Has anyone built there own topper, cap, camper shell?
#16
I've seen some nice ones, (and helped build one) made from hardwood 1X2's, covered with 1/8' plywood (doorskin). The 1/8' plywood can even be curved. The 1X2's are glued and stapled to form a frame, the plywood stapled over it. The whole thing is then fiberglassed inside and out. You can easily fit windows, door, etc. Good source of windows is junked campers. The smaller ones sometimes had some smaller windows that worked out quite well.
“The problem with Socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.” Margaret Thatcher
“The problem with Socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.” Margaret Thatcher
#18
#19
Keep your eyes open for deals, they're out there.
I looked for about 6 months before I found a fiberglass top for my truck. And it wasn't even the right one, but it fit. I'm using a pre-99 SD topper on my truck. The rails don't line up 100% but enough to bolt it down.
I got it for $50 and traded the guy a set of used Rancho RS9000 shocks (which I installed on his truck). We were both more than satisfied with our transaction.
6+ years later, I'm still using the same camper (with an Earl Scheib paint job to match the truck).
I got tired of lifting it up into my truck everytime by myself so I bought a camper lift for it at http://www.topcaplift.com/.
I looked for about 6 months before I found a fiberglass top for my truck. And it wasn't even the right one, but it fit. I'm using a pre-99 SD topper on my truck. The rails don't line up 100% but enough to bolt it down.
I got it for $50 and traded the guy a set of used Rancho RS9000 shocks (which I installed on his truck). We were both more than satisfied with our transaction.
6+ years later, I'm still using the same camper (with an Earl Scheib paint job to match the truck).
I got tired of lifting it up into my truck everytime by myself so I bought a camper lift for it at http://www.topcaplift.com/.
#20
Do it! You have the skills to make something good! Some nice cedar strip over a sturdy frame will look great.
I am in the process of building a plywood enclosure for the back of mine. It will store my dirtbike when I'm finished. It's slow going working around the limitations of a pickup box. The last one I did was on a cab chassis and was much easier to make.
If you want to see a wild project, read the construction diaries of this Australian photographer: http://www.robgray.com/graynomad/wot...izat/index.php
I am in the process of building a plywood enclosure for the back of mine. It will store my dirtbike when I'm finished. It's slow going working around the limitations of a pickup box. The last one I did was on a cab chassis and was much easier to make.
If you want to see a wild project, read the construction diaries of this Australian photographer: http://www.robgray.com/graynomad/wot...izat/index.php
#22
LOL! Sorry, I couldn't resist. If you did a really good job I suppose it would look fine. You might research a little bit how RV's are made. Might be some useful techniques in there you could use.
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#29
Build your own, I have lived out in the sticks before and you do what you have to do! Remember function over fashion. You could cut a template of the shape of your cab and cedar siding and cedar shakes, looks great.
I have seen it done even with matching cedar bumpers
Just my $.02 worth
Colin
I have seen it done even with matching cedar bumpers
Just my $.02 worth
Colin
#30
OK if i was going to make my own top i would base it off the turtle expedition.
Turtle Expedition
Turtle Expedition