Finding C1 paint colors 53 to 62

[Roy B.]

Over the years it seems I and Noland were thinking and discovering the
Issue of C1's original paint colors . I started Vintage Corvettes in
Southern Ca.1971 in the 60's worked on many C1's ,finding the paint color in
Trunks and other markings. When I was thinking of starting a C1 only
Organization and asked Noland to be the president we held our first national
Meet in Nevada city Ca.1987 Where I live , 7 people showed up , so having
Plenty of time on our hands I said lets go to Lanny's salvage yard and find
Parts. Many did, they filled up my station wagon and the top rack leaving
Little room for any one . Noland and I talked about what a great time to
Look for the paint markings having so many bodies to look at. In the second
Issue of Straight Talk Mag.1987 Noland put to gather what we learned for "OUR"
Members in a effort to help owners show and verifie to NCRS what color their Corvette
is. Back then NCRS said they never made a black 58 Corvette.
Later reading the NCRS Restorer Mag. I read about what we wrote with no mention given to where it came from as it was with many parts we wrote about. So here is the original Article of 1988 for any one interested.

Also see second posting. 63 was a printing mistake.

[Roy B.]

Re: Finding C1 paint colors 53 to 62 *NM*

[Don S.]

Re: Finding C1 paint colors 53 to 62

Very Interesting Roy. You must have felt like sherlock Holmes.

Don Steele

[Roy B.]

Re: Finding C1 paint colors 53 to 62

Well back in the 60's little was known about Corvettes because (who cared?) I was always interested in little things like logos, design and how things came about. But mostly the colors like Noland was for his books, we were both on the same track back then about C1's.I'm the kind of guy that wont's to know how to tell a real part from the wrong or repro part. I'm not sure I was first, but I was the guy that talked a lot about first, second and third design parts.Who would listen to me on any thing? That's why I started and had Noland be the president of SACE and he resisted at first. But it gave me as editor to throw out what I felt was original and make people THINK.Through SACE your JG made many changes because members asked about what we wrote. Many NCRS officials dint like me for starting a separate C1 organization and "may" still do. And many here wonder why it's so hard to get the JG corrected on some parts. My biggest problem with NCRS was and is being to blunt, tho I still think it's the greatest organization for Corvettes in the world, but then this -post may get me throw off the forum .

[Don S.]

Re: Finding C1 paint colors 53 to 62

Roy-- I know your topic was car body colors but I wonder if you did anything on interior colors.My 55 has dark beige seat covers( maybe is was a blue car some time in the past.) but it is a gypsy red bodied car now. Accoring to Noland's book the red cars had light beige seat covers (Almost white) with red stitching. I was talking to Jack Reeves about this fact one time and he told me not to change it. No one knew for certain about the colors and maybe mine was correct. (Jack was a c1 expert as well.)If I am to judge the car i need to spend $4500++,to change the seat covers, dash nose cover, steering wheel paint ,interior side covers and interior dash paint. I dont know if it is worth it.

Don Steele

[Kevin M.]

[Roy B.]

Re: Finding C1 paint colors 53 to 62

When it comes to the 55 Corvette NCRS and many others know vary little about them. The JG has many wrong statements and missing many more things. They know everything about the 53-54 because you see them , not 55 but once in a while, so the concern for detail and history is not a great wonder for the JG. I know of seen and had a few 55's ,when we SACE were back east talking with the guys THAT assembled the 53-57 Corvette they stated a new owner buying a 55 could ask and get a pink color having butterfly's painted on it. Remember they were closing that Corvette plant line down. Why you think they sold only 700 (no one wonted them )!! The 55 are lift over converted 54's.I've seen many original interiors on original body colored Corvettes. Remember the ORIGINAL 62 purple Corvette.?
Don't change anything but if you wont to play the NCRS game go with it. I hear where is the paper work-where is the proof , Da! we all know there is none so we're screwed. Happy vetting !

[GL Anderson]

Re: Finding C1 paint colors 53 to 62

There were 12 original purple 62 Corvettes with red interiors. I think there are 3 found now. If I dig I have the serial numbers for them. I may have the plant delivery photos too. GL

[Clem Z.]

i wonder what was behind the seat on my 62

that was factory painted "chevrolet anniversary gold"????

[Roy B.]

Re: Finding C1 paint colors 53 to 62

GL
Shrine Corvette Is an example of what I'm trying to say , they were hi-profile Corvettes and have a paper trail ,but the same special ordered Corvettes by an individual ordering a color - enterior combo would not have a paper trail . Many C1's were a special order Corvette and if you find your self owning one your screwed by NCRS standers if you don't have the order sheet.(remember NO records were kept)
Most members now know a few Corvettes were ordered with out any paint,engine, tires and so on. It's a learning curve for NCRS and they recognize some of those. Years ago they dint know first. Second and third design parts thinking a 62 was a 62 having 62 dated only parts.
You may feel I'm coming down on NCRS WRONG! TIME is needed for NCRS to catch up. It drives many people crazy that the JG is not covering this or that, Corvettes judged many years ago getting a top Flight, to day un-changed would be lucky to get a third flight.

[Clem Z.]

i still have my dealer order form for my

special color 62,now if i just still had the car.

[Dave F.]

Re: Finding C1 paint colors 53 to 62

Thanks for posting these kinds of things Roy. It's a goldmine of information. I print this stuff off and keep it in my files. Keep it coming!

-Dave

[Dave F.]

Re: Finding C1 paint colors 53 to 62

GL,

You should write a book on these Shriner cars. Very interesting stuff.

-Dave

[GL Anderson]

Re: Finding C1 paint colors 53 to 62

Yes but they only let me have crayons to play with so it might not sell well.GL

[Dave F.]

Re: Finding C1 paint colors 53 to 62

I'd buy one.

-Dave