GMC Orange (516 (1973)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

The year 1973 was a massive milestone for GMC, marking the debut of the now-legendary Square Body truck design. This vibrant shade was right there at the start, capturing the high-energy spirit of the early seventies. It is a hardworking color that was built for the job site but looks just as right at a Saturday morning car meet. Since your truck has been on the road for over half a century, this orange has likely become a part of its character, defining that classic rugged profile that modern pickups just can't replicate.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which is excellent news for anyone doing their own repairs in a garage or under the shade of a tree. Unlike metallic paints that use tiny flakes, a solid color like this is much more forgiving because you don't have to worry about the "flop" or the way light hits the particles. The challenge with a color this bold is the passage of time. Bright pigments are often the first to feel the effects of the sun, so your existing paint may have a slightly different personality than it did the day it left the factory.

Best Practices

To be certain you have the right match, look for the Service Parts Identification sticker, which is usually found tucked inside the glove box. Before you spray or dab GMC Orange (check for code 516 (1973)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure those heavy pigments are fully mixed. Even though this is a straightforward solid, you should still test the color on the included card to see how it sits against your truck's current finish. When you start the work, keep the container moving to ensure the color flows evenly across the surface. Let each layer have enough drying time to set before you decide if you need a second pass for full coverage.