Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

[Paul S.]

Hi all,

I would like to hear opinions on a paint that looks "factory correct" for the underhood components that the '68-'69 judging guide says should be semi-gloss black (firewall, pulleys, starter, etc.).

I bought a can of Rustoleum semi-gloss black at Autozone to test-out, and to me, it looks WAY too glossy. I am just looking to do some touch-up, so I am really looking for something available in a rattle can. Also, I plan to paint the starter, so ideally, I'd like to find something that withstands heat well.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks,
Paul

[Bill L.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

Hi all,

I would like to hear opinions on a paint that looks "factory correct" for the underhood components that the '68-'69 judging guide says should be semi-gloss black (firewall, pulleys, starter, etc.).

I bought a can of Rustoleum semi-gloss black at Autozone to test-out, and to me, it looks WAY too glossy. I am just looking to do some touch-up, so I am really looking for something available in a rattle can. Also, I plan to paint the starter, so ideally, I'd like to find something that withstands heat well.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks,
Paul

VHT high temp satin black for starter.

Rustoleum Satin Black for frame. Note that this paint is not very durable for a frequently driven corvette but is easily touched up. This is what I used on my 70 frame.

The 2 part satin black chassis black paint from Eastwood looks to be an option for durability. Reviews are mixed but generally very positive.

Bill

[Paul S.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

I have found that Krylon Semi-Gloss (51603) is pretty close and quite durable.
Paul

[Alan S.]

[Bill C.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

Alan,
What is the code# on the bar code label? This is a new package, hopefully more easily available.

[Alan S.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

Hi Bill,
The numbers are 75577 00063, 1613 Semi-Flat Black.
As far as I know it's STILL just being offered through 'industrial' suppliers.
Regards,
Alan

I order it through MSC Industrial Supply.
They have a warehouse in Harrisburg Pa. which is the same UPS zone as where I live; so if I order it before 3 pm I have it the next day.

[Paul S.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

Thanks for all the input, guys -- much appreciated!

- Paul

[Donald H.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

I'll ad my two cents - SEM Trim Black- 39143 is good stuff. Easy to use. You can get it in aerosol cans or quarts if you want to spray. flows good and you can go back and touch up and the touch up is not obvious.

I used it for all semi-gloss application when I restore a 1960 and no negative judging comments at Regional or National in 2013.

Many good auto paint supply stores stock the SEM paints, or it is available on-line.

[Michael J.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

This is what I have been using as an exact duplicate of Krylon 1613:

https://www.npdlink.com/store/products/paint_engine_compartment_and_chassis_semi_gloss-146541-1.html

[Don H.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

OK.
but,
you are putting this on Mustangs, right?
You would not use Mustang semi gloss paint on a Corvette where semi flat is called for, right?
If you are, then you are out of the club buddy.
Nothing personal. It's just the way it has to be.....

[Michael J.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

OK.
but,
you are putting this on Mustangs, right?
You would not use Mustang semi gloss paint on a Corvette where semi flat is called for, right?
If you are, then you are out of the club buddy.
Nothing personal. It's just the way it has to be.....

[Jim M.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

I've used the Krylon Semi-Flat black on several other non GM collector cars for years. We had award winning cars that people always looked at for correctness. That paint was almost perfect and far cheaper than the resto catalog places charge.

[Ron G.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

Paul,

Chevrolet part number 1050104 is GM black reconditioning paint. This paint was originally used to black out the engine compartment, under hood, wheel wells, and some misc. components that were dipped painted. Two things: First it is now only available from the aftermarket and was discontinued a few years ago from GM. The new formula is a little different than the original, but will still satisfy the factory look. It is a straight enamel that does not need to be mixed with thinner if you are planning to spray it.

- Ron

[Paul O.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

One has to also remember that individual items that were painted semi-flat black. Were done at separate times, batches of paint and in some cases places. (St. Louis or the supplier) When looking closely at Bowtie cars the black is not consistent from item to item there are slight variations in shade and its application. So when an owner or restorer does this painting variation to a restored car in my eye it elevates the car. As far as the Chassis goes to the next level.

[Ron G.]

Re: Most factory looking semi-gloss black paint?

Paul is correct. Between the frame, control arms, and misc. mounting brackets there are usually 3-4 different shades of black. Different type of paints, different vendors, and method of applications all contribute to this.