Chevy & GMC Vans

Sorry guys & gals, no new pictures today. I checked in and the door jambs aren't done yet. It looks like they've been doing rounds of priming-sanding-priming-sanding-priming-sanding. It's ok with me because what it means to me is that they're taking the time to make it right, rather than just scuff it and spray it. It looked today pretty much like the last pictures I posted, just with primer in different areas so I didn't bother with any new pictures. I'll check on it again this weekend.

I'm glad you like the color. It's a late model Chevy color that they seem to use on many vehicles. It's called Red Jewel Tintcoat and I actually picked it off of a 2011 Suburban. We knew we wanted something in a burgundy shade because it would work with the existing interior color. We looked at reds and burgundies from many carlines before we settled on this one. My wife pointed out that it's actually quite fitting because it's still a Chevy color. It isn't really quite as red as it looks in the picture, but it will attract some attention. I'm not worried about the "ticket me" aspect because the van isn't fast enough to get me in trouble.

Still nothing much new, but I got you all some pictures anyway. Three of my van and one of whats left of the donor piece.

James-lots to say about the naked beauty when a van like yours is in primer.I think you just get to appreciate the shine once it is painted.

Got a question for you that might apply to my project.While they had the panels cut out,did you notice if they did anything special to stabilize the rest of the van's panels??.

1Gary wrote:While they had the panels cut out,did you notice if they did anything special to stabilize the rest of the van's panels??.

No they did not. It wasn't necessary for only replacing the outer skin. The outer panel doesn't give any significant stability to the structure. Had they been removing the inner structure I think it may have been necessary and certainly if they'd removed the b-pillar. Fortunately none of that was called for.

I went to the body shop today and it's still in primer, but more primer than the last time I saw it. The manager told me the painter keeps sending it back to the body shop to fix small flaws in the surface. Then the body guys fix the flaws and send it back to the painter, he finds another and sends it back..... and on and on. Anyway, like I said that's fine with me. The more attention to detail the better as far as I'm concerned, and I told him that. He told me he hopes to have some color on it tomorrow, so I'll check in again tomorrow afternoon.

Getting closer!

James,

This has been/is a Great Thread.

You have crushed Rule 6b.

Thank you, Jim

Picture quality is poor today because ......I had to shoot through the windows..... of the SPRAY BOOTH!!!!
I was told this is the sealer going on. Not 100% sure what that means exactly, but I think it's like primer? And tinted to match the top coat? Somebody who knows feel free to chime in.
Anyway, Color!!

James.Two types of people I learned not to rush the job they are doing for me.A dentist and a body man.Both could end up hurting me by mistake.

I'm really liking this thread
i doubt the guys around here would let me lurk around and watch them paint my truck

I'm pleased that you're all interested. I have some good photos and an update, but no time to post it right now. I'll try to get to it in the next couple of hours but if not, it'll be Tuesday.
Stay Tuned!

Ok as promised it's still Tuesday, but only just.

A lousy picture in the booth right after they shot the paint on


Here's a shot with one side sanded and buffed


And one side not


Black stripes painted on the pillars




Wheels before & after




Mirrors before & after




And one more overall


That's it for tonight. It's really almost done. They have only to finish the sanding & buffing and reinstall the left quarter window. Oh and it's also getting a new windshield. It is cracked and after some discussion about whether or not it was that way when I dropped the van off they offered to split the cost of a replacement 50/50 with me. I'm not sure if I'll have time to check on it tomorrow so there might not be any more pictures until Thursday.

Thanks, James. It's nice to follow along with the progress. I like it that you color matched the wheels. Some trim rings and small button hubcaps will really make those pop.

Looking gooooood, James!

I did have time to check in yesterday. They informed me that it was ready to go home. I wasn't expecting that so I hadn't brought the cash with me. We both went and looked the van over. I found some small items that needed touching up and he agreed to have them taken care of when I came back today with the money. I was so excited that I forgot to take any pictures even though I had the camera in my pocket! They said it was ok to take the loose parts home so I loaded up what would fit in my car.



Then today after work I went, and paid the balance on the bill. I had driven the van to the shop, but with no plates, no lights and no seat belts it just felt too risky to do again. So I hired a flatbed to carry it home for me.







Home again.



Now, i get to put it all back together again! I expect it will take a month at least, based on the amount of time it took me to tear it all down. Everything that's going back on needs attention in some way. Cleaning, re-coloring, polishing, etc. General restoration after 24 years of service. I probably should have been working on all that while the van was away, but I didn't. Oh well.
I'll keep you all apprised of my progress.