C1 Corvette Exterior Paint Codes and Matching

[Tom A.]

Re: C1 Ccorvette Exterior Paint Codes and Matching

Ed, The formula you posted is the correct formula although with the 150k it will be a c/c finish. The reason the formula is no longer available is that DuPont has discontinued the 815j metallic. The 815j is a multi-grade metallic and as such would contain some coarser metallic that would be in appropriate for that color. I would normally leave out the 815j anyhow and add 810 or 816j to get the correct look. The metallic volume left out may leave the color dark so add in enough to bring it to the right shade. Do not substitute gram for gram as the 815 is not as concentrated as the 810 or 816. The 816 is only slightly larger flake than 810 so would not affect the appearance of the metallic.

[Jim M.]

Re: C1 Ccorvette Exterior Paint Codes and Matching

When I restored my 69 tuxedo black coupe, I talked with a young guy who was recomended to me by some local car guys about trying to repaint the car to look as close to the original shine as possible. We ruled out bc/cc and he suggested using a single stage urethene and that he would cocktail in some clear. I had no idea what that all meant, and still don't, but I have to say that the final product turned out to be what I was looking for.

[Tom A.]

Re: C1 Ccorvette Exterior Paint Codes and Matching

Jim, I'm glad that worked for you. I normally don't recommend mixing in clear with a single stage whether is a solid color or metallic. Solid colors don't need it as it just dilutes the color and causes it to look washed out. In metallics it dilutes the pigment and lets the metallic particles stand out. The metallic should be masked somewhat by the color pigments, that's what makes the metallic in Marlboro maroon look gold or in Laguna blue look green or blue. The pigments mixed with the clear binders allow a degree of transparency giving the metallic particles a colored appearance. This is important to the appearance of the final color. With additional clear mixed in the final coats the pigments fail to cover the metallic particles enough to give them a colored appearance and you end up with a color that has a silvery look at the surface. This is especially apparent when viewing at a side angle. The clear may give the color a deeper look but at this same time alters the actual color. The original color had very little depth to them as the pigment sat right at the paint surface. The clear also has no effect on the reflective quality of the finish, that is achieved by the texture or distinctness of image of the topcoat.

[Edward H.]

Re: C1 Corvette Exterior Paint Codes and Matching

Well, after waiting 2 weeks for a Sikkens sample (Utech 200 single stage urethene) I sparyed it today. I could not get it to lay down without the color and metallic seperating. Terrible molting. I guess I'm back to square one. I'm going to try to get some help from Dupont again.

[Pat M.]

Re: C1 Corvette Exterior Paint Codes and Matching

Shot modern Marlboro Maroon lacquer (a metallic) on my 70 5 years ago and have absolutely no complaints. None. Looks great, very close to the original color, and has held up perfectly.

Based on my experience I'm always puzzled why some dislike modern lacquer so much. I would not hesitate to use it again.