For those enthusiasts out there craving something custom, take note – you don’t need a bank-busting budget to make it happen. For example, take this 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, which gets its own unique flair without any major outlay on the part of the owner.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 without custom paint
This GMC Sierra rolled out of the factory in 4WD Double Cab SLE trim with the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. It was then scooped up by GM Authority reader Ron from Cassville, Missouri. Ron loved his new truck, but also wanted to add a little extra on top.
As it just so happens, Ron is a lifelong General Motors fan. Past rides include a 1973 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1980 Pontiac Sunbird, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, 1998 Buick Park Avenue, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, and 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.
However it was his father’s truck, a 1965 Chevy C10 pickup (also in red) that provided inspiration for the custom paint work on his 2020 GMC Sierra 1500.
Before customization
After customization
“I found an almost perfect match to the red – Rust-Oleum Sunrise Red Gloss – so it was not expensive,” Ron tells GM Authority. “I did the work myself. It was very time consuming to mask off everything, especially the wheels. The wheels took three days just to mask off.”
After seeing the results of his work, Ron decided to add even more accents, painting the tow hooks, differential cover, and front brake calipers in yellow.
“At first I did them in green, but it came out too ‘Christmassy,'” Ron tells us.
Other upgrades included side steps and a tonneau cover.
Before customization
After customization
The end result makes the truck look trick. Ron uses his GMC Sierra to get around, but he also uses it for his woodworking business, and no matter where he goes, he gets stares on the street, with strangers paying compliments on the fly.
“People who have seen the truck before I painted it will say, ‘you got new wheels?'”
Before customization
After customization
Looking ahead, Ron is satisfied with his work, and doesn’t plan on doing any more upgrades or modifications beyond the addition of rear under seat storage.
“I just want to own it for a long time and enjoy it,” Ron says.
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Comments
Not my thing here.
I would have body colored the bumper and then chromed the lower panel like it is on my Denali.
Then removed the emblems and found some better wheels.
GMC has too many emblems anymore.
But if he is happy that is all that matters.
To each is own, if he likes it, that’s all that matters. Period.
Didn’t cost a lot to do, but it’ll sure cost a lot to un-do. But he’ll probably keep the truck until he runs the wheels off, so enjoy Ron!
G M C plastics are cheap looking from stock he gave em a new look dont be haters!
I like stock more, but overall I think GMC is going down a weird path.
You’re right about GMC. FOG LIGHTS have no chrome bezel but Colorado’s do. Bizarre, which brand is top tier?
Though I see that this person wants to have his individualality when it comes to being noticed on the road (and most of us do), the execution on some areas will not last, The Chin Spoiler takes a constant beating from the elements primarily when traveling on the highway and will be noticeable over time when the paint starts to chip due to that…if this truck were to get towed, for whatever reason, those gold colored Tow Hooks will show the effects of that as well and like Andrew mentioned earlier, hopefully those areas were sand prepped prior to paint applications especially on the rear bumper, the worst area to be painted as dirt, road grime from the rain , leaves can be attracted to that spot like a magnet and will add to more time in his effort to try and sustain it.
I think it looks great, it gives the truck some personality. Much better than the all black look, this has energy.
I share others concerns about durability.
nope, dont like it… but to each their own… If he “uses” the truck as a truck, the paint on top of the rear bumper will make the bumper look worse than before he started. The tops of bumpers are not painted for a reason.
The plastic on the bumpers is no different than any other brand. It is flat. Lack for a reason.
Also paint generally chips and flakes with use unless you prep this right. A rattle can is not the best choice.
Post photos in a year and it will be in need of repair.
It’s his truck so more power to him.
Doesn’t do any good to put lipstick on this pig and drive around with a defective transmission and a subpar engine!
Hope you’re driving a ram then, cuz GM & Ford designed the transmission together… and I’m sure it will outlast the ram’s tranny. Granted, he could have used other products to obtain the same results, but the owner wanted to individualize his truck, and did. If it were my truck, I wouldn’t really care what others said about it if I liked it.
I painted the black front bumper valance body color on my 2014 WT Silverado. Did some trading for chrome headlights and bumper. Plus chrome stock grille for gift. Cost about $200 out of pocket. Also, got 4 aluminum take-off Silverado wheels at a Chevy dealer for $75 a piece!
Mods aside, that standard grill looks better against the original red paint than the Denali grill would have, IMO.
Looked better before. Should have put 22s on it.
Starting to resemble a Ford.
Starting to resemble a Ford.
Ugly
I’m just mad he did all that work, and left the dealership sticker on the tailgate!