Auto Trim Paint Used to Restore GM Square Body
Posted on July 27 2023
Jay McFarland always liked GM Square Body trucks. His dad had a ‘77 Chevy K5 Blazer when he was growing up and those warm memories led to the purchase of a ’77 Chevy pickup. Jay began restoring the truck with the original intent that it would be more of a basic restoration. However, it soon turned into a full-blown nut and bolt restoration. Knowing the ’77 would be too nice to use on a regular basis, Jay wanted a Chevy Square Body pickup that could be used as a daily driver.
Last July he found that truck, the ’85 Chevy Silverado C10 that you see here. Once the C10 was home, Jay got busy fixing it up; a project that he completed over the Christmas holiday. We’re honored that ColorBond LVP auto trim paint was a big part of that.
What is a GM Square Body Truck?
The GM Square Body truck is a C/K light truck that was made by GM from 1973 to 1987. Also known as Square Bodies, they were offered by Chevrolet and GMC. The trucks were designed with a modern look for the time, with fenders that were flush with the hood and doors that were set into the roofline. Regarding the C/K designation, “C” trucks are two-wheel drive, while “K” trucks are 4-wheel drive.
GM Square Body Truck Restoration Project
Jay’s project included media blasting the body, spraying new paint, changing the engine to a 350 V8, suspension work and an interior restoration. Impressively, all work was done by Jay himself. Being the Director of Business Development for Holley Classic Trucks simplified identifying and procuring the parts and supplies that would be best for his project. While discussing interior restoration with Scott Drake, one of the companies under the Holley Performance Products corporate umbrella, use of ColorBond LVP auto trim paint was recommended.
Truck Interior Preparation
When asked what he did to prep the interior parts before application of the auto trim paint, Jay responded “Clean, clean, clean!”.
- First the interior components were removed.
- Next the hard and soft plastic parts were cleaned with wax and grease remover.
- Sprayway glass cleaner was used as a follow up. Jay chose this product as it doesn’t leave residue which could interfere with paint adhesion.
- Finally, he wiped the parts down with rubbing alcohol.
Interestingly, Jay said using rubbing alcohol ensures all chemical residue is removed and helps to avoid static electricity build up that could attract dirt and dust. Jay also recommends wearing latex gloves when handling components so that body oil doesn’t compromise paint adhesion.
Due to damage from long term use, Jay replaced the door panels, dash pad, and seat covers with reproduction units. Otherwise, the original plastic interior trim pieces were retained. After applying adhesion promoter on the hard plastic components, Jay used ColorBond LVP auto trim paint in GM Graphite (651) to paint the interior plastics including the door panels, map pockets, armrests, dash pad, windshield header panel, and the A and B pillar trim.
According to Jay, the paint job, including preparation, took a weekend to complete. Six cans of ColorBond were used at a cost of $140.00; not much money considering replacing the original pieces he painted would have cost at least $500.00.
“ColorBond works great.” Says Jay. “If you’re looking for an easy way to refurbish your interior, ColorBond lays down good and is easy to apply. It makes a big difference in how your interior appears and is an affordable and durable alternative to replacing your interior.”
Thanks to Jay for his kind words. We congratulate him on a job well done and finding the vehicle of his dreams!
Learn more about ColorBond LVP auto trim paint here.
If you’re interested in seeing another GM Square Body interior restoration, check out this ’74 Chevy Blazer project.
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