Black vs paint match my camper shell?

I got this used green camper shell (see photo attached) for my radiant red 2nd gen - Should I paint it black or match the red to my truck? I am going to DIY it either way.

 

I like the two tone. Breaks it up nice
Mind if I ask how much you got it for? I’ve been looking for a 2nd gen 6ft as well

 

Black, white, tan, anything but paint match would be my vote.

 

I got this one for a good deal at $650 in good condition. But typically I see them going for around $1,000

 

I am also not a fan of the red. I wish my whole truck was black or gray. But sometimes I think mismatched shell colors look tacky unless they are the aluminum type which is the only thing that has me torn. So far everybody I've asked has voted for black

 

Looks fine as is or black. You don’t plan to camp in it a presume? Only downside I see would be the temps being a little different with black. I’d keep it light if you have dogs or camp. Otherwise black looks good.

 

Camping is all it's for! No dog, but maybe in the future. It does get unbearably hot inside even with its current color on a 98°f day like today.

 

Light tan variation or white will help a bit with the heat. Not much but a little.

 

How about a wrap? That is if you really want to change the color. Personally I think it's fine the way it is.

 

That would Definitely look good, but more money than I want to spend on it. Part of me is considering using plastidip So I don't destroy the factory paint if I ever go to sell it in the future. Either way I need to change the color because I do not want to be driving a Christmas themed truck lol

 

Leave it and be sure and add some photos to the mismatched topper thread


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...one-topper-and-truck-its-the-best-way.632404/

 

because you have black wheels, black roof rack, black sliders etc. I say paint it black.

I've found color really has no affect on inside temps when something is soaking in the sun. Both black and white vehicles of mine have always been hot as hell inside regardless.

 

Can confirm, I have a white truck with broken A/C

 

Consider that it's doubtful you'll be sleeping in the bed when the sun is out. I've got a silver topper on a desert mica colored truck, I'm waiting to find someone who can paint it black with Rhino Liner, I don't have the room to do it at my house.

 

Update: Did a minimal effort driveway paint job. Hand sanded with 220 grit sandpaper. Hosed off and wiped down with paper towel and window cleaner. Used masking tape and plastic sheet from Home Depot to mask off overspray areas. Sprayed down with some rustoleum flat black "protective enamel" spray paint. Consumed approximately three beers.

For a $650 camper shell with $30 of painting materials on a 2006 that takes me to work, the grocery store, the local lake and backcountry camp spots, I think it looks pretty decent.

 

Absolutely!

 

Always liked radiant red. Wish Toyota would bring it back for the Tacoma. Two tone shell turned out nice.

 

I'm thinking about doing this exact same thing. Exact color combo too. I'm confident in my painting skills, but not confident in the strength/UV rating of a cheap paint.

Any recommendations for a cheap paint that's strong with good UV resistance? Doesn't need to have an amazing finish, satin or gloss black, spray gun or spray can. I just don't want to go through the effort and have it look like shit in 2 or 3 years of the sun. Worth removing the windows, doing the prep work myself and getting a pro paint job?

 

I'll have look at the cans in the garage when I get home and update this because I forget what exact paint I used, but it was one of the outdoor varieties in spray cans from Home Depot.


Personally I'd never think it's worth paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for a professional paint job on a camper shell. But I know a lot of people do. That's just not a priority to my with how good it can look by just doing it yourself with proper prep