Transparent fabric

[Dr. Pyro]

The BMOrg DMV has us on probation for our art truck. Even though it passed (barely) in 2009, we were told that this year it had to be covered in the front so "...it doesn't look like a truck..." They suggested using a fabric that is see-through, at least from the driver's standpoint, that is safe enough to drive in but coarse enough to cover the detail of the truck. I have been looking on the internet but have not seen anything that looks both transparent as well as safe. Any suggestions?

[motskyroonmatick]

Can you post a picture so I can brainstorm with that. I am familiar with the vehicle but seeing a profile picture and head on picture would help me.

I think if you can control the amount of light in the cab of the vehicle to make it always darker than the outside of the vehicle that you should be able to see through a "sheer" fabric. Dust will certainly be an issue like with a windshield.

Just use the flame effect to light your way at night.

[TomServo]

Maybe a clear, yet colored plastic sheet? Not the trash bag types, but thick material... Britex, in SF might have that.

Given....you will probably have new hotties inspecting your vehicle, so just disguising the truck may be enough. Added safety features should get you a long way with the DMV.. the standards seem to change, from year to year, and I last worked with the DMV 6 years ago...but I think if you can hide the truck, and Wow them with safety features, you might just get a sticker. Best to find out now, than at the gate. best of luck

[gyre]

I would suggest black mesh.
There is the dust issue.
Tinted plexiglas could work to reshape the body.
There are some more exotic films.

That truck has strong visual cues to its identity, but if you can change or break them up, it can make it hard to identify.
The grille and front end of the hood are areas in particular.
Look at what is done to film cars to make them generic in some cases.
Same with radical customs.

Any headlamp found from hella can be imported.
The industrial line is easy to adapt.
They range from the 5" projector sets to huge cat eyes for the Mann trucks and the large volvo truck headlamps.
The worklamps will work on the playa too.
http://www.hella.com/hella-de-de/978.html

I suggest trying to break the lines at the top of the windshield at the roof and the leading edge of the hood first.
There are reasonable custom shops in california too.
Just getting rid of a crease line that everyone recognizes can transform a car.

[sputnik]

The art car in our camp used mesh billboard material. It was OK, but when the dust kicked up it made it harder to see. Also, by the second or third day all the imprinted detail was lost so that the whole car just looked like a large moving lump of playa during the day.

Inside looking out



Outside

[ygmir]

I'd say just wear really dark sunglasses, they won't be able to see you, then........

[Dr. Pyro]

We have solved the problem. The material we are going to use is called Aluminet and the 22% (that's how much it "keeps out", so you can still see through it easily enough) white, which will be spray-painted pink of course, should do the trick. We will start off with a 6' X 18' piece and go up from there. Thanks for everybody's input. Even Ygmirs.

[thisisthatwhichis]

We used tule one year, so the headlights would shine thru. Last year, we knotted cut-up strips of that cheap plastic tablecloth on chicken wire, and mounted the wire to the front.

[gyre]

Be sure to check it under all glare conditions.
That's why I suggested black.
You should be able to get a black version.
Tenax makes some that are black on one side, reflective on the other.

You may want to look at theatrical scrim too.
http://www.studio-productions-inc.com/w ... fects.html
http://www.studio-productions-inc.com/set_home.html

[Boijoy]

Isn't aluminet metal?? will the paint stick? Aluminet @ 70% is AMAZING shade cover!! I fold mine in half for 100% protection.

[carmatic]

You may want to look at theatrical scrim too.
http://www.studio-productions-inc.com/w ... fects.html
http://www.studio-productions-inc.com/set_home.html

wouldnt that only work if like, the truck was painted matte-black? you dont want light hitting the truck to reflect back out of the scrim... but it would work for the driver, as long as the glare from the scrim isnt too bad...

[gyre]

I've used white scrim before.
But having a matte black background would make things easier.

It might be possible to use black scrim underneath in the windshield area, to cut reflected glare for the driver (presuming the visibility is clear enough with two layers).

White scrim would work well for back lighting and I don't think the white paint would be that distinguishable through it, but you always have to test.

[Dr. Pyro]

Excellent point but probably won't heed the advice. Safety Third after all. And if that isn't good enough, read the back of your ticket.

[motskyroonmatick]

I do find it rather amusing that DMV recommended that you modify the vehicle by inhibiting forward visibility.

I look forward to seeing what you come up with on playa. I'll just look for the huge flame effect prowling around the 3:00 side.

[Bob]

Doc, "aluminet" is just a fancy term for "shade cloth".

Go to Homo Depot, buy a hank of shade cloth, and spray paint it any color you want. Aluminium, even.

[Dr. Pyro]

Thanks Bob. As always, you're a trooper.