88-89 rare gm paint code 90 Gray Metallic
06-09-2005, 11:17 AM
#1
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88-89 rare gm paint code 90 Gray Metallic
I have a '89 with paint code 90 Gray Metallic (RPO 90U). I found documentation on rogers corvette 89 and
88 that only a few were produced in this color. In 88 - 644 were produced and in 89 - only 225. Anyone know the reason for this? Any know any more info about this paint code and why such a limited number were produced? Just curious. The best I could find was this paint code was discontinued in November 1988. Wonder the last vin # made for my color and why it was discontiued? Any added price value to the car?
88 that only a few were produced in this color. In 88 - 644 were produced and in 89 - only 225. Anyone know the reason for this? Any know any more info about this paint code and why such a limited number were produced? Just curious. The best I could find was this paint code was discontinued in November 1988. Wonder the last vin # made for my color and why it was discontiued? Any added price value to the car?
06-09-2005, 11:54 AM
#3
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There are usually two reasons for a low production number of a paint code:
A: the factory had trouble with the paint, eg. Copper Metalic in 1986
B: few people liked it enough to order it.
A: the factory had trouble with the paint, eg. Copper Metalic in 1986
B: few people liked it enough to order it.
06-09-2005, 11:56 AM
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Knowing GM's history I'd suspect the few painted with RPO 90U is because it was not a very popular color. As a matter of fact look at the few produced (vs other colors) with charcoal metallic, especially in MY '90 & '91 and then discoutinued. You are lucky to have your color. Personally, I think the dark gray colors were great...kinda "STEALTH" looking, mean and all business! 
06-09-2005, 01:20 PM
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The color is cool. I like it. It changes shades of color in sunlight vs night time 
. I had the car since '99 bought it at corvettes at carlise. No regrets. I was able to trace down the original dealer but they no longer have any original sales paperwork. I just ordered built sheet and window sticker from ncm.
. I had the car since '99 bought it at corvettes at carlise. No regrets. I was able to trace down the original dealer but they no longer have any original sales paperwork. I just ordered built sheet and window sticker from ncm.
06-09-2005, 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by 89C4L98
The color is cool. I like it. It changes shades of color in sunlight vs night time . I had the car since '99 bought it at corvettes at carlise. No regrets. I was able to trace down the original dealer but they no longer have any original sales paperwork. I just ordered built sheet and window sticker from ncm.
. I had the car since '99 bought it at corvettes at carlise. No regrets. I was able to trace down the original dealer but they no longer have any original sales paperwork. I just ordered built sheet and window sticker from ncm.Last edited by 88421VETTE; 06-09-2005 at 06:02 PM.
06-09-2005, 06:52 PM
#7
Race Director
I used to have a Medium Gray Metallic 86. I think gray sounds boring to the public and has the conotation of being a rather dull color. It sounds much better when the marketing folks jazz things up by calling it Spiral Gray or something like that. My 86 was a beauty with mile-deep clear coat. It really looked nice. 
06-09-2005, 07:16 PM
#9
Melting Slicks
Originally Posted by ZRWON
Knowing GM's history I'd suspect the few painted with RPO 90U is because it was not a very popular color. As a matter of fact look at the few produced (vs other colors) with charcoal metallic, especially in MY '90 & '91 and then discoutinued. You are lucky to have your color. Personally, I think the dark gray colors were great...kinda "STEALTH" looking, mean and all business!
06-10-2005, 10:30 AM
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Mine was not repainted by what I can see. The wing looks like it was put on when the car when it was new (paint matches perfect). Carfax has no negative history. Just a few very minor scratches for a 17 year old car isnt bad. Show pics of your '88. I want to take pictures of the vette in the garage and post them tonight to show everyone how it changes shades of color when not in sunlight. I guess thats the metallic's effect.
Still trying to track down the original owner. I have her name at home but dont think it will do me much good as I tried a few years back. I would also feel like a moron calling her if I did find her and say hey you owned a vette 17 years ago do you have any paperwork on it? I dont think it will ever happen but if anyone on this board bought this color from a chevy dealer in Indiana let me know.
Still trying to track down the original owner. I have her name at home but dont think it will do me much good as I tried a few years back. I would also feel like a moron calling her if I did find her and say hey you owned a vette 17 years ago do you have any paperwork on it? I dont think it will ever happen but if anyone on this board bought this color from a chevy dealer in Indiana let me know.
Last edited by 89C4L98; 06-10-2005 at 10:35 AM.
06-13-2005, 09:54 AM
#12
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Originally Posted by 89C4L98
I have a '89 with paint code 90 Gray Metallic (RPO 90U). only a few were produced in this color. Anyone know the reason for this? Any added price value to the car?
) that in those days the bright primary colors were hot. It's a fairly recent phenomina that the earth colors...the beiges, the pewters, the taupes (I hate that word)...have become so popular especially in the metallics.Color doesn't add any value to your car unless someone SPECIFICALLY is looking for it....and then, it probably won't add a dollar value, only make it easier for the potential buyer to overlook any faults the car has in favor of the desired color.
I, myself, really like the color. I have ever since about 1965, when I wanted to paint my '53 Ford that color (but had no money to do it
)If GM had offered it in the last C4's, that's what I would have gone shopping for instead of the Torch Red.
Larry
code5coupe
06-13-2005, 10:11 AM
#13
Melting Slicks
I agree with rocco16, Gray was not a popular color for the Corvettes back then. Nobody really wanted it, so not many were made. In fact the gray really did not come back untill the CE in 1996, which was actually silver. It sold like hot cakes and so they keep it for the C5 and the rest is history.
06-13-2005, 10:18 AM
#14
I didn't buy my '91 because it was Charcoal Metallic. But neither was it a color that revolted me. These dark grays and blacks usually look great with polished rims.
Glen
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06-13-2005, 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Mikez40
they keep it for the C5 and the rest is history.
1989 conversation:
"Mmmm, nice Corvette, mister. I like the color..what is it called?"
"Well, its called Gray..."
"Oh."
Or, this:
1989 Chevy salesman to buyer of new Corvette:
"We can get you this car in a very nice Metallic Gray..."
"Gray? Gray??!! ...my uncle's pickup truck is gray. What's available in a bright blue..?"
See what I mean?
Larry
code5coupe
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