correct shade of black for 96 mufflers & tips

[Kevin N.]

mornin' guys, I've checked the archives, but came up empty. what is the correct sheen of black for the 94-96 mufflers & tips... flat, semi, gloss or none of the above? I believe the mufflers are raw metal and only the tips are black, but what is the correct sheen? thanks in advance.

[Terry M.]

Re: correct shade of black for 96 mufflers & tips

Kevin,
I am not sure if the applicable Technical Service Bulletins have made it to the C4 TIM&JGs yet. You may want to check because ...

In the early 1990s there was an issue with the black-out paint peeling off the mufflers. May have been for LT4, but I didn't pay a lot of attention to the details because I don't usually play in that sand box. What sticks with me is that the manufacturer and manufacturer's number of the paint was identified.

Failing the latest TIM&JG, I know the NCRS Archives (ping William Sangray) has the original copy that was sent to me while I was Editor. Bill may have copied the Library & Archives at the NCM by now, or they may have their copy from other sources. If not with Bill he may have passed them to the AACA. He will know where in the preservation process they are. I also recall seeing a link to some "newer" TSBs on-line, but again for reason of lack of personal interest I don't retain that data. So many cars ... so little time.

[Pete B.]

Re: correct shade of black for 96 mufflers & tips

We generally expect to see a semi flat black on the mufflers and tips... Terry is correct, peeling was an issue. If you refinish, take the time to scuff the peeled portion and remove as much paint as possible. But then, too good of finish draws our eyes to the area. Watch for over-spray; as at assembly, the mufflers must have been painted off the car.

Pete

[Bill W.]

Re: correct shade of black for 96 mufflers & tips

Kevin I painted quite a few of the peeling mufflers back in the 90s The best I can remember the paint we put on was a semi flat black . There were two paints used . The bulletin number was 33-17-01A and 93-97-10 . this covered 1984 -1993 and 1993 -1998 . The product was made by "Wabash Products . the number was KB-318-HH and KB-318-HHHS There phone number was 1-800-326-7269 or 812-232-6097 . We were to lower them sand with 150 to 80 grit and apply 6 to 8 coats . The job only paid .08 hr. so we didnt have much time to clean mask or pay to much attention the the color .