Original 74 C3 - Paint Question

[Victor S.]

Looking at my 74 paint (which is in the correct color) are there any pointers to determine if the paint is the original acrylic lacquer?

Should I be seeing any overspray at all on the front bumper metal support bar, and a couple of very small places on the trim, etc.?

I have read in the judging manual that some paint overspray is common on these cars but since I am not the original owner I'm trying to determine that. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Vic

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Original 74 C3 - Paint Question

Looking at my 74 paint (which is in the correct color) are there any pointers to determine if the paint is the original acrylic lacquer?

Should I be seeing any overspray at all on the front bumper metal support bar, and a couple of very small places on the trim, etc.?

I have read in the judging manual that some paint overspray is common on these cars but since I am not the original owner I'm trying to determine that. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Vic

Hi Vic,
Yes, its common to see some overspray on various parts in the nose area. One part that usually has overspray on it is the center radiator support rod. Original owners reported various degrees of overspray. These rods were installed on the car when it was painted and GM wasn't too particular about blacking it out. Here is an example from an original yellow '74 we saw during the revisions. As for whether or not your paint is lacquer there are paint experts on here that could give you some pointers I'm sure.

[Tom R.]

Re: Original 74 C3 - Paint Question

Vic
Just to back up what JP shared...if your manual is the 3rd edition...its the best yet and really surveyed original 73/74s...yet to be judged. What JP shared is spot on in terms of overspray. The examination of original paint vs that provided by restorers is quite a study and can only be conducted at judging events by those that know paint. Photos fail to do justice to original paint configurations.

[James G.]

Re: Original 74 C3 - Paint Question

Hood hinges with overspray is common as well.
Check the bottom of the fender flares... if the paint is original they probably show VERY little if any paint on them as well.

[Mark E.]

Re: Original 74 C3 - Paint Question

Another indicator of original paint in '74 is if it's real crappy- look for thin and bare spots, runs, dry spots, over spray, and orange peel. I had a summer job as a fiberglass man at a dealership in 1975. They did a tremendous number of complete Corvette resprays under warranty. I can only imagine what the original finish would look after almost 50 years.

[Victor S.]

Re: Original 74 C3 - Paint Question

Thanks everyone - your pointers/tips are a great help - much appreciated guys

[Paul B.]

Re: Original 74 C3 - Paint Question

...another place to check is the small vertical areas of the lips at the top of both from front fenders and the vertical edge of the lip of the rear of the hood. Many original cars won't even have paint in these areas and also the lips of the bottom rearward fender flares as I believe someone else mentioned.

[Robert R.]

Re: Original 74 C3 - Paint Question

Vic,

Here are some shots of the bottom of the fender flare areas that illustrate the poor paint coverage from the factory.

Bob

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