Camper shell adaptation - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jeff1971 · 02-14-2019, 02:38 PM

Call me nuts but.......

Has anybody ever tried to merge an original Blazer topper with a newer camper shell? It would take a very close match. Something like one of the utility shells with no side windows that would allow you to insert the blazer side windows. I don't think a soft top would ever work for me so I'm looking for options.

I've got a half cab that may serve as a test template. I'll never cut it, it's too rare.

Given the shape of many of the original tops there may have to be a Frankenstein in the future. I have had zero luck trying to find a second top to restore. I'm in Idaho. The pool of spares is quite low here.

Thanks

hemi43 · 02-14-2019, 08:50 PM

What you need to be careful of is going over weight legally. Technically, I'm over weight with just me driving my Blazer. I'm surprised no one has brought up this subject before. My 1970 Blazer has a GVWR of 5000 Lbs (metal tag in driver's door opening). Odd part is that my Blazer weighs 4850 Lbs and that's with a Softopper. So legally, I can't weigh more than 150 Lbs or else I'll be over. The GVWR was raised in 71 and 72, but still only to 5500 Lbs. Makes absolutely no sense IMO.

Jeff1971 · 02-14-2019, 09:54 PM

Might have to make my roll bar out of something lighter! Too bad titanium is so darn expensive.

Good point.

Jeff

**jaros44sr** · 02-15-2019, 10:59 AM

did they change the GVWR in '73, when they sold the chalet camper, seems that would add alot of wieght

Maybe they added helper springs or bags to the rear?

A chalet would work with your 1/2 top, just change tail lites to 72, or a 4WD camper top like cleskie

hemi43 · 02-15-2019, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff1971

Might have to make my roll bar out of something lighter! Too bad titanium is so darn expensive.

Good point.

Jeff

Need to go to Russia for cheap titanium. Just welded some last night as a matter of fact. LOL

02-14-2019, 02:38 PM	#1
Jeff1971 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Weiser Idaho Posts: 68	Camper shell adaptation Call me nuts but....... Has anybody ever tried to merge an original Blazer topper with a newer camper shell? It would take a very close match. Something like one of the utility shells with no side windows that would allow you to insert the blazer side windows. I don't think a soft top would ever work for me so I'm looking for options. I've got a half cab that may serve as a test template. I'll never cut it, it's too rare. Given the shape of many of the original tops there may have to be a Frankenstein in the future. I have had zero luck trying to find a second top to restore. I'm in Idaho. The pool of spares is quite low here. Thanks

02-14-2019, 08:50 PM	#2
hemi43 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 1,526	Re: Camper shell adaptation What you need to be careful of is going over weight legally. Technically, I'm over weight with just me driving my Blazer. I'm surprised no one has brought up this subject before. My 1970 Blazer has a GVWR of 5000 Lbs (metal tag in driver's door opening). Odd part is that my Blazer weighs 4850 Lbs and that's with a Softopper. So legally, I can't weigh more than 150 Lbs or else I'll be over. The GVWR was raised in 71 and 72, but still only to 5500 Lbs. Makes absolutely no sense IMO.

02-14-2019, 09:54 PM	#3
Jeff1971 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Weiser Idaho Posts: 68	Re: Camper shell adaptation Might have to make my roll bar out of something lighter! Too bad titanium is so darn expensive. Good point. Jeff

02-15-2019, 10:59 AM	#4
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,764	Re: Camper shell adaptation did they change the GVWR in '73, when they sold the chalet camper, seems that would add alot of wieght Maybe they added helper springs or bags to the rear? A chalet would work with your 1/2 top, just change tail lites to 72, or a 4WD camper top like cleskie __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim Last edited by jaros44sr; 02-15-2019 at 11:14 AM.



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