Compatible with the following GMCs:

Models: Truck
Years: 1971

To determine if Yellow is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is 525 (1971).

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Free Shipping on Orders $149+

Mixed fresh to order & shipped within 3–5 business days

Affordable DIY Repairs

Affordable DIY Repairs

Beginner-friendly products at a fraction of the cost of bodyshops

American-Owned Family Business

American-Owned Family Business

Established in 1999 and trusted by 1,050,000+ car owners

Where to find GMC color code

How to Find Your GMC's Color Code

GMC placed paint codes in many different locations, making them difficult to find, and GM did not standardize the color plate location across makes and models. Codes are often found in the glove box or the spare tire well; otherwise they could be elsewhere. Typical format: 51/WA316N, usually preceded by BC/CC (e.g., BC/CC 51 or BC/CC 316N). Two-tone entries may use U or L for Upper or Lower (e.g., BC/CC U316N or BC/CC L316N).

More about GMC color codes
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Custom paint for your GMC

Skip Expensive Body Shops – Do It Yourself!

Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned professional, you can achieve a high-quality paint job on your GMC in the comfort of your own home.

PaintScratch proudly offers simple, beginner-friendly products in Yellow that do not require any fancy equipment. For the serious car fanatic, you can find ready-to-spray large-sized paints.

Your Paint Color Profile

Yellow

The Look

This is the quintessential utility shade of the early seventies. It is a heavy, honest yellow that defines the 1971 C/K series trucks. It does not try to be subtle or modern; it looks like a tool meant for a job site. Because your truck has likely spent decades under the sun, the original finish has almost certainly shifted toward a flatter, paler tone. When you apply a fresh layer, expect it to look significantly more saturated than the weathered panels around it. This color carries the soul of a classic workhorse, and even a small repair helps preserve that vintage grit.

Technical Details

This is a pure, solid finish with no metallic flakes or pearl additives to complicate your life. The beauty of a solid color like this is that you do not have to worry about "mottling" or those dark, uneven stripes that plague metallic paints. However, yellow pigments are notoriously thin. They lack the heavy hiding power of a white or a black, which means your primer choice matters. If you are covering a dark scratch or a gray primer, you might find that the yellow looks a bit dull or takes a few extra passes to fully hide what is underneath. Be patient and let the color build naturally rather than trying to force it in one heavy application.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab GMC Yellow (check for code 525 (1971)), you need to shake the container for at least 60 seconds to ensure the heavy yellow pigments are fully suspended. You will typically find your paint code on the Service Parts Identification label located inside the glove box door. Before you commit to the truck, test the color on the included card to see how the new paint stacks up against your current fade. When you start the repair, keep the container moving in steady, even strokes. If you stop moving while the nozzle or brush is active, you will end up with a run. Give each layer enough drying time so the surface isn't tacky before you move on to the next. Working in a garage or shade will prevent the sun from cooking the paint before it has a chance to level out.

Need a different color?

We'll help you find the perfect match – or mix up something completely unique!

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A difference you can see

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What Our Customers Are Saying

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Laura C.
Nov 21

Will absolutely order from this company again.

After ordering touch-up paint from Lexus I was still waiting for it a month later. If they'd told me upfront it would take that long I wouldn't have ordered in the first place. Paint Scratch was recommended by a friend who restores cars. Easy ordering, fair price and fast shipping. The color match is great especially considering my car is a 2012. Will absolutely order from this company again. Reason I chose this business: Lexus collision repair and a local collision repair. Will use paint less dent removal and touch up chipped paint myself. Reason I chose this product: Spouse sideswiped passenger side of car while backing out of garage. Mostly plastic transfer from his wheel well trim but pressure creased and cracked the paint causing a bare strip 1/8 wide x 4” long below door handle. Scratches on door handle and a few small chips on both doors.

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Javier A
Nov 26

Simply the best custom mixed paint in spray cans

Used Paint Scratch metallic custom mixed spray cans paint on a hood panel with excellent coverage and texture over the surface. Metallic paint can be very unforgiving out of a spray can, sputtering pigmentation dots on the panel being sprayed and thus ruining the paint job. No such issues with Paint Scratch custom mixed metallic paint spray cans. Paint sprayed strong and evenly till the last drop of paint in the can. Shipping time was faster than expected. Reason I chose this business: Having tried other brands of custom mixed metallic paint with terrible results, sputtering pigmentation tint dots from the spray nozzle in spite of vigorously shaking of can prior to application and loss of propellant rendering the lower fifth of the can's paint useless, Paint Scratch custom mixed metallic paint sprays out beautifully and strong all the way to the last gram of paint in the can. Simply the best custom mixed paint in spray cans for automotive restoration. Thank you Paint Scratch.

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Matt M.
Sept 6

My highest rating With No Reservations. A+

I am a multiple time purchaser from this company. Each time they have provided me high quality products that are reasonably priced. The products come in a timely manner well packaged. The resources they provide have given me excellent guidance about how to use their products. I give this company my highest rating With No Reservations. A+ Reason I chose this business: There is no comparison possible. They are in League of Their Own as far as I'm concerned.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my vehicle’s paint code?

Your paint code is usually found in the driver’s door jamb, trunk, or under the hood. See our GMC Paint Code Guide for detailed instructions.

Will this paint match my car?

Because your GMC is older or uncommon, the most accurate option is custom matching where you mail in a small painted part for a hand match. Our paint technicians usually do a great job matching GMC color code '525 (1971)' but a perfect match cannot be guaranteed.

Do I need primer and clearcoat?

While primer is recommended on bare metal or plastic, clearcoat is essential: it protects the basecoat and restores factory gloss.

How long does shipping take?

Orders are mixed fresh and ship within 3–5 business days. Delivery takes 2–14 days depending on location.

Which touch up product should I choose?

 It depends on the size of the damage:

  • Paint Pen (½ oz) – Best for very small chips and fine scratches.
  • Brush Bottle (2 oz) – Great for medium chips or scratches up to the size of a quarter.
  • Spray Can – Ideal for larger areas and panels.
  • Professional Sizes (Pint, Quart, Gallon) – Designed for full panel and vehicle resprays using spray equipment.

Not sure? If it’s just rock chips or small scratches, start with a Paint Pen.

Can I return my order?

Yes! If there’s a color match issue, we’ll replace the product or give you your money back. You also can return unopened, non-custom accessories for a full refund.

How long will the paint last in storage?

Paint pens and bottles last about a year if stored cool and dry. Spray cans can last several years if the nozzle is cleaned.