1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

[Michael B.]

Hi Evevyone -

I have been a member for 30 years, and need a little help. As best I can, I have diligently searched the discussion boards on Sebring Silver paint recommendations. I have found a lot of discussion from the early 2000's which drops off significantly in 2011-12. From that, it would seem that this issue has been figured out.

Knowing that the exact metallic/pearlescent content is unavailable, I hoping to secure info from members or judges who have had their silver 63's painted within the past couple of years and their satisfaction level with the outcome.

My problem is that I acquired my current 63 a little over a year ago, and unfortunately the previous owner had the car taken down to glass and painted a ford blue, so I have nothing to go by.

If you have an off the shelf color you used with great satisfaction that would be very helpful, or if you painter did a custom mix, maybe I could contact him for his formulaization info? I haven't seen them in person recently but I've been looking at the Lexus Liquid SIlver and the BMW silver. In advance, thank you for help in this quest!

[Don H.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

Michael
might I suggest calling Tom Ames who is the club's paint advisor as shown up above under the Contacts link in the large tool bar:

Body & Paint:

Tom Ames automospe@aol.com

He can fill you in on the best method to achieve your goal with Sebring Silver paint.

ps, for Mr. RJ below, OK, I agree, that would be a good way to get the right SS finish, but for those who don't have that old paint sitting on the shelf, or cannot afford it, there has to be a suitable substitute material and method of application, doesn't there?

pps,
Mr. RJ, OK, Ok, I surrender. Fortunately I do not own a SS car, and likely never will.

[Bob J.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

Michaelmight I suggest calling Tom Ames who is the club's paint advisor as shown up above under the Contacts link in the large tool bar:Body & Paint:Tom Ames automospe@aol.comHe can fill you in on the best method to achieve your goal with Sebring Silver paint.

Don,Tom Ames is a very smart man but the ONLY way to Sebring Silver is using this.I've been looking at 63 Sebring Silver cars for 40 years.Bob Jorjorian

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

Bob,

If that can is a full gallon, will you take $2,000.00 today.

Let me know.

JR

[John D.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

Nice pic of an empty can Jorjorian. Real collectors item albet a nicer sample is in my stash. Thanks for the pic.
Luckily when my 63 LWC (little white car) was painted I bought an extra gallon of lacquer. A few years ago we bought a quart of lacquer that was just like water. I doubt one would need any thinner to spray with it.

Michael, Do your homework my friend. Tough color to paint and match. Don't rush into it. Good luck, John

[Bob J.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

Bob,

If that can is a full gallon, will you take $2,000.00 today.

Let me know.

JR

Joe, It's full but I'm going to keep it for a car I own.

JD , you're very funny.

Don, I thought I answered your question in my previous post.
Unless a person can source FIRE FROST pigment you do NOT get Sebring Silver.....you get silver which you can call Sebring Silver,
but in 40 years I've seen no substitute.
Bob Jorjorian

.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

Bob,

I was reaching for a quart at the old Bloomington Gold Fairgrounds many years ago and Vance Shappley grabbed it first. Honestly out of my hand and it was Dupont Fire Frost Sebring Silver. Marty Fowler used it for the top coat on Vance's Sebring Silver 63 ZO6. Only your 63 FI car and his ZO6 have the original color. Maybe in this world.

JR

[Dan H.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

I tried in 1986 to purchase Sebring Silver from my Dupont jobber, he called the factory, and they said not available due to the cost of the metal flake or its unavailability. That's a tough paint to get!

[John D.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

One might think at least the color could be matched dead nuts today. My vendor trailer is a dark green. Bashed the back door backing into a dumpster at a Motel a few years ago. Yes I was sober as don't drink but should. Car Quest aka PPG came right to my house and held up this machine onto the green paint. Trailer is old and the match is perfect.

Michael, Check out all the old posts of this subject at the bottom of this page. JD

[Bob J.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

One might think at least the color could be matched dead nuts today. My vendor trailer is a dark green. Bashed the back door backing into a dumpster at a Motel a few years ago. Yes I was sober as don't drink but should. Car Quest aka PPG came right to my house and held up this machine onto the green paint. Trailer is old and the match is perfect.
JD

Thanks for the tip JD

I suppose I wasted many hours and dollars on factory pack paints when I could have bought the same thing at my local Car Quest.

BTW.... remind me never to park behind your trailer.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

Not silver, but my Daytona Blue 63 was last painted in 1976 and I rarely see another 63 or 64 Daytona Blue that looks like it. Most have too much metallic and/or clear coat. They look good too, but I have owned mine since new and I still can see well enough to know the difference. If I get asked at a show if it is black or blue (and it is at night or in the shade), it brings a smile to my face because it just confirms that mine is dead on.

Stu Fox

[Michael B.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

Hi Tom - Thank very much to you and everyone else so far in this quest. In my search through the board on this topic, I have pretty much given up on ever finding a supply of the original paint. All my brother NCRS members have long ago scarfed up any remaining cans. Lol. What I'm hoping to do is find people who have painted their SS cars with something "other' than a paint that was custom colored matched to their own original SS (since I have no silver on my car to match). Members who really love their results, is close in color, and has a nice level of metallic content that really showcases the body lines of a coupe. Again, thanks much to everyone helping me with this!

[Michael B.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

That is major cool, Stu! I'm very happy for you. Gee, how I wish my Sebring Silver story could end like yours. Mike

[Michael B.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

Thanks to you both for your great insight, Don & Bob! PS- I guess my original msg was confusing or no one on the board has painted their 63 a silver they thought was close (or even nice looking on their car).......haven't got a single reply with their choice of brand/color???

Thanks again, Mike

[Michael B.]

Re: 1963 Sebring Silver - Currents Trends

Don - I want to thank you for providing the name of Thomas Ames for info on Sebring Silver. I made contact with him and he was immediately responsive and incredible helpful. Especially, since I was a complete stranger. He was so kind, so descriptive and so informative. I was so impressed with him for both knowledge and for his unselfish character. Thank you much!