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Hi guys, I am going to paint my 1969, Ontario Orange and I am trying to get the correct code or name here in Australia.
When I look up the "Usage list of GM paint code" WA3959 it comes up with different names from Ontario Orange (Corvette) Hugger Orange( Camaro, Chevelle, Chevrolet, Corvair, Nova), Monaco Orange ( Corvette), Carousel Red (Firebird, GTO, Pontiac).
BUT different paint codes
My question is, WA3959 in all of the above variations of name and make be the same colour ?
If I supply these names and they mix the paint to say "Carousel red", will it be the same as Ontario Orange. I only get one chance of
at getting right.
The paint shop suggested I get a sample from off someone who has done Ontario orange and they can colour match, but dont
have anyone here I know that has that colour
(I did a posting in the paint section and got a couple of replies but not much traffic in there.)
Those are NOT the same color. And I believe that a true Ontario Orange (Firemist) color is different from ALL of those other paint colors. I am unaware of any other GM model using the same Ontario Orange paint (regardless of what they called it or the paint code number).
Do you have Sherwin-Williams pro auto body paint stores 'down under'? That would be a good place to research the exact paint formula for 1970 (code 991) or 1971 (code 987) Corvette Ontario Orange. I have no idea why GM used two different paint codes for those years.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Sep 15, 2020 at 11:38 AM.
You can use this to see the different paint companies paint codes the correct WA 4149 for Ontario Orange. Was used in 1971 and 72. WA 3959 is Monoco orange
Only 1 known 1970 was ever painted 991 and is of a different shade then Ontario Orange
You can use this to see the different paint companies paint codes the correct WA 4149 for Ontario Orange. Was used in 1971 and 72. WA 3959 is Monoco orange
Only 1 known 1970 was ever painted 991 and is of a different shade then Ontario Orange
Monaco Orange was the only orange offered on the 69 Corvette. 69 Corvette Monaco Orange, 69 Camaro/Chevelle Hugger Orange and 69 Pontiac GTO Judge Carousel Red are all the same color, GM paint code WA 3959. Ontario Orange is a completely different orange metallic color, and was a later Corvette color.
This site gives both the original GM codes, and many of the codes for paint companies like DuPont, Ditzler, etc.
If I recall correctly, Monaco Orange is a solid color....no metallics in it. And I didn't particularly like that shade of orange--too much like pumpkin orange, for me. Ontario Orange is an outstanding color (with the Firemist metallic in it) and is absolutely stunning when in full sun. Totally different colors.......
Last edited by 7T1vette; Sep 16, 2020 at 01:44 AM.
Thanks guys for your great input, this gives me a starting point to do my research.
I don't think we ever used the "Firemist" paint here in Australia.
I had even thought about with going to "Monaco Orange" because it will be easier but after the comments from 7T1vette
I agree that Ontario orange is a far better option , so I will go on to my research
Does anyone know a supplier of Firemist® borosilicate-based pigments.
This is not a product used here in Australia as far as I can tell, if I could find a supplier to send me
the product to Australia this will help getting the paint colour I need.
Here is some additional info on the Ontario Orange Firemist paint (and others) in early 70's C3's............
Along Comes Firemist
The very next year, 1964, GM introduced Firemist paint, which had a large-flake, borosilicate-based, pearl effect pigment. Cadillac used it first in 1964 on the Eldorado. Five colors were available.
In the early 1960s, the Engelhard Corporation of Iselin, New Jersey, developed and trademarked Firemist paint pigments. The flakes allowed light to reflect and refract through them, producing not only a bright glittery look to the paint, but also varied hues of the primary paint color. Because these flakes can reflect and refract light, Firemist is not a metallic paint, in the truest sense of the word. A true metallic paint contains tiny aluminum flakes that only reflect light.
Firemist paint continued to be used by GM divisions well into the 1990s.
In 1971 and 1972, Corvettes were available in three Firemist colors, Ontario Orange, Steel Cities Gray and War Bonnet Yellow. Corvette did not charge extra for Firemist colors:
1971 Corvette in War Bonnet Yellow
1972 Corvette in Ontario Orange
1971 Corvette in Steel Cities Gray
This and more information about Corvette colors and color combinations can be found in the “All Corvette Colors” book series available at
Great color. Looks different in different light conditions. Especially at dusk the firemist pigment explodes. Especially the first pic. Perhaps you should concentrate on the paint codes rather than the names to be on the safe side!! Good luck Ike
General Ike’s got it right, forget about the naming and follow the codes. Just to add some “color” to the thread, Ditzler also carried a GM Omaha orange in 1980 that was straight, no metallic and lighter than hugger orange that was a fleet color used on mid & heavy duty trucks. I painted a motorcycle with it, photo attached for reference.
Painted my car in Ontario orange. (Original colour.) They had no recipe for it in acrylic as I was painting it at home so got a spray can made up in 2pak then got it colour matched.
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.
Ontario Orange paint code and alternate names
Monaco Orange was the only orange offered on the 69 Corvette. 69 Corvette Monaco Orange, 69 Camaro/Chevelle Hugger Orange and 69 Pontiac GTO Judge Carousel Red are all the same color, GM paint code WA 3959. Ontario Orange is a completely different orange metallic color, and was a later Corvette color.
