67 paint code 976

[Bill M.]

My 67 coupe is being painted by a body shop. PPG 976 paint code formula yields a color in the same hue range(only darker) as elkhardt 980. There is an alternative computer mix which is closer to marina blue that I remember as being correct back then, however it is a bit darker than the old Dupont acrylic lacquer paint chart that I have. I opted for the alternative mix because it's closer to the correct hue that I remember. Also, I had a sunfire yellow (984 code) 67 as a kid which I purchased from original owner in 69 (never bopped or re-painted before or while I owned it) and my recollection and my pictures show that the color was really butternut yellow (Chevelles, etc). I've seen many repaints and I believe the now "factory code 984" color is too dark. I've seen several with original lacquer paint and it is butternut yellow. My question is, what is NCRS' opinion on what is the correct color for my present 67 and do you think that corvettes back in 67 came from the factory in two sunfire yellows?

[Bill I.]

Re: 67 paint code 976

Hello Bill. The 976 shows as Marina Blue in 67. Only 1 yellow in 67. Bill.

[William C.]

Re: 67 paint code 976

Ok, I don't know where you are going here but as to the yellows, yes, there were two (three if you include Capri Cream) in 1967 Butternut for Chevelles Camaro's, and other pass car lines and Sunfire for Corvette (Only). Sunfire was much brighter yellow than butternut. 976 Marina Blue is the same as pass car, and nothing like Elkhart blue. '65-66 Nassau Blue is similar but much different side to side (Marina is lighter). I hope this helps.

[Bill M.]

Re: 67 paint code 976

Thanks for the info on marina, but as I said many 67's came from factory painted butternut and not sunfire.

[William C.]

Re: 67 paint code 976

If you are referring to Corvette production, what do you base that on?

[Bill M.]

Re: 67 paint code 976

My 67 Sunfire yellow 67 I purchased from a friend in 1969, who was the original owner. The car was never repainted while we owned it and it was a perfect match to butternut yellow on another friend's 67 Chevelle. Over the years I've seen both sunfire and butternut on 67's as well as several 66's. A couple of years ago at Carlisle there was one for sale with what appeared to be original lacquer (owner not there at time) and it was butternut. I've seen many restored and they are painted sunfire and they are definately different than mine and the others were. I notice the judging manual makes no reference to exact color other than stating what was available and the correct combo with trim. I think you'll agree that anything was possible back then.

[William C.]

Re: 67 paint code 976

I would wonder what the paint code was on the "Butternut Yellow" cars firstly, and secondly, I would look into the possibility of the Dealership having repainted the car prior to delivery. Paint was so bad in that era that it was not an uncommon occurance. (Happened to me an a '74 I ordered and bought new, and the car was White!) The paint system at St Louis was bulk fed, so the painter did not have a choice of yellows on the Corvette line, making your scenario sound somewhat unlikely. The Judging process does allow judges to assess the accuracy of the paint shade...