Smoke on the Water

This 1972 GMC Pickup arrived bearing the full weight of its years. The original white paint was worn and faded, the interior floors heavily rusted, and the bed showing decades of hauling and use. Early images reveal a complete teardown: panels removed, engine bay exposed, and the chassis stripped and recoated in black. The truck's bones were laid bare, a canvas for restoration and renewal, hinting at the care that would soon return life to this rugged workhorse.

The restoration encompassed the entire body and a detailed refresh of the factory engine, complemented by the installation of Vintage Air for comfort. The deep, high-gloss purple metallic paint now dominates the surfaces, revealing subtle metal flake that dances as the light strikes it. A custom bed of medium-dark hardwood panels separated by raw metal strips, contrasts beautifully with the rick body tone, emphasizing craftsmanship and intentional design. Every panel, every edge, and every detail speaks to the careful attention paid during the rebuild, from the exposed engine bay's tidy layout to the final smooth, reflective finish.

Finished, Smoke on the Water excludes a sense of depth and presence. The purple sheen is commanding, shifting from nearly black to vibrant amethyst depending on viewing angle and light. The wood-lined bed adds warmth and texture, while the overall silhouette maintains the strong, squared-off stance of the classic GMC pickup. It's a vehicle that honors its working past while asserting a new, refined identity, one that merges vintage character, modern care, and a subtle nod to 1970s musical heritage in its evocative name.