C1 Rim Paint Technique

[Mike B.]

My memory is a bit porous because I know I have seen this before, but I need a sanity check before finishing the last step of my cosmetic restoration.

As I recall, rims were painted black (perhaps by dipping) then the face was painted body color so that the gap on the outside perimeter of the wheel cover would compliment the body.

My questions:

1) Is this assumption correct? I.e., was only the face of the rim painted body color over a entirely black wheel?

2) What type of paint was used? I know the body was in acrylic lacquer but I seem to recall that the rims were painted in enamel for greater durability.

My car is a 1961 Roman Red.

Thanks,
Mike

[William F.]

Re: C1 Rim Paint Technique

Whitewalls or blackwalls? If whitewalls, rims were black;if blackwalls, rims (visible next to tire) were painted body color.

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Rim Paint Technique

Whitewalls or blackwalls? If whitewalls, rims were black;if blackwalls, rims (visible next to tire) were painted body color.

I think you are mistaken there. JG is correct that all 61 wheels were body color. Also says enamel. Also says face only. And JG is correct on all three counts.

[Mike B.]

Re: C1 Rim Paint Technique

Wow Mike, why didn't I think of that? Check the judging guide (duh). I knew I saw it somewhere!

I'll blame it on information overload and not that the teeth on my razor-sharp memory are starting to dull.

Thanks.

[William F.]

Re: C1 Rim Paint Technique

Mike,You're right if you checked the judging manual. I was going on what's correct for a '62 and assumed the same for a '61 and you know what assuming does. I went against my own advice of only giving advice when you know you're correct. My apologies and good luck!

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Rim Paint Technique

Not a problem. We've all done that in the past. Chevrolet was inconsistent with each model year wheel colors throughout the 58-62 time sequence.

[Mike B.]

Re: C1 Rim Paint Technique

Bill, no harm, no foul - I haven't applied a lick of paint yet.

Mike, is it safe to assume that no particular efforts were made to mask the underside of the rim from overspray that could pass through the four slits between the center and outer rim sections? In other words, is there likely to be some face-colored paint on the backside of the rims? I am not seeking perfection - just want to know if I can be sloppy on purpose!

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Rim Paint Technique

Sloppy on purpose would be factory-correct.