I just bought an '86 GMC 1500. It came with a camper shell that I dont want. But I have heard that since its so old it could be bad to take it off at this point cause of the paint. Anyone have any experience with this?

 

Yeah your bed rails will probably be nice and paint free, but that is nothing that a few Diamond plate rail covers won't fix, if you even care

 

+1 on the bed rail caps. I've had to do it in the past, there's alot to choose from. You should be able to find something that fits your style.

 

so as long as i put some rail covers on it i should be fine? and thanks for the help

 

Take the camper off first, you might get lucky and the paint may be OK. If not get yourself some caps and it will look sharp and noone will know but you. I had a '71 that I bought with a camper on it the shell had been on for 14 years and when I took it off I was surprised. There was only 3 spots on each rail that was bad, from where the hold down bolts were drilled through.

 

Thanks a lot, I have been looking for some rail covers... I cant find any online. Any suggestions of a good place to get 'em?

 

http://www.autobarn.net/pac2110series.html

This is just an example, but you should be able to walk into any auto parts store or accesory store and ask for bed rail covers. They are pretty common and any website has them

 

Dee Zee makes some good stuff also, I've used them in the past. Look here,
http://www.autoanything.com/bed-caps...0A50482A1.aspx