1981 Corvette two tone St louis

[John P.]

I believe have a 1981 St Louis two tone car. I have removed the gas tank and took pictures of build sheet. It does not say on the build sheet or trim tag that it supposed to be a two tone car. Its red over red. From what I understand the STL car will not have the two tone paint codes. I was told that they went back into paint after completion of the car. Car was shipped to Bob McDorman. These cars were only available to GM execs. It has the cross flag emblem on the drivers seat and rocker moldings. There were supposed to be around a 100 of these cars. The local NCRS chapter feels that number is high.If any one has any information on these cars I would love to hear from you.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

I believe have a 1981 St Louis two tone car. I have removed the gas tank and took pictures of build sheet. It does not say on the build sheet or trim tag that it supposed to be a two tone car. Its red over red. From what I understand the STL car will not have the two tone paint codes. I was told that they went back into paint after completion of the car. Car was shipped to Bob McDorman. These cars were only available to GM execs. It has the cross flag emblem on the drivers seat and rocker moldings. There were supposed to be around a 100 of these cars. The local NCRS chapter feels that number is high.If any one has any information on these cars I would love to hear from you.

The trim codes (paint) would confirm a two-tone paint scheme. Can you post or send a copy of your buildsheet? You probably know that the two-tone was a feature to show off the new paint booth at the Bowling Green plant. Which is not to say that St Louis experimented early in the 1981 build year to prepare for the BG booth.

[John P.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

From what I have been told the paint code will only show the car being one color if the car was from STL. The two tone process was done after the car was assembled. What I'm trying to find out is the exact process of painting. How much of the car was taken apart to do the paint. Looks like the front bumper was on the car. Claret red overspray behind the grills. T-top area has very small clear coat line. I don't think the t-top trim was removed. The paint lines are absolutely straight as an arrow. No dirt in clear. It is lacquer checked. With enamel clear. The pictures are on my wifes phone I will try to post them later on.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

From what I have been told the paint code will only show the car being one color if the car was from STL. The two tone process was done after the car was assembled.

Not entirely true. The 1978 Pace Car and Silver Anniversary used two paint codes and L (lower), M (middle) and U (upper) to code the two-tone paint schemes. The second paint color was sprayed after assembly...as you note. In fact, the most recent issue of the Corvette Restorer details the process. The article is titled "The Final Process: 1978 Pace Car"

What I'm trying to find out is the exact process of painting. How much of the car was taken apart to do the paint. Looks like the front bumper was on the car. Claret red overspray behind the grills. T-top area has very small clear coat line. I don't think the t-top trim was removed. The paint lines are absolutely straight as an arrow. No dirt in clear. It is lacquer checked. With enamel clear. The pictures are on my wifes phone I will try to post them later on.

Lots of nice original photos from 1978 illustrate the process. Get a copy!

However, I doubt St Louis would have sprayed clear over lacquer...but then its possible.

So what is your source for these details? Is it a published source or heresay?

[John P.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

Local NCRS states it appears to be one of these cars. One that was sold to a dealer in Philly had a vague description. Another publication on car gurus brought up the point that these cars had the cross flag emblems on the seat and rocker moldings. I printed that article. A midwest NCRS judge told my local NCRS judge he has seen only one. I think he said his name was Brian pierce???? I have tried reaching out to people that would know the information I'm seeking with no response. The reason for this post is get as much input as I can. I would trailer the car for inspection from Delaware Ohio to see if my hunch is correct. If I knew who the dealer was that has the other I would like to see it just to compare. I what to thank you for reaching out. PS It could be the clear was applied by a individual to preserve the lacquer but I don't think that is the case since I can trace ownership back 35 years. Cousin owned it for 33

[John P.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

It also is in the Corvette Black Book. Its states "but St Louis two tones have been reported"

[Michael J.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

Does it look like this one? And BTW, the Black Book does state that about 100 cars were painted tutone in St. Louis using the BG enamel BC/CC system. It says they were not sold to retail customers, just GM employees, as you mentioned. This may be the source of all the info you have been told, but it does not cite where that info came from originally.

[John P.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

The car was shipped to Bob McDorman. He contributed to the Corvette Black Book. One of the biggest Corvette collectors in the USA. Sorry to say Bob has passed. Just makes since he would have one of these cars. The red on the top half my car is code 75. Brighter red than yours. Bottom half color looks the same. I'm guessing claret red. My stripe is NOT TAPE. I'm taking the car to the paint store in the next few days to have them shoot the color. It will tell me the formula for each color. The historical value of this car is the only reason I haven't painted it. I don't have much in it and would donate it to the museum if they would have any interest. Thanks

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

I'm taking the car to the paint store in the next few days to have them shoot the color. It will tell me the formula for each color.

You might get close, but I would not guarantee that the code you get is the paint that went on the car.
There can be quite a margin of error for some of the computerized color matches.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

John

What's your VIN...last five digits

[Michael J.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

My stripe is NOT TAPE.

Interesting, so there is nothing separating the two colors, they are just one next to the other? I had heard they put the tape stripe on BG cars because the paint line was never straight and nice enough between the two colors.

[John P.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

BS412035 There is a stripe 3/16 maybe 1/4 but its paint.

[John P.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

I will try to get some pics on here tonight. All them are on my wifes phone

[John P.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis

I'm aware that the paint scope might not be perfect. I have 46 years in paint and body. If you count rattle cans my first paint job was on a 61 Corvette go cart in 61. LOL

[John P.]

Re: 1981 Corvette two tone St louis