1959 vett paint on underside of hood,trunk and convertable top cover

[James P.]

James Payne (52751) I have a 59 in the paint shop. The painter has asked if I want the underside of the hood, trunk,and top cover painted the same color as the outside. The best I can tell is that the underside of the hood should be flat black and the underside of the other pieces should be the same color as the outside. Is this correct?

[Joe M.]

Re: 1959 vett paint on underside of hood,trunk and convertable top cover

the 1958-1960 Tech Info Manual/Judging Guide is a little vague on the trunk. "1958 and early-1959 trunks were painted interior color. Remainder of 1959 through 1960 were painted exterior body color."

Underside of hood is semi-flat black, but the exterior body paint color is used around the outside edge of the hood; about 1" wide. On my 1960, I used masking tape and it turned out just fine. The factory used a paint mask and it was slightly irregular which I achieve with masking tape.

[Paul D.]

Re: 1959 vett paint on underside of hood,trunk and convertable top cover

If you intend to have the car Flight Judged at some point, the paint will need to have a lesser sheen than that of the outer sufaces. It should look like laquer that was "reflowed" at the factory but not buffed or polished. A search of this board will yield a lot of information on achieving a factory vs over restored look. Depending on your plans for the car, you may be looking for something in between. Chip.

[James P.]

Re: 1959 vett paint on underside of hood,trunk and convertable top cover

Thanks Paul and Joe. I really appreciate the information. I'm not sure car will ever be show quality but i'm working in that direction.

[James P.]

Re: 1959 vett paint on underside of hood,trunk and convertable top cover

Thanks Paul and Joe. I really appreciate the information. I'm not sure car will ever be show quality but i'm working in that direction.

[Paul D.]

Re: 1959 vett paint on underside of hood,trunk and convertable top cover

James, If you are indeed "working in that direction", do yourself a HUGE favor and get the paint right the first time. Paint is an area that a few mistakes in the planning will be costly to correct later. After final assembly is not when you want to find out about wrong color shade / wrong metallic size / too much shine in certain areas / too much smoothing in certain areas. I know this to be true. Chip.

[James P.]

Re: 1959 vett paint on underside of hood,trunk and convertable top cover

Sounds like the voice of experience! Thanks Paul.