Hondo Garage's New Thing

Black does go with everything. If you have black wheels and other black accents already I think it would look better w/ cement than any of the other color options short of paying extra for color matching.

In terms of heat - I would be curious to know if there is any perceivable difference between colors, considering they all have the white roof and the side panels don't account for that much of the overall surface area. I don't have dogs in the bed anyways so not a big driver for me.

I think looking @Ralston 's pics again has convinced me to go black. I already have the storm trooper look going on with black wheels, have removed all chrome on the outside, blacked out headlight housings, etc... Afraid that over time a GFC with a slightly different color of white than the truck would drive me batty.

But shit @inv3ctiv3 posts while I am typing making white also look killer- F my life I can't make up my mind.

 

Do you use a prime lens for these? I always like stuff with a short depth of field. I don't know anything about photography, but i have an OK camera and take thousands of pictures. Sometimes a few come out lol

 

All about the nifty-fifty

 

I think the white roof of the GFC is the key to success in terms of heat. I have always thought toppers should have white roofs for this very reason. Now a topper with a white roof that is also translucent? Check please!

 

Didn't you take it to death valley with +90 temps? How was the temperature there? Any issues with the Black surfaces in direct sun?

 

Shout out to @Ralston for letting me come check out his GFC this weekend!! Here’s some photos I took for additional measurements:

Over hang for LB version:




Deployed height (helpful in the mountains when determining camp location) Note: The top is from the circular latch mechanism opening. (Give a few more inches)

 

Yes, our GFC has seen 100+ temps. Black side panels were not much hotter than the body panels of the truck once it's 100 outside. With the tent down/sides closed, internal temps were no worse than in my previous white or black fiberglass toppers. I've had both.

Once you open up the rear/sides it allows so much air flow, combined with a very well insulated roof (creates cool shade), it's surprisingly comfortable underneath. "Lounge mode" down below is so sweet it makes us reconsider adding a proper external awning at all. Anyone who's used a tarp in double-layer mode knows the advantages of this setup in hotter environments. No competitor has even scratched this topic's surface. GFC's design not only addresses it, but their results are amazing.

I think having glass on the rearmost panel is a greater influence on internal temps than actual panel color choice. Greenhouse effect is noticeable without employing a shade over the glass. We have a blackout curtain from an older rig that temporarily solves that issue.

 

Awesome info on this particular page.

Thanks!

 

Jim_bob!?!? Is that you?

 

Niiiice..I'll be heading up to Boseman to pick up mine on the 23rd...I had them powder coat the frame a different color to make it a little more personal.

 

@smelly621 i also have a white taco with black rims... I told Graeme i wanted white panels but still considering black... mine is getting built next week so I have a week before it’s official haha. But I really don’t know what option I want! I don’t know how to use photoshop so instead used PowerPoint to mock up some photos of the different options...

 

White panels create a brighter interior thereby making it seem larger and easier to light.

 

This is exactly what I have been thinking. Are you going to be doing the vinyl yourself?

 

I’m thinking gray GFC on black truck. Not as stark difference as white, but bright enough to prevent feeling like a cave.

 

@Evanike if you did that with powerpoint I think you could be a professional graphic designer if you picked up and played with a pirated copy of Photoshop

You should check out the video of Jaws82 on GFC's instagram right now - making a strong showing for the black GFC on white taco. In general GFC white seems like more of an antique/bone white than the Toyota Super White. For me - while I would like the white insides - I think I like the black for the outside to have some contrast instead of something that almost matches. Also thinking long term it will be easier to touch up than white.

My thought was maybe just do white vinyl on the inside down to the latches and not bother trying to cut around them etc - since the tube frame will block some of the lower portion anyways.

 

Nice discussion on colors and the pratical aspects. Heat was a concern but I think @Ralston pretty much dispelled that. Lighting was another, and I think the interior vinyl is worth looking into. Cement with black accents does look nice...

 

Black for sure.

-RJM

 

Do you have a link to the vinyl you purchased? Has anyone considered using reflectix?

 

Just contact cement white formica to the inside. Easy to clean and tough. Thin.
Perhaps glue closed cell foam (blue board?) first then the formica. Find away to seal the edges of the foam.

 

With the latches and interior panel reinforcements, wouldn't it be easier to vinyl the outside.... That said, I'm not gonna use any so maybe it doesn't matter.