ButchN

Hi all, been absent a while, no net access, just got restored last night.

My 82 is in my pals shop & I wanted opinion on paint color.
We found the paint code & when I saw the chip, I didn't like how dark the original red was so we pulled out the book with the paint codes from the mid 90's & I told my pal I'm leaning toward the Vette Torch red I had him paint my 93 TA with a couple of years ago.

I know it's my car & I can do as I want, but I figured I'd post pics of the paint chips & get the masses opinion, original Vette red, Spectra Red, kinda dark IMO, or mid 90's Vette red Torch Red, a bit brighter, & looking more 'red'.
Also, pics of the progress so far. He's had to do allot of work as the car was poorly prepped & repainted over the original lacquer paint many years ago. The primer spots you see is where he's making the car look smooth so when the new paint is on it's not so wavy looking.

Also, those little tabs you see where the tail light screws go into, where can I get them & what are they called?
I have a few that are not tightly pressed in & 2 of my lights wobbled when the were mounted.

Original Spectra Red chip:


Torch Red chip:


Side by side comparison:


Body work update:
The locks, headlamp doors, T's, old weatherstripping & anythind else I can think of will be removed by the time it's ready for paint which will be late next week.
We are alo repainting the doorjams, t's jams & under hood jams as well.

Side question, the parking lamp louvers & the side vents, should they be flat black, or a semi gloss? Mine are in sad shape color wise after 29 yrs.

929nitro

I'm a fan of torch red myself. Should look nice no matter which one you choose. Keep us posted.

1nicecorvette

thats exactly what i have been pondering to do. get the car painted!! although the paint on mine isnt BAD ive been itching to want to sand it down and redo it for some resaon! Maybe cause im out of while im there projects (knock on wood) but Then i would never drive it in fear of ruining the paint work! so im on the fence with this decsion. keep the progress shots coming!

stingr4y

It's funny how paint choice can stress a guy. I'm the same way.

The torch looks great.

Is the interior oyster?

I think the louvers are semi-gloss.

Also, go ahead and commit to that first rock chip, all will be well after that.

indydoug

I also like the Torch Red. It looks great in the fluorescent lighting, but I would recommend you check out the paint chips in some bright sunlight, where you will be enjoying your ride most of the time. My '80 (factory yellow) looks a little too pale to me indoors, but is just the right shade in the sun.

markids77

Check out a few "Non-GM" reds as well... I'm a fan of Porsche Guards Red; also Dodge painted the Viper in a really nice shade... I think it was called Viper Red. BTW, I see a lot of "cut throughs" and a bit of Vette Panel Adhesive patchwork on your car. If you want it to be smooth and straight I would prime and block the entire body before you paint it... you're much more likely to get straight panels with an overall primer base and a guide coat while blocking vs spot priming. It's well worth the added effort and expense.

speedreed8

i vote torch red, those are plastic taillight mount anchors.

http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductD...GR-SR&CTitle=&

http://www.zip-corvette.com/_Resourc...2c25_135-a.gif

FireFighterVette

my $0.02

I love that original red, but then again I'm a fan of keeping it stock.

With that being said, that torch red is a great color and if that's what makes you happy, do it!
Good luck and keep us updated with pics!!

69 Chevy

I'm trying to figure out why all the trim has been removed except the door locks???

milo30

Can never go wrong with torch red. It's a beautiful color on a vette.

ButchN

Thanks guys. Torch being mixed today for the small parts to make sure it's what I like & isn't too dark, or to 'orangy'.
Markids, it's not close to paint yet & not only does my pal prime, he uses sealer as well so nothing comes from behind to react with the paint.
69 chevy, again, not close for paint, & I've been having a hell of a time trying to get the clips out.
Don't fret, they will be removed! I dislike tape lines!
Speedreed, thanks for letting me know what the tail light anchors are & where to get them.

ButchN

Here's a paint update.

While at my PT job at Lowe's today (which I took 2.5 months ago to finance this project from paint to new weather-stripping & everything else I need so not a dime goes on my credit card) my pal emails me and asks if I'm positive I want Torch red. I tell him yes & he mixes up a small batch & shoots the small parts so I can see if I like it. He uses Sikkens paint & has a mixing machine & with the PC program Sikkens supplied with the mixing system. The paint is mixed perfect every time as it's done by weights of the tints being mixed.

I didn't have my G11 with me so the below pics are from my iphone 4 so the quality isn't that great.

I do believe the car is gonna look pretty sharp when done.
I will have it at Carlisle this August for those who attend.

7T1vette

Well, you're going to be sought after for the "Fireman's Parade"! Actually, that is going to be a really sharp, RED car.

Roco71

Yea, now thats red! I like it.

C5SCCA

I had already decided on Torch red for mine....you just solidified that thought!