Paint

[John M.]

I think I finally understand how NCRS feels about restamped blocks in regard to "restoration". What about paint? Lacquer is hard to get and I've heard that its use is even illegal in some states. Is a base coat, clear coat application of the correct color a proper restoration? I know from first hand experience that different judges look at this in different ways. What is the deduction for a car painted this way? I know this is a concern of a lot of members.

[Jack H.]

Re: Paint

Got to watch dotting I and crossing T. Lacquer is not illegal in states. It's the emissions from using it that are. Any shop can purchase and install the NEMA recovery equipment necessary to meet regulations during application. But, this is REAL expensive, we're talking in the $100K and up range for an enclosure big enough to house an automobile.

So, most paint shops are reasonably small guys and there's just no way they can absorb this kind of cost for the small number of lacquer jobs they run. Hence, you hear the byproduct that blames the legality of the paint itself.

But, bottom line is you're correct in the fact that it's getting harder and more expensive to find folks who'll do a lacquer application job and then there's the issue of doing it right. But, there still are places and people that do the work, so NCRS has relaxed but not abandoned its judging rules.

Used to be wrong color or wrong material caused a full deduction for paint in both originality and condition. Rule was aimed at rewarding those who restored to factory original state. Now, rules are relaxed by splitting the point allocation for exterior paint into color and material categories.

You can get full originality/condition credit for the color of the car eventhough you do not use lacquer. But, you'll take a full deduction in the paint category for use of non-lacquer material and/or obvious use of non-original clear coating.

I guess I'm wondering why I'm telling you this. Do you have the Judging Guide for your MY Corvette? Do you have a set of Flight Score Sheets? If you don't, you really need to acquire them. The Judging Guides are sold to anybody who makes query at NCRS Merchandise office in Cincinnati and the Flight Score sheets (they change with rule interpretation/point assignment decisions made by NCRS National Judging Chairman in concert with the Natl Team Leaders) are available from your Chapter Judging Chairman or the NCRS National Judging Chairman.

[Lou R]

Re: Paint

The term obvious use of clear coat leaves a lot to be desired. At this past National meet I know of several cars where the judges commented that they felt clear was used yet the point deduction was minimal (5 - 10 points). To me if you can tell it has clear thaen it is obvious. I had my car painted with lacquer without clear and received higher a deduct.

[Gary Bishop]

Re: Paint

Here is a portion of an article that I recieved.

From the North Central Chapter's discussion with Roy Sinor and Arnold Kaplan at Carlisle regarding Paint. Roy advised that a more liberalized stance has been taken by the Federal(USA) EPA toward restoration vehicles and that assures a long term availability of lacquer for our Corvettes. On new paint Technology Roy had the following thoughts, "To the extent that non-lacquer paints have the appearance of lacquer, we judges can accept the new paints and give appropriate (full) points. However, this does not give the appearance of original lacquer". Roy also pointed out that the ability and expertise of the painter to make the two stage paints look like lacquer will be critical to determining what judging points will be awarded. This new information opens the door to alternatives if you can find the right professional to do the job.

[Reba]

Re: Paint

The key words are "felt it was clear coat." The judge must be able to prove his suspicions. I have judged many items that I "felt" were not right, but any doubt goes to the car owner.

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Paint

Since I just painted my 66 in lacquer this past winter, I am curious as to how a judge would verify lacquer versus the gut feeling that it isn't. Is she/he going to ask for a wax test, or what? In addition, two years ago, when I first started talking to various paint shops about painting my Corvette (before I got the nerve and the gumption to do it myself) nobody wanted to do lacquer. How is a shop going to make a non-lacquer paint appear to be lacquer?

In addition, I am looking for literature, books, pamphlets, etc on painting cars with special emphasis on fiberglass. Anyone out there have a good reference source? My neighbor has a 73 that he wants to paint and wants to go with a new paint, not lacquer or enamel. I have painted a grand total of ONE(1) car, my 66. I am reluctant to tell him what to use or how to do it. He has a very non-original 73 that he wants to look original without worrying about numbers, paint types, etc, just a great looking driver. Gary #21316

[Chester]

Re: Paint ???

I've heard that today's lacquer paints don't have the elements like lead in them like they did back then. I guy in the cinn. chapter said he painted his car with today's lacquer and 6 months later, it lost its glossy show look. where do we go with this problem, any info would help,(brand wise etc,) I've got a 68 black car to repaint and don't want a no-depth glossy finish after 6 months plus the loss of the cost and labor.