 · 12-17-2013, 08:16 PM

I definetly wouldn't mind having one for my swb. Way cooler than a new one.

CG · 12-17-2013, 10:44 PM

I let my Gem Top go with my K20 when I sold it. Its a period piece. Those Gem Tops are very sturdy, and heavy. Not everyone's cup of tea though. Some of my buddies, and my sons called it a grandpa canopy. I didn't care though, because I like the older look, plus I am a grandpa =)

ETsC10 · 12-18-2013, 01:17 AM

ryanmcb, as CG said, it is a period piece and campers & canopes of the era are coveted.

I would try to sell it on CL as a period-correct vintage canope. You can't beat Gem-tops!
Very tough! Too bad it's so far away.

ryanmcb · 12-18-2013, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ETsC10

ryanmcb, as CG said, it is a period piece and campers & canopes of the era are coveted.

I would try to sell it on CL as a period-correct vintage canope. You can't beat Gem-tops!
Very tough! Too bad it's so far away.

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm getting more convinced that many like these because they fit the era of truck. Your right, it is quality made. Thanks for the listing tip.

**special-K** · 12-18-2013, 08:19 AM

Too bad it's been painted. Gem Top was a big brand name. They had were offered coast to coast. We had a facility here in MD till not so long ago (it seems). I almost bought a '69 CST/30 Longhorn that had one made to fit. There's a boom in the vintage speed equipment market these days The vintage truck accessory market is probably not too far behind. Just gotta give all the newbies a chance to catch up. The day will come,and there are already enlightened ones out there. I have a Winnebago one,but it needs work It's at a friend's farm. He isn't storing it,he is using it for storage!

**WIDESIDE72** · 12-18-2013, 08:30 AM

I have a heavy fiberglass one i put on a pickup bed trailer for swap meets. It was free. I have been loking for a lighter aluminum one for a while. I gave one i found in a ditch to my brother to haul his tools back to virginia in a 71 cheyenne super and the other brother left the one that wason my uncles 72 cheyenne since new when he bought it from him. D'oh!

eastxbbqman · 12-18-2013, 07:08 PM

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All six of these windows crank out. Gotta keep the old stuff.

chopnchaneled · 12-19-2013, 04:18 PM

Would love to have one for my 68 stepper.

oem4me · 05-31-2016, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanmcb

I don't post much but I have a question.
I have a truck that has a vintage shell (Gem-Top). I was just wondering if there is a market for these things for people trying to keep a period look. Looks like all aluminum, wind out windows, locking handle with key. oh yeah, this thing is near mint, seriously. Been in a garage it's whole life.
Anyway, as I lifted off the truck and put it in the shop I wondered if people want these things and didn't know who else to ask but truck guys.

One more question. I found it interesting that it has camper registration tags. It looks like just a topper to me. I really don't think I would have to register anything like this in my state. Is that pretty common elsewhere to register a shell?

Did you ever find a home for this shell? I'd almost consider making the drive to find one that clean! Awesome!

ryanmcb · 05-31-2016, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oem4me

Did you ever find a home for this shell? I'd almost consider making the drive to find one that clean! Awesome!

I actually sold the entire truck and shell to JoesJunk. He posted a thread about it. I'm not sure if he still as the topper or not, but the entire truck was in amazing conditions. I don't know if Joe still has the truck either.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=621559

54blackhornet · 05-31-2016, 05:09 PM

I have to ask you guys about aluminum Alaskan pop up campers ? An elderly gent down the road from me has one sitting on a 60's Ford. I've been meaning to talk to him about it for years, just seem to never get around to it. Will try to get a photo of it, mabey somone can shed some light on its value or if it's even worth screwing around with. Thanks for posting photos of the toppers, plenty of them still in use in Eastern Oregon

12-17-2013, 02:21 AM	#1
ryanmcb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Grantsville, Ut Posts: 164	Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? I don't post much but I have a question. I have a truck that has a vintage shell (Gem-Top). I was just wondering if there is a market for these things for people trying to keep a period look. Looks like all aluminum, wind out windows, locking handle with key. oh yeah, this thing is near mint, seriously. Been in a garage it's whole life. Anyway, as I lifted off the truck and put it in the shop I wondered if people want these things and didn't know who else to ask but truck guys. One more question. I found it interesting that it has camper registration tags. It looks like just a topper to me. I really don't think I would have to register anything like this in my state. Is that pretty common elsewhere to register a shell? Attached Images Last edited by ryanmcb; 12-17-2013 at 02:27 AM.

12-17-2013, 09:34 AM	#2
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,393	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? - I would put it on craigslist and see what happens. It probably isn't going to bring a lot of money but that would be better than taking it to the salvage yard... It looks like it is in good shape. I think the camper registration would be for getting into the state owned campgrounds, not for actually registering the shell itself. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

12-17-2013, 09:49 AM	#3
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 15,955	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? I like it wish you were closer __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man

12-17-2013, 11:15 AM	#5
TBONE1964 Cluster King Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Junction City, OR Posts: 5,263	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? I had one on my 1964 short bed and I could not give it away. It was a GEM-TOP and was installed at the dealership when the truck was new. I posted it for sale everywhere and thought that someone doing a period correct restoration may be interested but not so. It may be one of those things that always sell like hot cakes until you want to sell yours Good luck, Tom __________________ Contact me on all of your gauge cluster needs. I specialize in restoration, repair and parts sales for 67-72 Chevy and GMC trucks. email me at tbonegarris@yahoo.com I am also a dealer for Counterpart for gauge cluster parts only. Also see my facebook page, CG&C

12-17-2013, 11:29 AM	#6
Fatherof3 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: North Bend Wa Posts: 355	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? If you have a place you can hang it up out of the way I would hang on to it. The day will come when people are looking for those __________________ 65 C20 292 4spd 4:56 Eaton HO52

12-17-2013, 12:27 PM	#7
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? Had one several years ago. Someone gave to me. Super heavy thing, cab height. Found that the rear upper lift door get weak from abuse. Finally just unloaded it some place. Forget where I left it but used it as a cover for firewood storage for years. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

12-17-2013, 01:38 PM	#8
ryanmcb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Grantsville, Ut Posts: 164	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? Ok, thanks everyone for the input. I really don't want to store it, it just gets in the way. I don't want to scrap it because it is soooo nice and I think someone out would use it/appreciate it. I'll probably just list it cheap and hope someone can use it.

12-17-2013, 02:00 PM	#9
Tropical Snowstorm Lurky lurky Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 553	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? I always look out for stuff like this, I would love one for my truck since I actually take it camping/hunting and think the newer sleeker campers look out of place on older trucks. __________________ Current slooooow build 1972 Cheyenne Super 1972 C10, sold thread 1970 Camaro RS Family Heirloom

12-17-2013, 02:06 PM	#11
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,452	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? you might try the tin can tourists there was a group of them at a show i went to last summer http://www.tincantourists.com/ Attached Images __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project

12-17-2013, 07:39 PM	#14
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,831	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? I would take it if you were closer. Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

12-17-2013, 08:16 PM	#15
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? I definetly wouldn't mind having one for my swb. Way cooler than a new one. __________________ 67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project,

12-17-2013, 10:44 PM	#16
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,817	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? I let my Gem Top go with my K20 when I sold it. Its a period piece. Those Gem Tops are very sturdy, and heavy. Not everyone's cup of tea though. Some of my buddies, and my sons called it a grandpa canopy. I didn't care though, because I like the older look, plus I am a grandpa =) __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

12-18-2013, 01:17 AM	#17
ETsC10 Hand Crafted C-10 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Burien, WA Posts: 5,180	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? ryanmcb, as CG said, it is a period piece and campers & canopes of the era are coveted. I would try to sell it on CL as a period-correct vintage canope. You can't beat Gem-tops! Very tough! Too bad it's so far away.

12-18-2013, 08:19 AM	#19
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? Too bad it's been painted. Gem Top was a big brand name. They had were offered coast to coast. We had a facility here in MD till not so long ago (it seems). I almost bought a '69 CST/30 Longhorn that had one made to fit. There's a boom in the vintage speed equipment market these days The vintage truck accessory market is probably not too far behind. Just gotta give all the newbies a chance to catch up. The day will come,and there are already enlightened ones out there. I have a Winnebago one,but it needs work It's at a friend's farm. He isn't storing it,he is using it for storage! __________________ "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 ~ Last edited by special-K; 12-18-2013 at 09:33 PM.

12-18-2013, 08:30 AM	#20
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? I have a heavy fiberglass one i put on a pickup bed trailer for swap meets. It was free. I have been loking for a lighter aluminum one for a while. I gave one i found in a ditch to my brother to haul his tools back to virginia in a 71 cheyenne super and the other brother left the one that wason my uncles 72 cheyenne since new when he bought it from him. D'oh!



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12-18-2013, 07:08 PM	#21
eastxbbqman Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: winnsboro,tx Posts: 103	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? All six of these windows crank out. Gotta keep the old stuff.

12-19-2013, 04:18 PM	#22
chopnchaneled Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 1,050	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? Would love to have one for my 68 stepper. __________________ I don't think we get smarter as we get older. We just run out of Stupid things to do.

05-31-2016, 05:09 PM	#25
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,302	Re: Is There A Market For Vintage Shells? I have to ask you guys about aluminum Alaskan pop up campers ? An elderly gent down the road from me has one sitting on a 60's Ford. I've been meaning to talk to him about it for years, just seem to never get around to it. Will try to get a photo of it, mabey somone can shed some light on its value or if it's even worth screwing around with. Thanks for posting photos of the toppers, plenty of them still in use in Eastern Oregon __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

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