Express, Savana & G-Series Vans Offered in both a full size van, or a large box truck, the Express is the modern GM workhorse.

Chevrolet Express
Platform: GMT Van

Paint or buy new ones?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 7, 2020 | 9:00 PM
  #1  
GeneveConversionVan's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
Default Paint or buy new ones?

Forum,
Im trying to renew my van exterior to keep it healthy and good looking

I have tried renew these parts, but they look the same after a couple of months, Should I replace them all around? Any vendor you might know sell these parts custom painted to match the van color? In this picture I can also note a little bit of tail lights started to fade.


Reply
Old Oct 7, 2020 | 9:15 PM
  #2  
SteveROntario's Avatar
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 159
Likes: 17
Default

You can use Hycote "Bumper Black" but it needs to be redone from time to time.
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2020 | 10:32 PM
  #3  
mountainmanjoe's Avatar
Super Moderator
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,207
Likes: 689
Default

This would not bother me one bit.

You will pay through the nose for new parts, and painting it will look tacky. Leave it alone.

You could try hitting it with a buffing wheel and some cutting compound. It should remove the white oxidation and reveal some fresh black plastic for a while.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2020 | 9:37 AM
  #4  
GeneveConversionVan's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by mountainmanjoe
This would not bother me one bit.

You will pay through the nose for new parts, and painting it will look tacky. Leave it alone.

You could try hitting it with a buffing wheel and some cutting compound. It should remove the white oxidation and reveal some fresh black plastic for a while.
I agree Joe, nose will hurt, but it bothers me a lot. I will try the compound and see what happens.

I think the tail lights also need compounding right?

The thing is I believe my 20 year old van is going through the 20 year crisis and wants major surgery lol

Last edited by GeneveConversionVan; Oct 8, 2020 at 9:45 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2020 | 10:04 PM
  #5  
mountainmanjoe's Avatar
Super Moderator
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,207
Likes: 689
Default

yes buffing the tail light lens will clear them up.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2020 | 11:59 AM
  #6  
GeneveConversionVan's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by mountainmanjoe
yes buffing the tail light lens will clear them up.
Great.
Altough yesterday while cleaning them up, i realized they have like internal scratches.. like if they were cracked from the interior. I wonder if that affects light propagation.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2020 | 3:40 PM
  #7  
SteveROntario's Avatar
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 159
Likes: 17
Default

You may be surprised at how little some parts cost for these vans. You may want to price out aftermarket.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2020 | 10:32 AM
  #8  
GeneveConversionVan's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by SteveROntario
You may be surprised at how little some parts cost for these vans. You may want to price out aftermarket.
Any website? I cant seem to find stock on these old units. Unless listing isnt right and I can fit a 2003 onwards on my 2001.
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2020 | 9:06 AM
  #9  
Triaged's Avatar
CF Pro Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 622
Likes: 177
Default

Look at rockauto.com. They often beat Amazon shipped. Because GM hasn't changed the body style in eons you could look at junk yards / for parts too.
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2020 | 8:53 AM
  #10  
GeneveConversionVan's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by Triaged
Look at rockauto.com. They often beat Amazon shipped. Because GM hasn't changed the body style in eons you could look at junk yards / for parts too.
Excellent. Thanks.

Junk Yards arent that close where I live... too bad
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 6:16 PM.