Camper shell question

[Gen Disarray]

I have been looking for a shell for my 1997 F250 for a while now and have had some problems finding a match.

I think I have found one but it is the wrong color. So my question is, how big of a deal is it to paint one of the fiberglass ones?

[nymphfishin]

Rodney
Dont know about the $$$ to repaint. What color/length ya need?
I ran acress a 8' topper yesterday that was Teal Green, sliding window looked like decent shape. $500/offer.

[Gen Disarray]

Originally Posted by nymphfishin

Rodney
Dont know about the $$$ to repaint. What color/length ya need?
I ran acress a 8' topper yesterday that was Teal Green, sliding window looked like decent shape. $500/offer.

The bed is 100''x72". Looking for red. Funny enough, the one I am thinking about is also green.....

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

... So my question is, how big of a deal is it to paint one of the fiberglass ones?

Painting the shell is easy. It will look like a million bucks even if I painted it.

How long the paint stays there is another thing.

When I was forced to paint some plastic interior parts for my Suburban, I solicited the advice of the parts man behind the counter of an automotive paint store. He sold me special primer, special paint, and a respirator to use while applying said components. You can read more detail here.

That was almost two years ago, and everything still looks great.

You will probably have to rough-up the surface, too. But make sure you spray a suitable primer and paint.

Tom

[Gen Disarray]

So this is something any body shop could do without a big hassle then? Maybe this is the route to go.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

So this is something any body shop could do without a big hassle then? Maybe this is the route to go.

Ask them how they plan to produce a quality, long-lasting paint job. If they bristle, then find another shop.

A good paint shop wants the color to last as long as you do.

Tom

[2airishuman]

depends on the original top coat...

most newer shells are covered with automotive paint and some are clearcoated too...

so changing colors is as easy 'uh oh better get ...'

but some older shells are gel coat, not paint.

painting over gelcoat can be an issue.

and IF u want the new red to match the old red...

the greens gotta go first or be covered with grey primier...

cheers
2air'

[easyride]

Just bought new truck,kept old shell,all my windows screwed out,so i took to Macco bare shell,they metal flaked to a perfect match for $450.That`s in Naples [where every is higher] and it was i high shell.Hope this helps.D.R.

[ebair]

On my third truck, under the same fiberglass shell, second truck was a close match so I left it, latest one was painted for 450.00 they pulled all the windows and drilled the rivets off the back glass and sliding pass through, sanded the whole thing, filled the logo holes and shot it with color and clear coat, remounted the windows and set it back on the truck.
Looks great and cost a third of a new one

[Dooley]

Go for it. Get it painted. I had an old jel coated truck cap and had it painted at a Chevy dealership with color and clear coat finish. I don't know what products they used to get it to stick and stay but it lasted for many years and out lasted the paint on my tow vehicle. Just take it to an expert. It still cheaper than a new one.

[TBRich]

Any autobody shop should be able to repaint your shell (I'd take it to a good one, nonetheless). Walk through the job needs with them so you konw what you are expecting. Be sure you give them the necessary paint color info for your truck...they should be able to match it farily closely...and get a warranty on the work should any problems arrise.