Base - clear paint codes

[Benjamin C.]

After much thought and suggestions I have decided to paint my 54 with basecoat clearcoat. I plan on keeping this car for a long time and want the paint to last. If I lose points then so be it. The car is judged for a very short time compared to the many years of fun I will have with it. Does anyone know the paint codes for Pennant blue and the beige, and also where to get it?

[Chuck S.]

Re: Base - clear paint codes

Hmmm...BJ, I don't know if I'm doing you a favor by telling you a source. Personally, using single stage urethane or BC/CC on a C3 is a fairly easy decision for me, but I would think long and hard about using these products on a 54. In my opinion, your car is closer to a Pebble Beach type vehicle than a C3.

If you are determined to do this, try AutoColorLibrary.com. They say they have 50 years of PPG color experience. I would shoot some test panels and have some C1 judges look at the color before I jumped in with both feet.




AutoColorLibrary

[Roy B.]

Re: Base - clear paint codes

I plan on keeping this car for a long time and want the paint to last. If I lose points then so be it. The car is judged for a very short time compared to the many years of fun I will have with it.

Right on!

[Willard M.]

Re: Base - clear paint codes

I agree with your decision. I am in the process of having my Nassau Blue 66 painted BC/CC even though it was a former Duntov car. When my blue 54 needs paint I will do it the same way, BC/CC. Take the hit if judged. Life will go on and you will have the car the way you want it. I saw the light many years ago with Dale Pearman and his 62 fuelie. It was not a factory correct job, but I never saw anyone enjoy a Corvette more than he did.

Bill #2659

[Kent K.]

Re: Base - clear paint codes

BJ,
My laquer paint has performed well for being 12 years old. If I were to use something other than laquer, now days, I would go with Urethane. But on a '54, laquer is the only appropriate paint to use!!!
Kent #6201

[Chuck S.]

Re: Base - clear paint codes

Kent, didn't they use nitro-cellulose(?) lacquer on 53-54? I didn't think acrylic lacquer even began until maybe 55 or 56.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Base - clear paint codes

BJ, I responded to your email, but it came back undeliverable. Contact John Waggoner, NCRS Tech Board Administrator, to update your email address.

[Chuck S.]

Dohp...No...Acrylic Lacquer!

It says so right on the back of AutoColorLibrary.com's Ditzler color chips (page 4).

The 1954 Corvette colors are specified in a Supplemental Bulletin issued 3-31-54. Pennant Blue would be Metallic Blue Poly, GM code 570, Ditzler/PPG code 11238. It was available in DAL (acrylic lacquer) and DQE (enamel). The factory would have used acrylic lacquer; DQE was available for repaints.

[Kent K.]

Yes, nitrocellulos laquer for '53-'55 IIRC

Acrylic laquer started, I believe, sometime after '55 but I don't remember the exact time for Corvattes. Acrylic laquer is an excellent substitute for nitrocellulos on any Corvette without deductions during NCRS judging.
Kent #6201

[James Kennedy]

Re: Yes, nitrocellulos laquer for '53-'55 IIRC

Try this...www.corvettepaintcodes.com

[Jim R.]

Re: Base - clear paint codes

I would only use base clear or urethane on a solid color car ,the metallic in those paints are so far off, they are a dead give away and look to fake. as far as laquer paint goes ,there are still original cars unrestored that look great.everybody is on the base clear bandwagon now days, but nothing today has the good look of laquer.