I am starting this thread, be it my first as well, to let you all follow along to my custom 4runner shell build project.

I recently acquired my 89 4runner which I appropriately named "Hulk". Tattered and torn, but a strong yota at heart. I have been wanting to build a custom 'camper' shell which I could effectively use for adventuring/ camping/ living quarters when the inevitable apocalypse strikes.

I removed the old busted and ugly stock shell, and have been cruising around topless and loving it. It was good to remove the shell to see how I can mount a new one. The 4runner is a great truck to build this for due to the mounting system and pre-threaded holes.

This build needs to stay relatively lightweight, compact, and minimalistic.

If you have any experience, or want to see someone make all the mistakes before you try it, feel free to chime in and follow along.

 

 

http://www.softopper.com/ They make a great soft top for these. folds down like a convertible. Super cool.

 

I like the soft toppers, but am looking to build something taller in size for more headroom. I live in the mountains and have cold winters, so insulation is a must. Think of a homemade truck camper shell. Thats the idea I am shooting for.

 

There's an Australian company that makes compact camper trailers, but I can't remember the name. Ultra slick design with maximum use of space. If I were building it, I'd pirate as much of their design ideas as I could.

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/354234...7650587191791/
I have a truck called a fun runner. It is made by leisure odyssey. Its basically a custom camper shell truck. What they did was sit it on top of the cab a little bit. I can take more pictures of the outside mounting area, but not the inside since I haven't had the top off yet.