It took longer than I expected, but I finally finished the framework for my homebuilt bed-shell.



(better pics when the sun rises tomorrow...)

Now I know what your thinking... "What kinda crazy damn redneck is this guy anyways?" lol, but hear me out...

I'm adding benches to the inside that fold up out of the way when not in use, so I don't cut down any further on the already small space in the stepside. I'm also drilling holes in the top of the 8 support beams (4 on each side) and will use tent poles to stretch across the top. These poles will support a tarp that will be stretched across the top of the wooden "shell" making a rain-proof camper shell.

The whole thing is built so that it will lift out easily with only two people. So it isn't permanent. Worst case scenario is I finish this project and hate it a month later, I can always reuse the lumber for something else. I'm pretty darn happy with the way it's turned out so far though. I should note the wood has not been treated yet, and will be getting some SPAR varnish soon. I'm also debating painting it, but I dunno...

Opinions?

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2001 Ford Ranger XLT - 4x4 - 4-Door extended cab - Flareside - 3.0 V6
Westin Brush Guard, K&N Air Filter, Air Silencer Mod, Torsion Bar cranked/leveled, Campershell,

Seams like a good idea, and it looks clean.

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2001 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 V6 Automatic.
1995 Acura Integra LS
PNW Crew!
http://www.facebook.com/aaron.ariens

Looks well built. Post a pic from the rear to check it out better.

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05 Mitsubishi Lancer LS
03 Ford Ranger XL - SOLD!
01 Honda Civic LX

Looks professionally done, very nice!

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2006 Ford Ranger Sport 4.0 2WD on 32x11.50R15s
-3" Doetsch Spindle Lift


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Dude WTF!!

Usually that's the kind of idea that'd make me laugh my ass off, but you made it look great!

I'd say make the wook look at least one or two shades darker than it already is (it stands out too much as-is).

MAN i can't believe your model pulls off that look so well.. haha

x2

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Ursus - 2009 Ford Ranger FX4
BedRug, BakFlip HD, Pop&Lock PL8200 tailgate lock, Sportz tent

and what was wrong with searching craigslist for a legit camper shell? imo the wait to find one at a decent price would be better than driving around looking like the beverly hillbillies... how is jethro btw?

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2001 Ford Ranger Supercab (4dr), Oxford White, 4.0 Sohc, 4x4, Manual trans (hurst equipped), 4:10's, 3" body lift.

I haven't stained it yet, literally just finished putting it together an hour before taking those pics. It will look darker after applying SPAR varnish and whatever paint/finish I decide on.

Lol, well call me an Okie but I like it. It was a fun project too, much more fun than just buying some old POS shell from craigslist and still having to repaint it to match the truck. Plus this way I have something unique and got to use my hands to build it.

As for Jethro and the beverly hillbillies... I don't really watch a whole lot of TV so I don't entirely get the joke. I guess they probably had an old 1920-1930 pickup truck? The wood sides were once a factory option on some Ford trucks you know.

Hopefully I will be able to get some better pics taken today. Thanks everybody for the compliments.

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2001 Ford Ranger XLT - 4x4 - 4-Door extended cab - Flareside - 3.0 V6
Westin Brush Guard, K&N Air Filter, Air Silencer Mod, Torsion Bar cranked/leveled, Campershell,

WOW. Normally I would say that is really redneck but you did a very nice job and I actually kinda like it.

Good Work!!!

I like it! I'd roll with it.

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Sold my truck, still a fan.

redneck for sure! But when I moved to Montana for college that's what I did to increase my carrying capacity lol I'd rock it again if I had too, yours looks 50 times better then mine did. Good craftsmanship man!

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97 Ranger - 4.0 V6 auto, 4wd, 31x10.5x15s Wild Country XTX Sport All Terrains, Warn locking hubs, Pioneer deck with iPod attachment, Snugtop Topper, K&N filter, scan gauge II, Hella 500 Lights, More parts coming, waiting for the paycheck to get bigger!

Truck built in loving memory of Norm Howard
Outcast Racing
PNW Crew!!!
Afterhours Clan!!

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2001 Ford Ranger XLT - 4x4 - 4-Door extended cab - Flareside - 3.0 V6
Westin Brush Guard, K&N Air Filter, Air Silencer Mod, Torsion Bar cranked/leveled, Campershell,

Finally got the stain and SPAR varnish on it.

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2001 Ford Ranger XLT - 4x4 - 4-Door extended cab - Flareside - 3.0 V6
Westin Brush Guard, K&N Air Filter, Air Silencer Mod, Torsion Bar cranked/leveled, Campershell,

I think it looks super clean

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2008 XLT 4x4 - GRABBER ORANGE - 4.0 V6 - 5 spd
PNW CREW

As an avid camper/canoer, I'm digging it.

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'02 XLT ext. cab 4.0 4x4 Off Road
Usual mods
Unusual color
Only a real man can pimp DWB