What was the original paint type?
 

Is there any documentation out there about what type of paint the factory would have been used on my 73 Chevy two tone?

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

I'm pretty sure the paint used back then was acrylic enamel.

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

High solid enamel.

Base coat/clear coat came in around 1989.

K

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

Can you clear coat on top of the original enamel? I've thought a clear coat would look really nice and protect the original paint. I've got an 86. It's not perfect, but i'd want to clear it just the way it is. I've buffed it to a nice shine, but the hood re-oxidized a bit within a year. (though i did fail to every wax it after i polished it -- didn't think there was a hurry to when not driving and parked inside and covered, oops!)

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

Know of any documentation on that?

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

Yes, that’s not a problem

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

I wasn't able to find anything in the Heritage Center literature or brochures.

They were enamel when I started in 1979 up through when we went BC/CC, so it was a bit of an assumption on my part that 73-79 would also be enamel.

K

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

You might be able to "bring back" the paint by buffing it out. Lots of youtube vids on how to do that.

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

I’ve got a unique situation. I bought the truck because it’s a 100% original big block with 50k miles. I have it insured with Hagerty. I got sideswiped a month ago and turned it in on my Ins. They won’t repaint the truck unless it was originally painted in laquer?!!! Otherwise they just want to paint half of one side which will look like crap next to the patina 45 year old paint

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

Not sure if this helps but....
I've read that to determine the paint type, rub the surface with lacquer thinner.
If color comes off with a few wipes it's enamel. If it's lacquer it will take a lot of rubbing with only a slight color removal. and BC/CC won't remove any color.

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

The repair shop may be worried about getting into lead based paint. With the current regs, lead paint forces a whole world of safety and disposal procedures far above the rules for later paint. IIRC, 1978 was the end of manufacture of lead paint but existing supplies could be used up.

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

No, for some reason the Ins co will repaint the entire truck if it’s laquer but not if it’s enamel?!! They will just paint the damaged parts

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

I'd love to know the reason is.

Re: What was the original paint type?
 

I'm guessing they don't want to try or can't blend into laquer paint?