Project Extended Pop-Top Aerodynamic Camper Shell ('99 Tacoma)

[BuzzardsGottaEat]

Just curious, you're not worried about covering your tail light?

[a8ksh4]

Alright, it's finally time for another update. I've been working on the the side panels for the last couple weeks and finally got them just about ready to paint.

Lots of body filler work:
















It feels really good to have finally put some primer on these pieces today. They still need block sanding and a couple more coats of primer, but I should be able to spray them gold to match the bed some time this week.


Next steps...
* Decide on shape of and cut front window opening.
* Put some trim around the base of the shell so that when it's down on the bed, it won't slide sideways/forward/back.
* Assemble lift hardware... Still haven't made a decision about how to do this.
* Glassing the top... I'm going to start with laying strips along the joint of the front and back wall w/ the top. Then laying big pieces across the top. Then around the base where it meets the bed. then gutting the insides and starting the interior layup.

[ron]

finish and painted stock body color , sweet . looking forward to the mpg improvement gained

[gone7]

Good work! Keep it up.

[a8ksh4]

I called a couple of local places yesterday to find how much it would cost to have the panels sprayed w/ the factory color... it'd be ~$300 to have the shops do it. :/

I'm thinking I'll buy a couple rattle-cans of factory color from automotivetouchup and do it myself. Should be ~$80 that way. I think the stuff they sell is 2-stage, so I have to do color and clear separately. Anyone have experience w/ this?

[gone7]

All I know is there is a local place where I am that will mix factory colors for a person and put it in a spray can. The nice thing is that it makes it easy to match panels by blending with a little overspray. I think they charged approx. $35.00 per can.

Is that what you meant?

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by a8ksh4

I called a couple of local places yesterday to find how much it would cost to have the panels sprayed w/ the factory color... it'd be ~$300 to have the shops do it. :/

I'm thinking I'll buy a couple rattle-cans of factory color from automotivetouchup and do it myself. Should be ~$80 that way. I think the stuff they sell is 2-stage, so I have to do color and clear separately. Anyone have experience w/ this?

The spray cans don't offer reducer/thinner 'speeds',so when in hot temperatures it's impossible to keep a wet edge.The clearcoat is especially prone to turning to dust before contact.
Try to do your painting towards the lower temperature threshold listed on the can.You'll have a lot less post-painting work to dial up an OEM-looking finish.

[freebeard]

I find the nozzles clog, even if I soak the can in hot water for five minutes first.

Consider that you can brush on a coat of paint and then roller it with those little foam rollers to take the brush marks out. Properly thinned, it might be just crazy enough to work.

[ron]

the rollers will work. I use rust encapsulation paint from the local hardware store 10.00 a quart, it can be tinted comes in flat,semi gloss and gloss. Ive used it several times! AND its a primer for a finish paint job if you want that look. check out the 50 dollar paint job on you tube to get an Idea

[a8ksh4]

I ended up going by a local paint shop and they're mixing up some rattle-can to match the factory paint. It doesn't require clear coating, which was something I was unsure of from the online site I mentioned, unless it needs to be high-gloss.... so we'll see how it works out.

Thanks for the pointers. I have high hopes for the condition of the nozzles... I don't think I'd know a clogged nozzle if I saw one, as I haven't really run into to the problem so far. It's been 40 to 50 degrees here lately, so the temp should be perfect in the garage. I'm just going to keep people out and let the dust settle so I don't have to worry there.

@freebeard, roll-on is the plan for the top. I figure it'll look a lot better if the side panels look the same color as the bed, but I got some white enamel paint for the top. Should be able to thin it 50/50 with mineral spirits and roll it on, block sanding between each of like 6 coats, to get a nice finish. Cheap and difficult!