Sky Silver Topper question...

Searching the forum has been a great help with my topper questions. I noticed some had mentioned the Sky Silver color match was a little off. Are any of the manufacturers better with this color than the others ?

 

I am also interested in the replies

 

Who had the issue? From what I have gathered... the topper manufacturers are using Toyota color codes, so it should be the same paint. Any mismatch is probably due to the painter missing something. I could be off, but this is the first and only time I’ve heard of this

 

My Century is a perfect match.

 

I think that is my favorite topper now

 

It’s treated me really well. Not a single complaint. Century “Ultra” series. Bought specifically because it has old-school ‘framed’ windows with gutters. I’ve had really bad experiences with “SUV style” flush windows leaking. I have no sliding windows for the same reason, but do have the side “windoors”, which I love.

https://www.centurycaps.com/ultra

 

Silver sky is harder to match, probably one of the hardest.

 

IMG_2708 by Mike M, on Flickr

Untitled by Mike M, on Flickr

This was an ARE V-Series. You can see the paint shade difference between the cap and my truck. The truck I purchased the cap off of matched the cap. If you notice the second photo there's actually a Silver Sky ACLB behind my truck and it's a different shade silver than my truck. The truck in the back would be a perfect match for my cap.

That was one of the reasons I ultimately sold the cap. For any getting a cap make sure you have it lined up properly. My cap shifted and put some minor scuffs into my bedside. Once I saw that it was game over.

 

My cx is perfect match

 

Snugtop Hiliner Sport

 

The Century is at the top of my list based on the features you brought up. Thank you.

 

They are also reasonably priced. I’ve had mine over two years, and it’s been used hard without issue. I recently put a Rhino Rack on top, but started with Thule Bars on my century. The Rhino Rack mounted directly to the Thule rails installed at the Century factory.

I’ve had 7 work pickups with various canopies over the years, so I have a strong opinion about canopies (shells/caps/toppers/etc).

Here is my Century Ultra build based on their many options:

-Inset framed windows with gutters. This is non negotiable for me.....every flush window, SUV-style canopy I’ve ever had (Leer, ARE, and Century Royal) eventually leaked. The water sitting on the gaskets will find it’s way in. I selected the Century “Ultra” specifically for the framed windows with top gutter..

-Thule rails (came with Thule load bars)

-Front full window (no front window slider for durability and visibility out rear view mirror). Window is removable for cleaning of cab back window.

-Colour match paint

-Side ‘windoor’ hatches with individual locks (2 per window....my preference over the center cable actuated type). Love these so much. You can access the front of the bed from the sides.

-no side vent windows or sliding windows (trying to avoid leaking based on bad experiences in the past)

-carpeted interior (an absolute must and worth ever single penny. No condensation if sleeping in back)

-basic double t-handle locks on framed back window (again, my preference over the fancy single center lock for durability)

This is not the slickest looking canopy ever, but it is the best quality one I’ve ever had. No regrets.

Advice: with any canopy you need to check your mounting clamp bolts periodically. No canopy I’ve ever had didn’t experience loosening of the mounting clamps when driving on rough roads for many days or just over time. Just keep it in mind and don’t be disappointed if the clamps loosen over time and you need to tighten them. It’s easy to check them with the windoors, even with the back packed with gear.

 

When we first had it put on it was winter and the truck was dirty and I was worried it wasn't a match.. but once they were both cleaned and dirty again it's perfect.

 

Thank you for the detailed information. Confirmed the Century for me. Not the slickest, but not over styled either. Going to call my local dealer today for a quote.

 

I think Silver is difficult because different angles really change the light, especially in photos. I have a pretty discerning/particular eye for paint match and I have no complaints about mine. ARE Z-Series.

I have a post here that I think could show some color difference but it's more significant in the photos than in real life.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-us-your-3rd-gen-silver-thread.392249/page-93#post-15601207

I think the shell looks darker in the photo from the bedside rear, and looks lighter in the photo from the drivers side. I really think it's lighting and on the truck in person it looks really well matched.

 

Thank you everyone for your input, it is appreciated.

 

I had my new Century Ultra installed today. Bel-Air Shells quoted three weeks and in three weeks to the day it was in and installed. Great guys to deal with. My concerns about paint match were unfounded. Paint match and quality are great. Really happy with Century and Bel-Air Shells. Also a thank you to #Stocklocker for his input on Century Shells.

 

Sky Silver is one of the more difficult colors to match because of it's high flake content. It can be matched, but not as frequently or easy as some other colors.

By the way, what do the Century Ultra Caps for Tacoma run?

 

Hey Kevin. It ran $2234.11 here in Southern California. That was with a drop down slider up front , windoors on both sides and Century had a coupon for a free carpet headliner. Also included was tax and installation. Might be able to get it cheaper, but I didn't think it was right to grind on a small business that came through on every promise they made and were great to deal with.

 

Thanks, that's about what I figured. Your truck looks great.