Metallic Colors

[Joe C.]

The description of the colors in my NCRS Handbook may not tell the full story, and some paint chips that I have don't help much, either. I know that the early metallics used very fine metallic particles, and are sometimes hard to distinguish from "solid" colors.
So, when did General Motors begin painting with metallic finishes? I am guessing 1956-1958, possibly with such flagship models like the Eldorado or Coupe DeVille. When did Corvettes first recieve metallic paint?
Thanks in advance.

Joe

[Michael H.]

Re: Metallic Colors

Joe,

Way out of my field here but, wasn't that Aztec Copper the first metallic color used on Corvette? Was that 56?

I well remember seeing a sticker many years ago on the center compt door of an unrestored 58 or 59 that said something like "this vehicle painted with the new acrylic lacquer". (think it was a 59)

[Rob M.]

Re: Metallic Colors

'59 certainly had metallic (my Crown Sapphire does) but I believe '58 as well...

greetings,
Rob.

[Rob M.]

Re: Metallic Colors

Hi Michael,

You're right the '59 (and 60) had the sticker in the center compartment. 58 it was in the engine bay.

greetings,
Rob.

[Joe C.]

Re: Metallic Colors

Thanks Michael. I don't know. The reason I am asking, is that the thread below, about nitrocellulose vs acrylic lacquer got me to thinking about it. Next time I go to a Corvette show, I'll look more closely at the paints, but sometimes hard to spot the early metallics. Could be '56 Aztec Copper. Below, Duke mentions that '57 Inca Silver was first acrylic Corvette color. So, maybe that was the first metallic, also.
Curiosity only. Interesting to know if there was a correlation, or not. Also would be interesting to know the first GM car to use metallic paint. Corvette was not GM flagship back then, so my guess is that they would have "rolled it out" on a Cadillac model. Even more interesting, would be to know the first US made car to use metallic. At this point, I'd settle on knowing first Corvette.

Joe

[William C.]

Re: Metallic Colors

GM was using Metallics Well before the Corvette, as was Ford and Chrysler. I have color charts from the forties showing metallics.

[Michael H.]

Re: Metallic Colors

Wow, I was right?? That's pretty amazing because I know very little about C1 but I sure remembered that sticker. I think I even photographed it and still have the pic, somewhere. That was 30 years ago.

(Haven't forgotten your print Rob. Coming soon)

Michael

[Tom B.]

Re: Metallic Colors

Yes. There was a very popular dark green metallic on the '51-'52 Chevys. It might have been the most common color, at least in NE Indiana. I have a friend that still has his grandmother's original paint '52 in that dark green metallic. There was also a '46-'47 Olds around town that had a grey metallic on it. Darker than silver and very fine metallic.

Tom

[Michael H.]

Re: Metallic Colors

Joe,

Interesting question on the first metallic GM colors. I guess I really never paid much attention to it back in the 50's. (I was still riding bicycles then) Bet some of the C1 people can provide the answer, and I'll bet your right on the first use being pass car instead of Corvette.

[mike mccagh]

Re: Metallic Colors

agree with clup. our 39 chevy woody, dark brown lacquer, is loaded with metaliic particles.the paint on the firewall was unmolested before i restored it and i buffed it to bring up gloss which highlighted the metallic. had lacquer mixed up which was a perfect(to my ole eyeballs) match. the woody really glows of metallic when in the sun. our other old chevys, the 31 cabriolet and the 29 convert. landau, which both had their original paint, lacked any metallic. mike

[Joe R.]

Re: Metallic Colors

Michael,

Well you were partially correct BUT 1958 was the first year for the acrylic lacquer sticker and it was in the center console. Had a black/red 1958 and the original sticker was still affixed to the console door. It was however serial number 9104 and it was BLACK. That was a very late 58 as only 9168 were made. I'm sure several can remember the 58 at Joplin MO in 1992. Dipstick can I'm sure.

Regards,

JR

[Loren L.]

Mike is the original owner of the '39 *NM*

[Dennis C.]

JR...

...Seems I recall early 1958 Paint Label attached to fan shroud...

[Dennis C.]

And, I thought 57 Inca Silver only...

...had paint label attached RH horizontal firewall surface...

[mike mccagh]

Re: Mike is the original owner of the '39

smart-ass lawyer! mikie