RE: Painting the Top of the Top
Although I don't have any pictures I have seen at least two Pop Tops
that were painted white on the top after masking off about a 1/2" in. 
In both cases you could not see that the top was white with the top
down and I'm 6'3".  The Space Blanket works very well, just spent a
week with one in place.  One drawback:  It flaps in the wind at night.