1970 c10 paint code 501

[4x4swb1970]

So, I've been searching for pictures of trucks with paint code 501 and not finding much. I have an original 4x4 short bed 1970 and I'm almost to the repaint point and I'm wondering what the original blue looks like. I've found chips online and I'm hoping someone has a truck with the same color code! As far as I can tell it's a 1970 only and truck only color. Someone repainted my truck barn paint green! Attached is my spid if that helps. Thanks in advance!

[68bowtie]

My 1970 c30 is 501 medium blue original paint. It's got a clear coat on it now. I had a friend touch up a couple spots and it matched perfectly. I can find out what he used if you need that.

[4x4swb1970]

I'd love that if it's not too big of a deal to get! It's a nice color reminds me of like a LeMans Blue on a Camaro.

[jocko]

70 501 is a one-year only color, and note that it is a metallic paint. 71+ code 510 is also "medium blue" but it is non-metallic and a slightly different shade. 501 appeared one of 5 ways:

501=Solid Med Blue Metallic
531=521 White over 501 Med Blue Metallic "conventional" two tone.
591=521 White over 501 Med Blue Metallic over 521 White "Special Two Tone"
558=508 Dark Blue Metallic over 501 Medium Blue Metallic "Custom Two Tone"
559=inverse of 558

Also of note, the meaning of 558/559 changed in 71 - although the exact same Custom Two Tone RPOs remained, they became the nonmetallic versions of the similar combo, i.e. in 71-72, 558=523 Dark Blue over 510 Med Blue (and 559 was the inverse) - all non-metallic.

[4x4swb1970]

Thanks a ton for the info, I really appreciate it! I know my truck was relatively low optioned; I'm kind of torn between restoring it to original or to put CST trim on it etc. Is this truck something rare/desirable enough to keep stock colors/trim?

[jocko]

Of course it's up to you, but a 70 k10 swb w/one year only paint - I'd restore it to bone stock personally, regardless of trim level. I understand the attraction of a higher trim level truck, I have a 72 super myself, but there's something nice about a bone stock base model, especially in the old 4x4s. Real nice truck, I think you'd be very happy with it as a Custom trim level truck. For me, since I've tended to bounce around from hot to scorcher climate zones, I kinda like the idea of a Custom Deluxe cloth seat cover, even in a base model, to avoid frying my legs - and to avoid looking like the "everybody's got one" houndstooth seat cover (no offense to anyone that has one, I have one too ) - but nowadays it's a very common upgrade to throw the "custom cloth" seat in place of the Custom and Cheyenne/CST-level vinyls and even in the place of the 1-step up from bottom Custom Deluxe cloth seat. I think the Custom Deluxe "Cloth Seat" is one of the best looking covers out there. Anyway, you get the idea. 1 vote for stock resto from the cheap seats.

[4x4swb1970]

I'm leaning this way as well! When I first bought this I just wanted a truck to fix up and drive, I wasnt even sure it was a short bed because it had a flat bed on it, then I started looking into it and learned it was relatively rare. Although I think I'll put my 350 in it for the time being anyways! Thanks for your input. Here's a pic of what it looked like when I bought it. At this point I've welded a full floor in, bought a bed and sandblasted the frame, hopefully will be done by mid summer!

[68bowtie]

I'm no expert in paint references, but my guy said paint companies look up "1970 Chevy Truck Ditzler 2163" and cross reference that to their paint that matches.

The 501 definitely has metallic flakes up close, and looks really pretty!

I think you can't go wrong on whatever you paint it, or how you do the trim. A factory swb k10 is a pretty cool truck either way. If you're asking for opinions, I'm with Jocko, factory original baby, hubcaps and all...

[Ol Blue K20]

I like that color, that's a cool truck. I voting for stock appearance as well