gem top camper top...few questions

Unexpected update for my Taco:

I bought a gem top topper yesterday! I went to look at it yesterday but I won't pick it up until this weekend. It is heavier grade than I was expecting. I was expecting a cheaper aluminum topper when I saw it on CL but this thing is substantial and has a reinforced roof-I think it's steel actually. Also, windows on 3 sides so that's good for access. I bought it from an older gentlemen who offered to help me lift it onto the truck but then said he had back and knee problems. I declined his offer and said I would come back.

Originally came off a 5 lug:



I'm a little frustrated since I bought my tonneau less than a month ago so that was a waste lol. However, that was only because I couldn't find any affordable toppers in my area. And...then one came up. I paid $80 for this topper! I knew I would eventually get one I just figured it would be a year or two. If anyone wants a roll up tonneau for a 05+ Taco in southern Indiana, I'm willing to give a great deal!

Anyways, I'm excited and have wasted a fair amount of time at work today looking at various threads surrounding camper tops. I have found quite a few threads on this site and some options for my likely issues (see below). But, hey, I thought I'd throw some things out there and see if any of you fine folks had good suggestions.

Downsides/Projects/Questions

Keys: The 3 doors have locks on them but the guy didn't have a key. What would be the best way to get one? Locksmith? Call gem top? Maybe there is something that will suffice as a "key"???

I may need to get a pop n lock to have any level of security-if the top locks but the tailgate opens the topper locks are useless. Not totally sure yet. I'm not overly concerned with security but would like to stop the easy snatch and grab.

Paint: The paint was in good shape with a few minor scratches-not worries about those, though. My truck is dark green with all chrome removed or painted black. I think the topper will look better in black with my truck. Plus, the white looks pretty commercial.

Probably rock it white for a while, though until I get around to this project. Currently training for 2 ultramarathons so that is eating up all my time. Then, it will be winter which makes projects more difficult for me w/o a garage.

Water sealing: I don't even know if this is a concern or not. Read a few threads on here about sealing them up. If you have good suggestions, I'm all ears in case I need it.

Platform: The topper has a nice heavy ledge about 6" wide that sides on the bed sides so I may be able to simply put a platform there. That would be ideal if it is strong enough. Idk, I'll have to consider once I get the thing on my truck.


If anyone has some great advice they'd like to share...PLEASE DO! Otherwise, I'll keep checking out threads.

 

Can you tell me the mfgr/model of the roll-tonneau cover? I may be interested. I'm in northern Indiana, but my bro-in-law will be in Brown county this weekend.

Regarding your new-to-you topper, it looks nice. Black on your green truck would look sweet!

You will need some new Camper Tape to seal the top to the bed. I use: NAPA #770-1763.

See image attachment.

I currently have a hard-shell tonneau cover, but it's not practical for hauling large items so I'd like to have a roll-up. Let me know,

Thanks.

 

Forgot to mention, you could call Gemtop for a key. There should be a code number on the cylinder lock.

 

Ken, thanks so much for the info!

Just about to PM you about the tonneau.

 

Thanks Adam! Good luck with the new topper. I PM'ed you back! Have a good one. ^5

 

If you know a local locksmith that might be easiest. When I bought a camper for my truck last year, I took it to a guy I knew and he had me fixed up in a few minutes for just a couple of bucks.