C1: Original Paint color

[Willie Favero]

Can someone explain how I might determine the orginal paint color of my 1962 Corvette. I do plan on taking the body apart and attempting to determine the original color from any parts that might not have been repainted. However, I have no idea of the history of this car or how many times it might have been repainted.

Thanks

Willie

[Garry Barnes]

Re: C1: Original Paint color

Willie,
Aside from the usual quarter scraping method, I have had a lot of luck looking inside the center glove box. A lot of painters don't remove the glove box door or if they do they don't worry about getting the interior of the glove box compartment completely. I have also had some luck finding original overspray behind the kick panels. Good luck.
Garry

[Jack H.]

Re: C1: Original Paint color

If it hasn't been oblitherated, you can often find chaulk marks behind the trunk divider panel indicating the car's factory original color. Then, there's the typical 'forensic' method--see what you observe when you remove the existing paint to get to bare fiberglass and look in 'inobvious' areas (under sill plates, deck lid springs, Etc.) where stray original overspray may still be present.

[Dennis C.]

Re: C1: Original Paint color

Willie - Remove the passenger's seat. Behind the seat is a vertical fiberglass panel. Under the paint will be written in green crayon the color of the car. It's usually about in the center, fairly good size letters, maybe 2" letters. I've been told you can scrape off the paint with a coin. I've never done it that way - I've carefully used paint stripper. Just be cautious you don't also remove the crayon marks. If it is a hard top only car, it will also usually have the letters HT near the body color. Good Luck, Dennis

[Joe M.]

Re: C1: Original Paint color

This is the color and top designation from a 61. It is located directly behind the passengers seat, dead center on the bulkhead. This is maroon/soft top. Written in green crayon.