DIY hardtop camper shell

[OKStingRay]

You do nice work.

Thank you, going together fairly smooth so far. Hopefully continues that way.

Sponsored

 

[OKStingRay]

When my wife came out to my shop and saw the 47 in this condition after some work with a sawzall , she knew I would be spending more money and time on another project, but is always in total support of these kinds of projects. A year later, we took the 47 for its first drive as a truck.

I get a lot of question from hard core Jeep folks wanting to know what model Jeep I have, as they have never seen one before…it’s one of one.

As I noted, I love quality DIY projects…everything doesn’t need to be bought off the shelf.

I bet that was a fun project, such a cool idea. Keep the original powertrain? Have a friend that just got a pair of flat fenders, hes going to love yours when I show him. Always nice when the wife is on board!

 

[Idlethunder]

Sorry, I'm not sure. I looked when I bought it and didn't find any markings anywhere.

I was just curious because it looks like one of ours. We made aluminum camper shells until about 2005. If we had built it, there would have been a small black and silver data plate most probably in the lower left corner by the rear door held in place by two screws or rivets.

The project is coming along nicely

 

[OKStingRay]

I was just curious because it looks like one of ours. We made aluminum camper shells until about 2005. If we had built it, there would have been a small black and silver data plate most probably in the lower left corner by the rear door held in place by two screws or rivets.

The project is coming along nicely

I was just curious because it looks like one of ours. We made aluminum camper shells until about 2005. If we had built it, there would have been a small black and silver data plate most probably in the lower left corner by the rear door held in place by two screws or rivets.

The project is coming along nicely

That would be interesting if it was one of yours. It was pretty beat up and had been repainted at some point so maybe they removed the plate.

 

[Idlethunder]

That would be interesting if it was one of yours. It was pretty beat up and had been repainted at some point so maybe they removed the plate.

At this point there is no way to know for certain but it sure looks familiar. Almost everything we used building those came from State Wide Aluminum in Fort Worth but we were far from the only people making aluminum camper shells.

 

[OKStingRay]

At this point there is no way to know for certain but it sure looks familiar. Almost everything we used building those came from State Wide Aluminum in Fort Worth but we were far from the only people making aluminum camper shells.

Well if you did make it thanks for putting such nice big doors on the thing. Took quite awhile to find one with doors like that.

 

[OKStingRay]

Had a little bit of time today to have the corners rounded out and everything ready for paint and bedliner. I'm Probably going to drill the holes for the cross bar mounts a little big and get the walls coated with the chassis saver and maybe some bedliner.

Think I'm also going to order some stingray aerosol cans to color match the shell doors. They are in need of some tlc.

 

[Figmo]

question: since your making this thing yourself....why didn't you radius the rear corners to match the curvature of the top bedrails?

 

[OKStingRay]

question: since your making this thing yourself....why didn't you radius the rear corners to match the curvature of the top bedrails?

I would have liked to match it up better, but the rear hatch I am working with doesn't line up with tailgate well. I had to extended it out to get a good seal, so I just kept it straight and easy. Rounding it off wouldn't have left much room for the hatch frame.

 

[Blade1668]

At this point there is no way to know for certain but it sure looks familiar. Almost everything we used building those came from State Wide Aluminum in Fort Worth but we were far from the only people making aluminum camper shells.

Yeah there is or was quite a few companies making them. I had one made as a low cover for my Comanche in early 90's. When I was getting it done I wanted them to put hinges on the sides to open from the sides. I was looked at like I had horns growing out my head. So I did it myself.
Now back to the thread.
Nice work it looks like. No shame in your game on the heck with it I'll make it myself. To many cookies cutter approach on lil manufacture and sell this it almost fits X,Y and Z vehicle or applications but not great for any. I'll not name any company by name, likely some are members here even.

 

[OKStingRay]

Got everything mocked up how I want it. Will get everything drilled tomorrow. 

My brother is a wizard with fusion 360 and made a quick render of the shell. He will be 3d printing the lettering and the armadillo so we can attach them while the wood is still bare. Then we will make some gray decals to go over them once the bedliner is cured. Will need to make some dead armadillo decals for my hood as well. Looks like the monstaliner won't get here for a couple weeks, so I will just be getting things mocked up for the interior of the shell in the meantime.

 

[OKStingRay]

I was still not happy with fitment and the seal around the tailgate. So, this morning I removed the factory trim, which allowed me to move the shell forward just a bit more. I am much happier with it, now I need to design and 3d print a new trim piece.

Agenda for the rest of the day is framing out the interior side door frames. I will be installing some T Slot track along them for mounting points. Plan on using them for removable mesh screens to keep the bugs out while camping.

 

[Gvellas]

I am much happier with it, now I need to design and 3d print a new trim piece.

https://superpacificusa.com/product...DRL0S3o8wF5-ii7ydYXSro3dSRPIyjjpsNb59N1CwPuAS

For $70 this is the option I went with. The lip on the gladiator tailgate cap interferes with most toppers, and this is the only company that makes a new trim piece to fix it.

 

[RudeJeepin]

https://superpacificusa.com/product...DRL0S3o8wF5-ii7ydYXSro3dSRPIyjjpsNb59N1CwPuAS

For $70 this is the option I went with. The lip on the gladiator tailgate cap interferes with most toppers, and this is the only company that makes a new trim piece to fix it.

Any pictures of this? I will need to replace mine eventually.
Thanks.

 

[Gvellas]

Any pictures of this? I will need to replace mine eventually.
Thanks.

I have it at home, I'll upload a pic when I get home if I remember. I haven't put it on yet, but I've seen others say that it works.

Sponsored