56-57 Arctic Blue

[Adam S.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

Just got mine out of paint shop, Dupont Cromabase came in very close to my original paint showing on inside hump near glove box. The Dupont 58559K GM Silver was on the money! The Arctic blue was 99% or just maby just a shade brighter it looks dead on in indoor lighting & somewhat brighter in sunlight.... The paint does have a tendancy to flip shades in differing light with B/C paints (hi solid clear) but I am very happy with the match & did spray all interia in baige Laqu. (sorry for spelling) here are some picts. from a few weeks ago. In photos you can see I got rubber bumpers still spacing panels to keep paint chips away.

[Adam S.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

More photos of my Arctic blue 57 just out of paint shop

[David A.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

now that i think about it
i left my spare tire artic blue
i'll take a pic of it
before and after polishing it up!!
dave

[Thomas G.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

Great pics, spectacular help from all. Thank you soooo much. More later. stay tuned.

Tom

[Adam S.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

Here is a few pictures of my original arctic blue spare rim with probably its second tire change on it , rim dated 11/56. Paint finish is original enamel which when I compaired it to the body paint it was different shade.... maby it faded due to its harsh use on the pavement. one picture is before I washed rim.

[David A.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

were vettes painted with enamel?
dave

[Alexander C.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

were vettes painted with enamel?
dave

Nitrocellulose lacquer, for the body color. Enamel maybe for the wheels?

[Adam S.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

Dave, just the rims & mabey a very few seperate small parts, I forget at this time.............

[Tom A.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

One of the main issues with color on a metallic paint is flake size. PPG definately does not have a fine enough flake in their system. DuPont has a metallic that will give the correct appearance. DuPont silver metallic 810J in their Chroma system paints will work well. This is their finest metallic and should be used by itself (no other metallic added to the formula such as 813j etc.). In an original appearing finish you should not be able to see metallic flakes, they were to fine to see in direct sunlight. In most of today's metallic finishes the metallic particles are readily apparent in good lighting. The size and amount of metallic will have a direct effect on the dark or lightness of the color. You will need to have your color mixed (a small amount - 4 oz) and spray a test panel. You can then make adjustments to the color until you get what you like. The best source for color is original finish inside the doors or overspray on Dash floor etc.

[Steven B.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

Thomas, listen to Tom Ames. He turns out correct cars from his shop, has taught paint and body in judging schools and has 400+ judging points.

Good Luck!

Steve

[Adam S.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

Tom, it took 5 trys to get it just close enough with an original paint sample buffed out on floorboard to compare to, not easy as one would think!

[Tom A.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

I don't doubt it. It's not an easy process. Most think you just take a paint code to the store and come home with a correct color. It doesn't work that way if you want it right. Lots of research and test panels.

[David A.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

here is my 'untouched' spare tire!!
iowa

[Adam S.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

David , can you get a shot of rim in sun light, it does appear to be faded to a degree which would be a somewhat normal occurance on old paint.. thanks for your photo...........after letting air out, the tires are somewhat easy to push away from rim edge with no safety bead on thoes style rims, you might b able to get your date on inside rim?

[David A.]

Re: 56-57 Arctic Blue

ha....will have to wait for a sunny day!!
in the meantime, i'll look for the date!!
dave