From Cheap to Painful: Restoring a Leaky $200 Truck Camper

This week I attempt to restore a cheap $200 leaking truck camper that I recently found on FB Marketplace. The topper is over 20 years old and is a complete disaster. Will I be able to bring it back to its former glory?
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[@stephaniesmythe8449]

Take the topper off first. clean, remove windows. Paint inside and out. Reinstall windows. Wear safety glasses or goggles. You did it the hard way, learned a lot, and I'm glad your eye is okay!

[@Britbabe53]

clean it with a micro cloth not pieces of kleenex :)

[@jonthebru]

So many of these KZbin people don't use simple safety equipment. They may be thinking they are living a great life, but don't wear safety glasses.

[@sjbock]

Would it have been easier to clean and paint if you had removed all the windows first?

[@Hike_Bike_Explore]

I agree. Why didn't he paint before reinstalling windows?

[@bonniepwtf]

The whole time I was watching you struggle all I could think of was how much patience you have. I am severely lacking in that so it always amazes me watching you do different projects how much resilience you have. Your eye, the bugs, shop vac dying, the heat, the old dirt on it, the parts showing up used & now unusable. Wow, lots to deal with this time.✌️

[@francineposa6103]

He is & always has been very patient!👍✅

[@michelewalters9421]

Two suggestions - Get a hydraulic hinge for your tailgate. When inside I can open from inside and the hydraulic hinge gently lowers the tailgate $30 - A tailgate hinge lock. It prevents thieves from driving past and taking 60 seconds to lift your tailgate…..Gone!! Dang thieves!! Amazon $20 - I also installed some strapping on the inside of my tailgate. Four straps and then I ran a short dog leash through and back in the straps. This allows me to pull up the tailgate from the inside. There is an oval panel in the tailgate the just pops out when you unscrew maybe eight screws. I drilled through the lift off panel and attached the woven strapping with nuts and bolts.

[@ericd1084]

Sorry Nate. I'm still laughing about the "you suck" etched into your window. 😬🤭🤣

[@jensing89]

Next paint job, I recommend painting when the windows are out, then popping them back in when you're all done.

[@noras.5355]

Hi Nate, seems like you're always working on something! lol So happy to see you back regularly on your channel.

[@joshakaoger69]

"FLITZ" is really good marine grade Polish you can use on glass plastic etc spray nine also works great for cleaning 👍

[@davidc8694]

Try buffing the window scratches with toothpaste. I've done it several times with mixed results, but I've always been able to at least improve the appearance. Good luck!

[@ofacekillah]

I picked up a shell for $100 for my 03 Ranger long bed! Was hard to find and had to drive 100 miles to get it. Sanded it down, then rattle canned it white to match. Great find, and the project is worth it!

[@RobertJLessard]

Hey if it doenst leak now, it's a win.

[@ejcastro9518]

I paint a lot at work and I don't touch xylitol w/o nitrile gloves or safety glasses. Personally I prefer not to use it because of its toxicity. It most likely 'exploded' on opening cuz it sat in the sun heating up and like a gas can, the contents expanded. I know you already painted the interior, but i suggest using LizardSkin paint to help insulate all of the interior. I think a lot of your difficulties were caused by working in the direct sun on a hot day. Using a pop up could help next time. The cap looks good and hopefully is now waterproof!

[@Chefsantatravels]

Looks good are you gonna put a rooftop vent fan on it like they put in vans so you have great circulation when you have your windows open? Good luck enjoy

[@coopdeville5036]

I have used a lot of butyl tape windows, doors, vents and hatches. I put the tape in the freezer for at least an hour before applying, and I bring the window or whatever I am applying it to inside out of the direct sunlight then carry it to the rv or whatever I am going to be working on. Even a tarp shade over the truck would help .

[@dillwont9235]

If the "you suck" is scratched in, a easy fix is to clean the window really good. Then a light coat of aerosol hairspray or a clear coat with make the scratches disappear..

[@pdelgado24]

Great job, can’t wait to see the inside converted!

[@susanw8471]

I'm a bit behind on your videos, but when I heard the intro music sounding a bit like on the road again by canned heat my thoughts flashed back to your guitar playing and that we haven't heard you play in quite a long time. You're actually very good in my opinion and I've watched every video that you put out (except for the couple in front of this, LOL. I hope you'll find time to add that element, back into element life 😸

[@librab103]

Interesting you didn't sand and repaint the topper while the windows were out. Overall you guys did a great job though

[@JoHarmon-hg7wz]

Looks so much nicer, good job. And of course Shannon to the rescue!

[@patriclo9509]

Memories of a Subaru hatchback that had failed gas struts. I did the same thing, had a board to prop ti up with 😂

[@DonnaBlackney-bp8il]

Love the music 😊

[@conniewaite1371]

Looks better!

[@lesleyhughes3174]

Huge improvement!! 😊 Hope your eye heals ok Nate 🙋‍♀️🚐🌏

[@lynnef3297]

Looks so much better and hopefully will keep you dry. Scary thing to have happened to your eye. I hope it is feeling much better and with no aftereffects.

[@ChristinaColoradoan]

Once in Vegas during the summer, my truck battery was dead and when it was jumped, the battery exploded! Now, I always put a towel over the caustic item - just in case. So glad you're alright! The shell looks awesome 🌞

[@jackieberg504]

Looks great!

[@RippSnortin]

I had a camper shell like that. I got a handle from Home Depot and put it in the center bottom of the rear hatch. Makes it a lot easier to open and close without slamming.

[@janebaugh5591]

Lurned today that you can use Pure Vanella to keep all bugs and mosquitos off. Ruben skin or put in spray bottle.

[@mikebye8096]

look real good

[@IowaVanMan]

Winner winner chicken dinner! Well done team EL. 🌍

[@Frenchcrop]

Looking forward to seeing you and it on the open road.

[@thexxit]

literally a labour of love! and it does look great!

[@jjoy7]

I’m glad you got it done, and hope it is water tight for you. 👍👍

[@rustyred459]

Lotta work

[@pokergypsy55]

It looks a lot better. Great job 👍👏👏

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Awesome video

[@PCBrew]

steel wool “0000” super fine steel wool will get most things out of windows. Spray glass cleaner on the steel wool and then scrub the window down and then clean with glass cleaner like normal.

[@freedomdove]

Oh dang! What a project. I think a good preventative measure would be to use a shop towel over the cap of the paint thinner as you're opening it. That way it would catch any wayward liquids that might escape the container.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Get a bed rug for the truck - insulates, cushions the floor and easy to clean.

[@rvboondocker2559]

You guys sure are handy! I probably would have taken all of the windows out and painted it, and then done the window, work afterward, but realistically, I would’ve just written a check!

[@johnmal5975]

I own a cleaning company. Buff those widows with some compound. Overall it looks so much better! So is it water proof?

[@braddahms6809]

Get a headlight restore kit with buffing ball use on the windows! They are plastic?

[@youraussienomadfriends]

Perfect,looks great.Enjoy😊

[@jamesbuckingham8073]

After attaching the topper check for leaks with high pressure water at those doit yourself car. wash. You maybe fixing leaks constantly.

[@steeltentadventures3918]

Great project, awesome job. but keep safety in mind. Ie saftey glasses.

[@randywilson6869]

Looks a lot better

[@TXMEDRGR]

You did a good job but I would have painted when the windows were out. All's well that ends well.

[@malimish]

How do you even get someone from Amazon on the phone! I have looked but never found a number to call. Glad they fixed you up.

[@diehappy3997]

If you wanted a camper style, you could just replace it with a extendable top or high top. It could more be comfortable in the long run.

[@manuelandrade5060]

Whenever I watch an American TV show where they are building or remodeling something, they always wear goggles. the eyes are precious.

[@Michelle-li7fl]

If you can before you build it out put a really bright light in there at night and seal up all the holes. I have had so many mice come in my truck bed it's surprising how they can get in.🐭

[@bbk2325]

For every one saying you should have painted while all the windows were out...Give Hate & Nate a break. I'm sure he learned a lot from this video and will do better next time.

[@wattsline52]

What unbelievable video - great content WOW !!!

[@joansidor5191]

I always enjoy your videos.... Joan

[@nttmggr13sccrntt74]

put a EL sticker on it. window fixed

[@robbehr8806]

Composition and editing are getting really good!

[@lesleyhughes3174]

They have ALWAYS been great!!

[@robbehr8806]

@@lesleyhughes3174 , As they say, "content is king," and the content has always been excellent. I seeing advancements in post processing, like the use of music and sped-up motion. The audio seems better, possibly due to a compressor and equalizer. And, the composition of transitions, like entrances and exits is getting much more crafted.

[@willarddevoe5893]

You need a Land Rover type 2 or 3.

[@containyourlife]

How about tinting the windows, might hide the flaws.

[@clarkleakins879]

Too much work? Yes, via your methods. After all of your experiences with other projects..... No saw horses and 2x4/frame available to set the shell on? Like the big camper, has jacks, easy to remove/store. When moving the shell foreword/back on the truck bed, use piece of 1 inch pvc pipe to roll it, between shell and truck bed/rails. Painting AFTER the windows remove, BEFORE reinstalling the windows! Could have used spray cans of car/rustoleum type paint. Drys fast, minimum bugs/dust, drips. That roll on stuff that you used was goopy due to the heat and application in full sunlight. HEY! Chemical in the eyes......and after, still no safety glasses????? ALWAYS use eye protection with every project! So the time and materials, and the $200 initial cost, could you have found a better shell? Suggest that you add some thin heat barrier insulation, better than nothing! Think about smash resistance film to the rear glass. Slows a thief. Those rear glass can shatter in a million pieces. Hope it was FUN!

[@thisismaso]

Hi, I enjoy every video you make. Hope to meet you guys. I think you mentioned before you were in New Mexico. I'm new here in Santa Fe New Mexico. Hope to get some tips on where to park and explore here.

[@conniewaite1371]

I would just get a GFC camper top

[@conniewaite1371]

Did you place a seal under the top where it meets the edge of the truck?

[@mickeydyke392]

My arm for the window ripped out on my camper shell. I wonder if the fiberglass bond you mentioned would hold the screws to reattach it. What is the name of that stuff?

[@iliketheoutdoors]

Ouch

[@RonnieStanley-tc6vi]

Is this a camper?? This is a first for me. Usually campers have beds and storage and camping stuff. I guess this camper was stripped bare.

[@TXMEDRGR]

It's a camper shell, really just a fiberglass shell to go over the bed of the truck.

[@TheRenaissanceBuilder]

Buff the window with swirl removal

[@louisr34jones]

Shit happes, oh man, shit happens like that....

[@llorylloyd]

I think I would have removed the windows then painted then reinstall the windows.

[@zm694]

I love DIY satisfaction, but this job made me wonder. You undervalue the cost of your and Shannon’s labor. Actual cost of leaky shell with labor and materials? Plus, what is the opportunity cost of doing such extensive repair? Time is money.

[@lesleyhughes3174]

If anyone knows that, Shannon and Nate do! Watch the house reno videos etc? I guess Nate does this because he enjoys it and thankfully we aren't all cut from the same cloth!

[@sjbock]

Projects like this also provide content for the KZbin channel which earns money.

[@zm694]

I guess I was influenced by Nate’s disappointment. I think he and his time are valuable. I wanted him to hear that from a viewer. I look forward to seeing how he kits it out inside.

[@jdeso3]

0000 steel wool, it MUST be 0000 and a lightweight wax like a spray wax. Spray the wax on the window, and then scrub it with the steel wool. The steel wall will NOT scratch the glass.

[@boathemian7694]

what happened to the Element?

[@kevinkelly1129]

Caustic chemicals and paint and no safety gear Hmmmm

[@dareil2000]

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[@ilene9349]

I've been a subscriber of yours since the beginning. When ever your videos comes on, I forget to push the like button, so I love that you put the subscribe & like pictures up there in the beginning, to remind me.❤

[@maga5381]

Why didn't you paint the inside/outside of the shell after removing the windows, the reinstall them after the painting was complete?

[@justlookin3]

Altitude messes with everything, you can tell how inflated chip bags get fat.

[@krisone5253]

What are going to do with that old Chevy truck boyee? You can't live in a pickup baby.

[@ZEVONLIN]

Looks good! I'm sure the reason he painted after installing windows was because of the water proofing qualities of the paint

[@jacknimble1]

You're joking right?

[@tessailiad]

There's no law that says you can't take the camper completely off the truck and be able to work on it a lot easier than having to continually crawl in and out of the truck with the camper continually attached to the vehicle. :)

[@Alexxander777]

Maybe try to wear safety glasses while working, u need ur eyeballs.

[@solrshawn]

Why didn't you do the painting with the windows out? Sometimes your methods are backwards.