VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Body - Sheet Metal, Paint & Wood Black Paint 1939

I need to paint my black 1939 Master Deluxe. I haven't been able to find any codes that will match today's codes. I know the old lead based paints are gone but I'd like to get the color as close as I can. I don't think they were flat but were they high gloss? Thanks, Regmudd

I think the closest you will come to the original shine will be an acrylic enamel. I know that modern multi stage paint products produce much more shine than the cars came from.

The old fashion lacquer GM us in 1939 had a very high gloss. It was buffed at the factory which was required with that type of finish and when hand polished or waxed by the dealer before delivery it was as glossy as any paint today.
I know because for a short time in 1951 I polished new cars in a dealership.

Dear Reggmudd,

Google TCP Global, Autocolor Library. The library has the original paint codes for most old cars. I have color chips from 1937-1940 and I've found that their paints come custom mixed VERY close to the paint chips. You can purchase single stage paint from them either in acrylic enamel or in urethane, and also base coat clear coat 2 stage systems. Each color is offered in high quality PPG or a more economical brand they call Restoration Shop. I've now painted a couple vehicles with their products and have been pleased (though I am strictly an amateur painter, so I can't claim great expertise). Check them out.

Good luck,

Jim

It's not cheap, but if you can $wing it Dupont 9900S Black. It's an activated base for BC/CC systems, and goes on real easy. Everything I've ever painted black, I always use this stuff. All of the black on Bruce's 34 and Ray's 28 CSC is this paint. My dad used it when he painted his 57 Vette (Vern Toedtli). Let me know if you need any more particulars and I'll see what I can dig up.