Is a shell repairable from severe damage?

So, due to crappy ass snow and ice, I slid into the side of my 5th wheel RV backing up today and busted out the rear window and caved in a corner of the shell on my truck pretty bad. The window frame is bent badly too. Just wondering if it's worth seeing about fixing or just finding another shell? I don't know how tricky fiberglass is to work with, only paid $400 for the shell so it's not a huge loss but still irritating nonetheless. I will post pics tomorrow, it's too dark out currently to get anything of visible quality. I really, really hate winter, also taking suggestions on other states to move to that never get snow, have a decent economy and housing market! Lol

 

Do not come to Florida. We're full.

That said, find a boat repair/builder place and talk to them about repairing your shell. Of course a regular body shop as well, but you might strike a deal with a boat place in the winter. Seems they'd be slow maybe?

Contact your shell maker and find out about a new window/frame, as you'd probably have to provide that to the shop doing the repair.

 

Without a pic it is hard to tell. Fiberglass is hard to fix correctly and have it look good. You are probably better off moving on to another cap. If you are a ,or know a good fiberglass repair person, then different story.

 

I see shells on Craigslist in the free section a lot, so that may be one possibility or a used one like your old one as well.

 

I think it would be cheaper to replace rather then repair, but that's just me...depends on the extent of the damage...Kentucky cost of living is kind of low, but not too sure of the Job market. A bit of snow from time to time, but nothing like Montana!

 

Off Topic, Billy did you notice an increase in population after the hurricane in Puerto Rico?

 

In this area, or the state as a whole?

The state is around 221,000 from there right now. I don't have numbers on our area, but I'm friends with a few existing families, and they have a dozen or so guests. So I'm sure our area has more. Although I'd suspect the most are in SE Fl.

They all want to go home. But I can't blame them for not trying to tough it out. Their infrastructure (particularly electrical) has been a neglected mess for years; the storm just cleaned it out. Restoration is pretty similar to starting from scratch, other than the fact that the old junk is lying on the ground in the way.

 

I know our local newspaper had a feature story of people from Puerto Rico staying with local family members.

Do you personally notice an impact locally in your area?

 

No more than I mentioned in my post, "I'm friends with a few existing PR families, and they have a dozen or so guests."

We have a fairly diverse population with various Latin/Carribean/S American cultures already. I think our school system is seeing the most direct impact, but I'm not personally seeing any differences beyond what I mention above.

 

Went out and snapped a couple pics, it's pretty bad.

 

Luckily my RV is unscathed aside from a few scuffs and black paint. Fiberglass on it is way tougher! Lol

 

Took me forever to find this one too. First gen DCSB shells are extremely hard to come by and new they are stupid expensive. Luckily, I hadn't painted it to match the truck just yet or I'd be really lit!

 

Notice your location. Had family with a place on Lake Cumberland on the Jamestown side back in the 60's. Still have family in Glasgow, all came from the little communities around Glasgow. My first wife (deceased) was from the Madison / Paint Lick area.

Beautiful place you are in. In the Spring and Fall. Winters too gloomy for me, summer can be hotter than it is here!

 

Yeah, I'm 20 miles south of Monticello proper, right above the State line near Pickett park.
it can get gloomy in the Winter, that's for sure...

 

And I lived for 35 years in Clearwater/Pinellas park/Gulfport area...

 

I think finding a new shell would be your best bet.

 

Look at trucks for sale also. You might find a truck for sale with a cap. Tell the seller that you'll buy the cap if they find a buyer for the truck that doesn't want the cap.

 

"Crappy ass snow and ice."

 

I work for a large yacht builder that build its hull out of fiberglass. That cap is toast, you have a complete fracture from the rear door opening to the side window. There is no structural integrity left, it would have to be repaired properly to be safe. Cut your losses and move on, you will find something to replace it far cheaper than the cost to repair. Sorry man, CL,keep looking on TW, cap dealers, someone has a cap that will fit your truck.