Chossing Paint
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Blacksburg Virginia
Chossing Paint
Hi Guys-
I asked once a while back and didnt really get a ton of feedack so I thought maybe I would add some info and ask again.
I currently own my dads 1977 Corvette, the Interior is Dark Brown and the factory exterior color was Tan, not exactly an exciting exterior finish.
Since a good bit of the factory interior was in really good shape I left it in place so the interior remains Dark Brown. I'm having a hard time choosing a color for the exterior that wont look out of place with the Brown interior.
I would love to have black but I dont think it would match the brown. I also love dark metallic candle apple red or other shades of burgundy.
I'm looking for pictures of cars with brown interior and different exterior colors. I just need to see it to make my brain work...
Thanks Guys
Josh
I asked once a while back and didnt really get a ton of feedack so I thought maybe I would add some info and ask again.
I currently own my dads 1977 Corvette, the Interior is Dark Brown and the factory exterior color was Tan, not exactly an exciting exterior finish.
Since a good bit of the factory interior was in really good shape I left it in place so the interior remains Dark Brown. I'm having a hard time choosing a color for the exterior that wont look out of place with the Brown interior.
I would love to have black but I dont think it would match the brown. I also love dark metallic candle apple red or other shades of burgundy.
I'm looking for pictures of cars with brown interior and different exterior colors. I just need to see it to make my brain work...
Thanks Guys
Josh
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
The only 'original' '77 colors that would work [IMO] would be white, tan, orange and dark red. Of those, I think the tan is the better choice with dark brown interior.
How about keeping the exterior color 'tan', but putting some metallic brown (ginger color maybe?) accents on it to spice it up? {bad pun intended} Something like a body line stripe down the side, something on the hood, etc.
For non-standard colors, Elkart green or Ontario Orange Firemist would be outstanding with the dark brown interior.
How about keeping the exterior color 'tan', but putting some metallic brown (ginger color maybe?) accents on it to spice it up? {bad pun intended} Something like a body line stripe down the side, something on the hood, etc.
For non-standard colors, Elkart green or Ontario Orange Firemist would be outstanding with the dark brown interior.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Oct 15, 2010 at 11:45 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 16,473
Likes: 2,370
From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
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2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
A couple of options if you don't mind year correct colours:
Dark brown from 1974
Medium saddle from 1975
Mahogany or dark brown from 1976 or 1978
Dark brown from 1979 or 1980
Silver beige from 1982
Dark brown from 1974
Medium saddle from 1975
Mahogany or dark brown from 1976 or 1978
Dark brown from 1979 or 1980
Silver beige from 1982
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 948
Likes: 1
From: pensacola fl
Go to your local chevy dealer and look at some of the colors on the cars. My 76 was the same way with the dark brown interior. I saw a chevy painted "Light Driftwood Metalic" and realized that was the color for me. I get compliments every time I drive it. This combo might not be for everyone, but you need to try and see a color in person and vizulize what that color combination might do for you. I will try to post some pictures. Good Luck
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: Heartland
I once saw a Cadillac that had brown interior with black exterior and it was very classy looking, but of course that was a luxury car.
What ever color you decide replace your carpet color with the same color as the exterior expecially if it is a color like the firemist tans that has been suggested.
What ever color you decide replace your carpet color with the same color as the exterior expecially if it is a color like the firemist tans that has been suggested.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Blacksburg Virginia
ZoraC3 who makes that color and whats the code? It's close to the factory tan but different enough to not look so....well....tan
Also, as I'm shopping for quotes on paint if I ask for Elkhart Green, who should make the paint? Will it matter? Will PPG Elkhart Green be the same as someone elses? How do I decide, I would think ultimately it's the body shops decision unless I request something very specific?
Also, as I'm shopping for quotes on paint if I ask for Elkhart Green, who should make the paint? Will it matter? Will PPG Elkhart Green be the same as someone elses? How do I decide, I would think ultimately it's the body shops decision unless I request something very specific?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 7
From: Coralville Iowa
Another option is ......
I had a 2 68's, Safari Yellow with Tobacco interior.
I always loved that combination.
Most of the top distributors of automotive paints have a pretty good match to factory colors of all years.
I've used PPG and Martin Senior for years and have been happy with the matches.
You can always buy a small quantity and spray out a test sheet of metal first to verify the color.
You are doing a complete repaint so you won't have to worry about blending to match a paint that may have faded a little due to UV exposure.
Last edited by highschool67; Oct 20, 2010 at 10:43 AM.
