1999 Chevy S10 ZR2 Camper build.

[javajoe79]

Also I took some measurements the other day when I took the camper off the truck. I jacked up corners of the truck until it lifted wheels to simulate off road flex. Then I measured across from the top of the cab to the opposite frame corner. Never saw more then a half inch difference. I believe the mounts I am using can soak that up no problem.

 

[javajoe79]

It's alive! Takes about 2 minutes flat to open all the way.

 

[Colorado_Outback]

Nice! its looking good.

 

[javajoe79]

Yes you can exit through the cab. You could also access the motor and disconnect the shaft and manually lift it up as the roof is pretty light. Planning on locking pins at the corners so it can be locked in the up position for stability and strength while open.

 

[javajoe79]

More progress..... The upper structure is nearly done. I finished adding X bracing in all the spots that will have it. The open area over the sleeping area will have a large, nearly full width, screened, vent that will open with a crank handle like the smaller roof vents that you see on a typical camper. The rear wall of the upper structure will have a large sliding window with insulated panes. I am having custom shaped insulated, safety glass windows made to fit within the wall along the side. Two of the triangular openings on each side will be fixed windows. I also got my initial shipment of sika 252 and a pneumatic caulking gun. I have a little welding to do on the floor structure yet, then I plan on skinning that section first as "practice"

 

[Buddha.]

Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[javajoe79]

I fabbed and bonded on the panels for the underside of the lower section yesterday using sika 252. I used a pneumatic gun that I am really glad I bought. It made it effortless. This is some impressive stuff! It grabs right away but allows you to fine tune the alignment of each panel. Then it seem to want to take a set at the predetermined joint size based on the size of the bead that is laid down. Pretty simple. I wanted to do the underside first as a test for my first time sort of. Now I am not so worried about the rest.

 

[Buddha.]

I used to install interior panels in metro buses with that Sika, can't tell you how many articles of clothing that stuff ruined.

 

[chilliwak]

Cool looking project Java. I cant wait to see more pics of your progress. Please keep us posted. Cheers, Chilli..

 

[javajoe79]

Will do for sure. I got a rear window assembly for it so next on the list is mounting that up.

 

[javajoe79]

I got the rear window structure fabbed up and bonded to the wall structure with sika. The window frame shown holds two tinted, insulated panels that tilt open at the bottom and have screens in them. Got the assembly for only $60 on ebay and it seems pretty nice.

 

[chilliwak]

Some sweet looking fabrication there Java! Are you holding that window in place with Sikabond alone?:Wow1:

 

[javajoe79]

It's Sika 252 and about 8 rivets but the rivets were just there to hold it in place. The sika alone should be permanent. I used a shrinker to form the piece that the window mounts to then built the tubes in the wall with just enough space to fill with Sika in between the tubes and the piece that the window mounts to. I riveted around the perimeter and put two washers per rivet in between the tubing and the piece the window mounts to. I will later seal the window frame itself to the camper with rivets and butyl tape probably

 

[chilliwak]

Java thats what I call some serious fabrication. I work as a carpenter and use Sika products all the time. Thanks for keeping us updated....:wings:

 

[javajoe79]

Java thats what I call some serious fabrication. I work as a carpenter and use Sika products all the time. Thanks for keeping us updated....:wings:

Thanks!

Here are some pics from today. Was finish welding a bunch on the lower section so I took the top off. Here it is all by itself. It's pretty stiff as is. I can lift one corner and it only lifts about an inch before the other corner lifts. Once the skin goes on, I suspect it will be very rigid.