Inner Fenders & Other Parts

[Chevy1966]

On my quest for originality under the hood... does anyone know what degree of gloss black the factory used on the inner fenders, core support, and other parts as they came off the line? Thanks, Rob

[Wgesnerjr]

I have always heard it referred to as 60% gloss black. Eastwood would probably be the best bet for original type paint.

[carboncrew]

I would check out 'SEM trim black'. It covers great, has the right gloss and holds up great.

[LDO]

x2 on SEM trim black. Very good results with that.

[tucsonjwt]

I am not sure about all model years, but my 83 had what I think was factory paint on the core support and ac compressor bracket which were a glossy medium gray - only square I have seen like that.

[D13]

The factory 'black metal' was dip painted in a semi gloss paint, literally hung on a chain conveyor and run thru a tank. Runs and drips were free.
The finish is not flat, not glossy, its sort of smooth. Think of it as Rustoleum put on heavy with a brush.

The SEM is pretty accurate. Again, perfect paint coverage and gloss were of little interest, make it black and protect it from rust for a while was the key.

[1970pelle]

When painting my engine compartment recently, I had time to mess around with different blacks. I first tried a semi gloss black enamel with hardener shot from a gun. I didn't like to look to flat, it sucked in everything in the engine compartment. It was like a big hole.
Then I use regular Rustoleum Gloss black, I cut it with mineral spirits and used the hardener from the enamel paint. I shot the paint with high pressure so it went on a bit cloudy. And it dried to a close to stock look.

Ken

[Chevy1966]

Hey Guys, thanks for the great advice. I have ordered the SEM Trim paint and will compare that with Rustoleum on some test pieces - see what turns out the best. Really appreciate the help - Rob

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by tucsonjwt

I am not sure about all model years, but my 83 had what I think was factory paint on the core support and ac compressor bracket which were a glossy medium gray - only square I have seen like that.

Some of the trucks/model years built in Janesville were medium gray; the vast majority of squares were black as described.

K

[tucsonjwt]

That means I have a very rare and valuable classic truck.

[87 STEPPER]

Here is a pic of my '87 you can see the rad supp. pretty good and the inner f/w they are all in original factory paint I have owned this truck since new and you can also see the factory placards are still installed. It's hard to tell in this pic but this paint has a much glossier finish to the naked eye