Owner Uses House Paint for Custom Chevelle 70/SS

An Arkansas man achieved a unique wood grain finish on his 2026 Chevelle 70/SS using water-based house paint toner.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Car Culture

Screen-print poster illustration of a swirling wood grain pattern being applied to a smooth, curved automotive dashboard panel. — Ron Crume commissioned a custom wood grain interior for his 2026 Chevelle 70/SS to honor his business history with the coffee chain 7 Brew. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you personally customize a high-end luxury vehicle with DIY materials?

Ron Crume painted his 2026 Chevelle 70/SS at the Trans Am Worldwide facility in Tallahassee using a creative blend of house paint toner. The vehicle owner utilized the unconventional technique to achieve a custom hand-painted wood grain finish on the dash panels and headliner.

Why it matters

The project serves as a deeply personal tribute to the coffee chain 7 Brew, which Ron and Lisa Crume founded in 2017. Ron specifically requested production car number 7B to commemorate his business history.

The 2026 Chevelle 70/SS starts at $200,000, while a fully loaded 454 LS6X model reaches $400,000. Production of the 454 LS6X is limited to only 25 units.

The players

Ron Crume

He is an entrepreneur and the co-founder of the 7 Brew coffee chain.

Trans Am Worldwide

This company is the manufacturer responsible for the 2026 Chevelle 70/SS production.

The details

The custom wood grain effect was achieved by brushing house paint toner over a scuffed automotive base coat, then using water to manipulate the pattern. The finish was sealed using an automotive candy coat and clear coat after the toner layers were applied.

2017: The first 7 Brew coffee stand opened.
2026: The production year for the Chevelle 70/SS.

Roadmap

This project highlights the intersection of modern carbon fiber manufacturing and classic muscle car nostalgia. It shows how high-end manufacturers are increasingly catering to bespoke, owner-driven customization requests.

High-end vehicle owners should note that experimental paint techniques can significantly affect resale value and insurance coverage. Custom work performed outside of factory specifications may also alter the manufacturer warranty status.

The takeaway

Creative DIY projects can successfully integrate non-automotive materials if they are properly sealed under professional-grade clear coats. However, standard automotive finishes remain the gold standard for protecting the significant financial investment of a high-end vehicle.