C-3 paint and primer question

[Mark A.]

Hello vette freaks,
I,m getting to the point in the restoration of my 69 to having to apply the paint. I am building this car to be judged, and hopefully Top Flight. I have pretty much decided to go with acrylic laquer if I can get the correct Monza Red. If anyone has a better idea, I would like to hear it. Also, what color primer should I use? Should I go gray, or red? Thanks for the help. Mark

[Chuck S.]

Re: C-3 paint and primer question

Yes...The primer was red oxide, but a gray sealer coat was applied over that, and then color.

If you can't find correct lacquer, then we can discuss "other ideas".

[Alan S.]

Re: C-3 paint and primer question

Hi Mark,
I had Mille Miglia Red acrylic lacquer sprayed on my 71, three years ago. I think very few people think it's a good choice because of the many other great paint systems that are available. I'm pleased with it because it looks like I remember it looked when it was new (only a little better). I had a very hard time deciding to use lacquer but am very happy so far.
Regards,
Alan

[Chuck S.]

Re: C-3 paint and primer question

In response to your email, clear was never used over acrylic lacquer by the factory. I'm not sure what your book was talking about when it said acrylic lacquer could be ruined by direct buffing without clear. Decades of buffing GM acrylic lacquer finishes without clear say otherwise.

Any paint finish can be "burned through" by improper use of a rotary buffer...clear will not prevent this from happening if the person using the buffer is inexperienced.