PPG Automotive Refinish has repainted its popular show truck. The truck, a 75-foot 2016 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer rig now features a fresh red, white and blue paint scheme reminiscent of the stars and stripes of the American flag.
“The PPG show truck represents our company wherever it travels,” said Cristina Fronzaglia-Murray, manager of marketing communications, PPG Automotive Refinish. “We wanted it to be an absolute show-stopper, one that clearly displays what our products can do. We also wanted the paint scheme to recognize and celebrate the freedom we have in this country – from the ability to pick the cars we drive to the color and paint we choose for them. We believe this color scheme and design reflect that, and it’s a pleasure for PPG to be able to share that message as our truck travels across the country.”
Steve Breakfield and the team at Motorhead Racing and Design Co., Charlotte, N.C., came up with the unique design, which was an instant hit with PPG staff. Gerber Collision & Glass in Grand Rapids, Mich., was awarded the refinish project. Led by fleet operations manager Fred Honoré II and Chris Hansen, general manager of the company’s Grand Rapids truck location, the crew stripped and sandblasted old paint off the trailer before using several premium PPG DELFLEET Evolution products including F3995 Epoxy Primer, the FBC Basecoat System and F3921 2.1 VOC Clearcoat to achieve the bright and colorful finish.
“We were privileged to be a part of this,” said Honoré. “To be chosen by PPG to paint its show truck, that’s a real honor. This is the kind of thing you tell your grandkids – that your work was respected enough by your paint supplier that they trusted us with a job as important as this. We loved painting this truck.”
Jamie Redd, PPG facility manager and instructor, echoed the sentiment. Redd worked with the Gerber team providing instruction and technical support as the work progressed. “This truck is awesome,” he said. “The finish and design are beautiful. I’d love to ride on this rig in a Fourth of July parade anywhere in the country. That would be a photo moment.”
Veteran PPG driver Chad Hook will drive the truck, which has a brand-new cab tailored to his requirements, to major custom car and truck shows sponsored by the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) and other automotive enthusiast groups. Car and truck buffs are welcome to visit the truck at any of its stops.
For a complete show truck appearance schedule and more information about PPG Automotive Refinish products, call (800) 647-6050 or visit the PPG Automotive Refinish website at www.ppgrefinish.com.
