Chevrolet Uplander Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
The Chevrolet Uplander might have been the ultimate "mom-mobile," but Chevy certainly didn't hold back on the palette. We've recorded 39 different colors for this van, ranging from the classic Arctic Bright White to some surprisingly adventurous choices like Emerald Jewel Metallic and Arrival Blue Metallic. They really went for it with the metallics-clearly, someone at GM decided that just because you're hauling a soccer team doesn't mean you can't do it with a bit of "Sport Red" flair.
What to Watch For
Before you start dabbing paint, you need to find your code. Open the glove box and look for a silver or white "Service Parts Identification" sticker. You're looking for a code at the bottom that starts with "BC/CC" (for Basecoat/Clearcoat), usually followed by a "U" and a four-digit number.
As for the condition of the paint, these vans are known for the "GM peelies," especially on the white models where the top layer sometimes decides it's tired of being attached to the primer. You'll also want to check the area right around the door handles; the handles can rub against the body over time, causing the paint to bubble or flake off. If you see a chip on the leading edge of the hood, catch it early before the North American winters turn it into a rust freckle.
Driveway Repair Tip
Since so many Uplander colors are "Metallic" or "Effect" paints (meaning they have tiny flakes of glitter or pearl in them), they require patience to get right. When using your touch-up bottle, shake it for at least 60 seconds-and I mean a real workout shake-to wake up those metallic flakes that have settled at the bottom. When applying, don't try to fill the whole chip in one go. Drip a tiny amount from the brush into the center of the chip and let it spread itself out. If it's a deep one, wait 20 minutes and add a second thin layer. It's better to build a tiny "hill" of paint than to end up with a messy, runny blob on your sliding door.