Converting camper shell to pop-up?

[TwoTrack]

I'm sure someone has done this, or atleast thought about it. Does anyone have a build thread? I searched and didnt come across anything. I am seriously considering doing this.

 

[SafariPacific]

There's a couple contraptions out there. One lifts the shell strait up and another tilts it from one side. There's a couple posts of them on the forum here, just can't remember where. If I were to use a camper shell again I'd make it work like a Westfalia. That way the sides are bolted in place instead of having the whole weight on a couple hinges.

 

[TwoTrack]

I was thinking more of the straight up version. Hadn't really thought much about the Westfalia but I think that would suit my needs as well.

 

[gallinastrips]

would like to see that link too. Think this could be a good idea if done right

 

[Deleted member 9101]

I have spent many hours thinking of taking a camper shell and bolting on a RTT on top.. one of the ones that pops up and has a hard case. I think it woudl be pretty straight forward... and although you woudl lost yous ability to have a roof rack.. you could gain a couple of feet in head room. Cut a hole in the roof of the camper and the floor of the rtt and you have instant head room.

 

[TwoTrack]

Jnich, at that point you might as well invest in a Flippac. I like the idea of the flippac but don't really see it being all that great in rough weather, especially lots of wind and rain.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Jnich, at that point you might as well invest in a Flippac. I like the idea of the flippac but don't really see it being all that great in rough weather, especially lots of wind and rain.

Yeah..honestly I like the concept of a flippac but I really hate the way they look.

There is a guy on here who built a killer hard sided pop up camper shell for a tacoma.

 

[Harp]

Flippac in wind and rain

I have used my Flippac in some pretty good storms and wind. With the fly on had no major issues no leaks. The only down side is stuffing the rain fly in a garbage bag for the ride home. Being able to close it in 20 seconds is nice when weather is threatening. I did get caught without the fly and it still held up well with just a little water getting in. closed it wet and opened it the next day was bone dry in 4 hours.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I would think the best way would be to find an existing pop top (like an old Westfalia top), and cut it off, then attach it to a camper shell. That way you have the roof and the lift mechanism already constructed.

 

[alpinered]

hey anchorshot are you still thinking about this conversion? i've been contemplating the same thing. let me know if you've found any new ideas, etc.

 

[IDFYF8]

I asked this same question about a month ago with no leads. The westfalia top is too long and the curvature makes it difficult to modify. I picked a used one up on Craigslist and it just doesn't work.

 

[RR1]

Not exactly a pop-"top", would be more weather resistant.

http://www.quickupcamper.com/

Not a camper shell, but some ideas. You can make your own molds and make the top out of glass, or weld up some aluminum. Mock up in card board or styrofoam.

http://www.desert-tec.de/html/minihubdach.html

http://www.o-r-b.ch/

 

[whitewatersully]

I have been thinking about the same idea. I was looking to use a hard tonneau cover as the lifting part along with some soft sides like the sportmaster camp-along.

 

[TwoTrack]

I think that if you really want something along these lines the flippac is the way to go. I think after the conversion is done you would have about the same money in it as just buying the flippac.