1978 GMC Motorhome: A High-End Paint Job
Our customer brought us the iconic 1978 GMC motorhome for a high-end paint job.
They had already disassembled it and started prepping it for paint. We received it in primer.
We guide-coated and sanded the motorhome with a fine-grit sandpaper to ready it for paint.
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The first thing we painted was the gold band around the coach. Three good coats of gold had it covered.
We waited till it was dry before laying out fine-line tape to preserve the newly painted gold band.
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After the clear was applied, we let it for a few days for the clear coat to cure.
Next, we sanded the entire motorhome with 2000-grit sand paper to remove any dust and orange peel.
Then the 1978 GMC was completely buffed with rubbing compound and a 3-step polish to bring out the true luster of the clearcoat.
At that point, the paint was mirror-like.
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Our whole crew really loved working on this vintage RV. It was truly a labor of love.
We will post more pics when the customer brings it back after putting together a complete new interior.
Stay tuned!
The GMC Motorhome in a Few Paragraphs
The GMC Motorhome is a recreational vehicle that was manufactured by the GMC Truck & Coach Division of General Motors for model years 1973–1978 in Pontiac, Michigan, USA — as the only complete motorhome built by a major auto/truck manufacturer. Manufactured in 23 and 26 ft (7.0 and 7.9 m) lengths, the design was noted for its front-wheel drive and its low profile, fully integrated body.
Body construction consisted of a rigid frame made of welded aluminum extrusions. The body frame was mounted on the chassis steel ladder frame using body isolators. The floor was marine plywood, except where it sloped up at the extremities, where they were plate aluminum. The body panels are fiber reinforced plastic (fiberglass) below the waistline frame extrusion and at the ends. The upper side body and roof panels between the ends are sheet aluminum. GMCs are notable for their large expanse of windows, which redefined the RV industry at the time. They often had luxury features common on upper models of GM brands, such as cruise control, air conditioning, AM/FM/8-track sound systems, an aluminum/fiberglass body, as well as air suspension.
Rear lower compartments provide space for generators and propane tanks. GMCs were optionally supplied with generators in 4,000 watts and 6,000 watts, many of which are still in service. There were no driver’s or passenger’s doors at the front of the vehicle. A single door amidships on the right-hand side provided access to the main passenger compartment. At the back of the vehicle, the entire rear body panel could be removed by loosening the bolts around its edges. This allowed beds, appliances and other bulky items to be installed or removed.
A total of 12,921 GMC Motorhomes were produced from model years 1973 to 1978.
Source: Wikipedia
