Anyone own a Black Corvette ?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Western PA
Anyone own a Black Corvette ?
The Black '78 that I bought is Black. Really nice paint job. No swirles,
marks, scratches etc.
I was just wondering how I can maintain this near perfect appearence.
Never owned a black vehicle and they say they are a handful to keep looking sharp.
Any and all suggestions more then welcome.
Rhufus
a.k.a. Kenny
marks, scratches etc.
I was just wondering how I can maintain this near perfect appearence.
Never owned a black vehicle and they say they are a handful to keep looking sharp.
Any and all suggestions more then welcome.
Rhufus
a.k.a. Kenny
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 950
From: Keizer Oregon
Black 76 here-----decent paint job-----gettin swirlies though. when black is polished up there is no better color for a vette 
However it is near impossible to keep it looking good.........Even the smallest layer of dust shows up, and any scratch too.......THE GOOD NEWS:....I have some paint polish from Turtle Wax that is black in color and does a really excellent job of covering imperfections....also if you go out to cruise at night, black looks great under street lights
However it is near impossible to keep it looking good.........Even the smallest layer of dust shows up, and any scratch too.......THE GOOD NEWS:....I have some paint polish from Turtle Wax that is black in color and does a really excellent job of covering imperfections....also if you go out to cruise at night, black looks great under street lights
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Mine is red but will soon be (original) black... the black turtle wax will cover all the small scratches, there's nothing you can do about dust...you kinda pay for the good look (black is great)... but it's worth it...
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: LaSalle ON
Black 'Vettes
Another black one here. Needs some touch-up paint & a buff job after 7 years. I've found that you can always see the swirl marks under bright sun or fluorescent lights. If you're going fast enough no one notices!
Check out:
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/629824
for more pictures.
Check out:
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/629824
for more pictures.
Last edited by vettenoir; Nov 11, 2004 at 10:21 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
I just took a friends black 73 for the day.
I noticed as I was getting the vette ready to go,
he had just given her a once-over with a California Duster.
It is a cotton mop that is wax impregnated. The static on the
fibers picks the dust off nicely. Just be careful not to dust it
when hot - as the wax can melt onto the car.
I noticed as I was getting the vette ready to go,
he had just given her a once-over with a California Duster.
It is a cotton mop that is wax impregnated. The static on the
fibers picks the dust off nicely. Just be careful not to dust it
when hot - as the wax can melt onto the car.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Southeast WI
Although the paint job on my car isn't the greatest, I get many compliments on how nicely it shines. I used the products from Zaino. It's a multi-step process which takes the better part of a weekend, but the end result is worth. Smooth, glassy finish and the swirls are gone. Woo-hoo!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 896
Likes: 1
From: Thomasville, home of the Big Chair NC
I'm surprised it took all those posts to get to the sacred Zanio.
If you can use a buffer, 3m has a system that works wonders. I have 3 black vechicles and that works the best for me, you can check with just about any true auto paint dealer and they can help steer you in the right direction.
You will probably find out that there are a million different suggestions, its really trial and error. Factors include how much you wish to spend and how long you want the results to last, not to mention the amount of time required and the many, many steps involved in the process.
If you can use a buffer, 3m has a system that works wonders. I have 3 black vechicles and that works the best for me, you can check with just about any true auto paint dealer and they can help steer you in the right direction.
You will probably find out that there are a million different suggestions, its really trial and error. Factors include how much you wish to spend and how long you want the results to last, not to mention the amount of time required and the many, many steps involved in the process.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
I painted my 74 in black lacquer with a lacquer clearcoat and while it's impressive it's takes a lot of work to maintain. So I've gotten pretty good at it. Go to my website and take a look at reviving old paint. It'll walk you through the process of creating a shine. Remember to always use the least agressive product needed. Here's the link
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/vettfixr/page5.htm
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/vettfixr/page5.htm
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Add me as another black vette owner. So far mine is still in pretty good shape. However I have waxed it twice. Both times I used Meguires NXT wax and applied it with a new foam applicator. Be gentle and do not use a lot of pressure when applying the wax. To remove I have been using a microfiber towel and be sure to keep flipping the towel over to keep a fresh side down. This is my technique and so far I am happy with my black vette.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...83DSC00210.JPG
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...83DSC00210.JPG
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 26,555
Likes: 257
From: Florida
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Use microfiber towels and go with the lines of the car. Zaino works great on dark colors. 
Last edited by OHSIXX; Nov 12, 2004 at 09:08 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,502
Likes: 1,510
From: Little Rock AR
Maguires #7 show car glaze is what I like. It makes the swirlies go away for a little while. It will wash it off easy especialy if you do not wax over it. It does not cause any silicone problems later if you need to go to the paint shop again. Better than the Zaino in appearance and easier to apply but it is not a protective or durable shine without a wax over it. Perfect for show cars or a touch up before a cruise-in. Fast, easy and looks "wet".
-Mark.
-Mark.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Potomac Falls (Northern VA) VA
Back in black...
I am on my second year with Mecedes black. The paint still looks fantastic- but had if I had a choice again, I would go silver. Black is just too much to keep up, the slightest bit of dirt, the car looks messy again, I mean at a car show, the wind just has to blow and the car needs a dusting.
Black. Not again. Not ever.
No matter what you do you will have swirls, I use 2 sponges, 2 buckets, all microfiber towels etc., even the softest car covers make the smallest fine scratches, just absolutely unavoidable...BTW I am a fan of Meguires products for polishing/waxing, best value for the money.
Pic on my profile if you are interested...
Good luck-
Black. Not again. Not ever.
No matter what you do you will have swirls, I use 2 sponges, 2 buckets, all microfiber towels etc., even the softest car covers make the smallest fine scratches, just absolutely unavoidable...BTW I am a fan of Meguires products for polishing/waxing, best value for the money.
Pic on my profile if you are interested...
Good luck-
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 0
From: Grants Pass Oregon
Paint to Paint
I was concidering black. I've had one other black car, a 1974 260 Z, I baught 2 years old with a balanced engine, in 1976. I just loved that car. My 73 is, what I think they called "Bright Blue" the origonal color. I was also thinking off taking one of the T-Tops down to have it matched. Also I know there is a paint code color on the door jamb. Anyone heard of a Site that has chevy paint codes by the year?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota