Painted Hubcaps
 

How long did painted hubcaps get used? I always thought same as the bright caps, 69-75, then learned painted bumper trucks still used them a while longer. I just saw some for sale listed as 69-87. Is that right? If so, what did they come on? I know chrome bumpers became standard by the '80s and I never saw a new C, K, G, or P come with anything but bright hubcaps or optional wheel covers.

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

The last time they're mentioned in the vehicle information kit is 1978

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

Thanks for that. I was thinking maybe '78 because there were other trim changes in '79. I guess the listing I saw was a simple reversed number typo

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

I just threw that number out there, trying to cover 69-72 plus all the squarebody trucks, even though they are not technically correct for 69-72 and some of those later years.
I need to learn the years better for these caps. Thanks

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

Correct, '78 was the last year of the painted cap on base models. '75 the last year of the stainless version. IMO, '78 was
the height of the styling cycle for squaredoors.

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

I saw your sale thread after they were sold and money had been sent. I almost asked this question there, but decided it would be in poor taste. I know you know your caps, so that's why I wondered. I figured it could be just to cast a wider net, but also wondered if you tapped in 78 backwards. Always more to learn. I'm not done yet! BTW, those sure were pretty!!

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

So, there was a painted version of this style cap on a 77-78, or did the old style carry on 2 years past the bright caps? I’m trying to think if I’ve ever seen any…but I haven’t had my coffee yet lol.

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

No, they never came painted white. Those were the new aluminum caps introduced in '76 that replaced the stainless older style. Aluminum caps came standard on higher trim models '76-'78. After '78, those aluminum caps were used on all models thru '87 on pickups and well into the 90's on vans. After '78, aerodynamics, weight savings and efficiency was GMs top priority.

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

As Factory Stock said, it was the latter. Only it was three years, 76-78.

Painted hubcap: 69-77

Chrome hubcap: 69-72

Stainless hubcap: 73-75

Aluminum hubcap: 76-91

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

I’d love to see a factory pic of a 77 with the 69 up painted caps. I always thought 76 was the last year for them.

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

This '77 C 10 is a couple of months old. '77 3/4 ton factory literature. The Custom Deluxe package wasn't heavily promoted in these years, GM was making a fortune on heavily loaded higher trim vehicles in this era. 1978 was the last model year to have painted steel hubcaps on base models, ending a 30 year long tradition.

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

The story of these hubcaps is so complicated.

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

Thanks for sharing those photos! I have learned something today. I always thought 76 was the last year for those.

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

At this point in time not many recall that the painted caps went beyond the introduction of the newer style polished aluminum caps that ended up being the last truck hubcap GM offered, another long running tradition cast away. along with that came the last of the brand stamped tailgate as well. That was a long run for the aluminum caps, '76 - '91 R/V models. Sixteen years. Spring & Summer '76 I worked on a framing crew. I remember the new style hubcaps coming out that year because my boss owned a brand new Silverado/20 and I thought they were a sharp looking cap

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

GM got an extra long run out of the square door design too! I remember expecting a complete redesign of the C/K pickup immediately after Ford did their major design change in 1980.

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

True on those doors for light and medium duty trucks, K5, Suburban, Chevy, and GMC.

I thought the same after the '80 ford change. I was sure glad GM didn't follow the twin traction beam idea and waited years to come out with a true IFS

Re: Painted Hubcaps
 

GMC had the same painted cap offerings as Chevy. Hard to find a base model in middle to late 70's, most were loaded higher trim in this era. This is a '78 GMC Sierra 25. The chrome front bumper was an option on the SPID on this '78. Not sure if the side mirrors are correct?