1973 Paint / Trim Combinations

[Edward M.]

The GM Parts and Accessories Catalog, and subsequently the Corvette Black Book has the following recommended color combinations;

	Black Vinyl	Black Leather	Midnight Blue Vinyl	Medium Saddle Vinyl	Medium Saddle Leather	Dark Saddle Vinyl	Dark Saddle Leather	Dark Red Vinyl
Classic White	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Silver	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Medium Blue	X	X	X	X	X
Dark Blue	X	X	X	X	X			X
Blue Green	X	X		X	X	X	X	X
Elkhart Green	X	X		X	X
Yellow	X	X	??			X	X
Metallic Yellow	X	X	??
Mille Miglia Red	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Orange	X	X		X	X

I think the combination of Yellow or Metallic Yellow with a Midnight Blue interior is wrong / incorrect information. MY best guess, based on cars I have researched, is that Yellow or Metallic Yellow cars could have Black Vinyl, Black Leather, Medium Saddle Vinyl, Medium Saddle Leather, Dark Saddle Vinyl or Dark Saddle Leather

I used to own a Yellow / Dark Saddle Leather 1973 convertible. Trim tag was 953 paint, 422 trim

Thoughts?

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1973 Paint / Trim Combinations

Given where GM has its headquarters, perhaps the Yellow with Midnight Blue was for some University of Michigan fans?

[Jimmy P.]

Re: 1973 Paint / Trim Combinations

Edward,
l've often wondered about those " Black Book recommended"combinations myself. The blue vinyl interior is also suggested to go with Mille Miglia Red exterior, I wouldn't think there were too many of those ordered! One other question that I have is what actually is the correct color name for code #413? Is it "Midnight Blue"as listed above in the Black Book and a couple other reference books, or is it actually "Medium Blue"as it is listed in the 73-74 TIM&JG and some ref. books, or "Dark Blue" as listed in the 68-82 NCRS Corvette Spec. Guide shown below?

[Russ S.]

Re: 1973 Paint / Trim Combinations

Never seen one and hope I never do.

[Lawrence M.]

Re: 1973 Paint / Trim Combinations

Attached is the Corvette Color & Trim page from the 1973 Chevrolet Salesman's Information Manual. By 1974 Blue (Midnight ) Vinyl #413 was no longer recommended in combination with red or yellow exterior colors. Blue (Midnight) Vinyl #413 was changed to Blue (Dark) Vinyl #VDD2 for 1974.

[Edward M.]

Re: 1973 Paint / Trim Combinations

I admit, this subject is puzzling. I would like to hear from ANYONE that has a 952 or 953 paint code with a 413 trim.
I just don't think that car exists in any significant quantities.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1973 Paint / Trim Combinations

Given where GM has its headquarters, perhaps the Yellow with Midnight Blue was for some University of Michigan fans?

Maybe I'm missing the point but Corvette will build non-recommended paint/trim combinations. In the early 60s, Shriner cars were painted with Cadillac colors and in 2000 they painted millennium yellow units with torch red interior. Seems like there were some non-recommended combos built in 1978 as well. The codes would trigger an alert at Zone and the dealer would get a call to confirm. Afterward, Corvette brand manager would have to sign off on the build order. So there is/was a process for non-recommended paint/trim combinations.

[Edward M.]

Re: 1973 Paint / Trim Combinations

Maybe I'm missing the point but Corvette will build non-recommended paint/trim combinations. In the early 60s, Shriner cars were painted with Cadillac colors and in 2000 they painted millennium yellow units with torch red interior. Seems like there were some non-recommended combos built in 1978 as well. The codes would trigger an alert at Zone and the dealer would get a call to confirm. Afterward, Corvette brand manager would have to sign off on the build order. So there is/was a process for non-recommended paint/trim combinations.

Tom;

The point is that yellow or metallic yellow with midnight blue interior was a recommended color. I think that is a typo / mistake in the GM literature. I do not believe that a yellow / metallic yellow with midnight blue interior was really a recommended color. I think the "Mb" in the chart was really supposed to be "Ms" (Medium Saddle).

Ed