Bel Air truck shells

[highdesertranger]

ok I am going to get down to Bel-Air camper shells and do a Q and A with them.  here's a link to their web site,  http://belairshells.com/ .  they have three types of shells,  fiberglass,  aluminum on wood,  and aluminum on aluminum.  I have dealt with them in the past and find them to be a good company to work with. so I want to know any of your questions you might have.  even if you do not plan to purchase a shell from them or a shell at all,  but have a general question about shells.  I know they will custom build a aluminum on wood,  don't know about the others.  so post up your questions here.  ask what you want an answer to,  like off roadability, type of insulation,  about custom designs,  mounting of solar,  roof vents,  windows,  etc, etc.  or whatever.   highdesertranger

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

As far as their Aluminum on Aluminum shells go, I don't believe they are building them themselves, they list Century and Workmate.  Those two brands are available at dealers all over the country.  There's a Century dealer about 40 miles away from me here in NY.

Regards
John

 

[Starbuck]

General questions (for which I am looking for ball park answers, not brand specific):
Which of the 3 types of shells gives the best off-roadability to weight ratio?
Does placing screws into aluminum ribs have a severe impact on their long term performance?
Is yes to the above question, what is the best method to attach items (ply liner, light duty hooks) to aluminum ribs?
In regards to aero-dynamics and mileage, which is the best cab-over nose style?
Specific to the Belair alum. on wood:
What is the weight capacity of the larger style cab-over portion?
On an install, (for a larger fee, of course) would they do a remove the rear window of a truck and install a boot between the truck cab and shell?
I am guessing that the best method of attaching solar panels to the roof would be using an externally framed rack over the shell?

Thanks so much HDR and others that are willing to share your experience and time!
kelly

 

[Lafnbug]

In addition to Starbuck's:
1. What is the maximum length of the cab-over portion? I'm trying to get 9' 6" of flat roof length for a 6' truck bed (for my solar)
2. To achieve the above 9'6" roof, can an overhang be built over the rear door? Say 12", or at least to bumper?
3. Looking for an approximate weight for a 36" tall cab-over, wood & alum, including the rear door section
4. Can the rear door be installed off center?
5. Can the rear door swing to either side?
6. In the wood & alum shells, can insulation be added between the layers during construction? If so, $$$?
7. Can they make an all aluminum cab-over version? If so, guesstimate on price?
8. Can the windows in the sides be deleted, or smaller ones used? Can the position of them be changed?

This is getting out of hand! I guess I should just call them!

 

[highdesertranger]

got it Starbuck will add your questions. btw nice looking truck. highdesertranger

 

[Lafnbug]

9. Can the shell be made wider, overhanging the sides of the bed, for a few inches more width? This looks possible on #C10...
10. Can the roof vent be deleted?

 

[Starbuck]

btw nice looking truck.  highdesertranger

Knew I should have pointed out that the pic is from Belair's site.    Hope to get truck that nice.

 

[DannyB1954]

For off road durability, I don't think fiberglass can be beat. Everything else will have fasteners holding it together that can work loose. New is awfully nice, but expensive. Often you can get used shells cheap.

I think that most of the weight of a truck camper is the stuff they put in them. If one took an old cab over camper and completely gutted it, you would have a shell for a couple of hundred dollars. http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/rvs/5287599309.html
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/rvs/5282593472.html
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/rvs/5281575581.html
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/rvs/5276561810.html
I thought about going this route, but I turned my pickup into a flat bed, so I would like to be able to use the 7'x7' floor space.
Just a thought.

 

[highdesertranger]

bump. get your questions in I am going to try to get down there by Dec. 1. highdesertranger

 

[TMG51]

bump.  get your questions in I am going to try to get down there by Dec. 1.   highdesertranger

When in doubt, we all like pictures.

 

[johnd]

Do they insulate their shells?