Correct Sebring Silver Paint for 1963 Corvette

[Michael J. Vercheak]

Hi,

I'm getting ready to paint my 1963 Corvette Coupe. Which of the new paints available today is considered the best match for the original 1963 Sebring silver paint.

Thanks,

Mike

[Robert C.]

Re: Correct Sebring Silver Paint for 1963 Corvette

Michael, All paint colors are mixed using a particular formula for each brand name. The make of paint doesn't make any difference as far as the color goes. Other people can comment on their use of makes, or if there is a better or favorite brand.Paint numbers for each brand name manuf.can be obtained in the assembly manual for your year Corvette.


Texas Chapter NCRS

[Ol Geezer]

Re: Correct Sebring Silver Paint for 1963 Corvette

Micheal -- Be very careful with this one. The particular, Sebring Silver, paint for '63 had a lot of pearl in the paint. -- Absolutely gorgeous. Even the the mist, while spraying, is beautiful. So be careful that your vendor supplies a pearl paint.

[Stewart L.]

Re: Correct Sebring Silver Paint for 1963 Corvette

Mike, when you say new paints today, I assume that you mean urethane paint. There is no way you are going to get a close match with a urethane because the metallic particles are too big and you will get a totally different look from the original lacquers. Most paint companies will not have crossover formulas for lacquer to urethane. You will have to look through a color chip book and match up a color that is close. Most auto paint stores have a computer that will give you the closest match in urethane if you have a good sample of the original paint off your car.(like under the door trim panel or under the carpeting)If you use lacuuer, those formulas are still available. I would recommend when you find a color that looks close, that you spray a test panel to make sure you like it because the chips will look different that the actual paint.

[Iron Duke NCRS #22045]

Re: Correct Sebring Silver Paint for 1963 Corvette

Why not paint it with the original acrylic lacquer. It can probably be mixed up, but not every dealer will be able to do it. You should contact someone knowledgeable at your supplier (PPG, Dupont, etc). A non-clear coated metallic like Sebring Silver will be much more difficult to duplicate with a modern catayized enamel than a solid color.

Duke

[Kenneth S.]

Re: Correct Sebring Silver Paint for 1963 Corvette

You have a tough match here. The original '63 Sebring Silver contained very fine mother-of-pearl made from ground up seashells, something not available today. PPG has a Technical Services group located in Strongville, Ohio and they can give you a formula, which should come close. Their phone number is 216-572-6111, ask for the Color Librarian.

[Michael J. Vercheak]

Re: Correct Sebring Silver Paint for 1963 Corvette

Thanks for the responses, I was looking for a manufacturer and a paint number that best closely resembles the original color based on everyone's past experience of the paint that is available now.

Thanks, Mike