Blackout paint code for tail pan

[mechandesign]

I'm sure this question had been asked but, i can't seem to find it. Can someone please tell the the brand and paint code to black out the tail pan on my 69 s/s. Thank you in advance

[william]

I see you are new here. Exactly what gloss level black paint was used for the rocker panel and BB rear body panel blackout has been the subject of debate for as long as I can recall. Original cars have been seen with a near flat finish, all percentages of 'semi-gloss' and even a few with a near full-gloss finish. Factory paint charts make no mention of it; sales literature simply refers to it as 'black'.

After decades of spirited discussion, people that worked at the Norwood assembly plant have concluded that it is probably the same black lacquer used for striping. What made it different is it was applied after the body was painted and polished. The blackout areas were not polished; lacquer will dry to a smooth but dull finish. Exactly how dull was dependent on atmospheric conditions. A car painted in January may look different than one painted in June.

So it is up to you. When I had this done, I examined several excellent original paint cars. All were glossy enough to be reflective. 

Neither flat nor full-gloss is considered correct.
 

[x66 714]

That's probably the best summed up conclusion I've read since I've been reading these posts. Thanks William....Joe

[69Z28-RS]

I agree, an excellent summary of the 'blackout' paint and IMO very accurate in his description of the 'variances'...

I would suggest that William's words below should be used to update any 'blackout descriptions for this site...

[mechandesign]

Thank you for the input guys. I was told it was SEM39141 trim black but, I wasn't sure as I couldn't find anything on the blackout as you all mention.

[Sauron327]

Thank you for the input guys. I was told it was SEM39141 trim black but, I wasn't sure as I couldn't find anything on the blackout as you all mention.

You could use SEM, which is satin. I prefer to use catalyzed paint and stock numerous kinds of satin black (or any other gloss level) depending on application. If your car is a trailer queen, or you rarely drive your car, SEM will do.

[KurtS]

After decades of spirited discussion, people that worked at the Norwood assembly plant have concluded that it is probably the same black lacquer used for striping.   

I don't think this part is correct. The tailpanel was painted with the same black that the rockers were painted. It was non-glossy and a different tap from the gloss black. Even though it's the same paint, the rockers were cooler in the oven than the tailpanel.

[william]

Disagree.

21k mile original paint Camaro SS. I have 4 photos of other original paint cars that were near full gloss. When my Z/28 was done in the '80s, I checked out two original paint '69 Z/28-RS. Rockers were just as glossy as the photo.

As I stated, lots of opinions. Original paint doesn't lie.

[bcmiller]

After decades of spirited discussion, people that worked at the Norwood assembly plant have concluded that it is probably the same black lacquer used for striping.   

I don't think this part is correct. The tailpanel was painted with the same black that the rockers were painted. It was non-glossy and a different tap from the gloss black. Even though it's the same paint, the rockers were cooler in the oven than the tailpanel.

Agreed. Not the same black - at least for 67 and 68. Can’t say the same with certainty for 69. I have no doubt - based on certain unmentionable information.

The topic will be argued about forever. But it’s not the same color as stripes.

[william]

If it were different, it would be listed in the Dupont exterior color paint charts. It isn't. The striping chart lists code 99L for black, same code listed as 'S.G.' on the interior color chart. There is this note at the bottom of the interior color chart:

NOTE: Unpolished Lucite will generally produce a gloss comparable to original interior semi-gloss finishes. If lower gloss is required use up to 1/2 oz. flattening compound to a pint of unreduced color.

From a guy who worked there:

Cars built in the summer= glossy
Cars built in the winter = Less glossy
Spring and Fall=split the gloss %

Here's a low mile original paint '68 Camaro SS. Virtually same gloss as the spoiler. Ever see an SS or Z/28 with semi-gloss stripes?

[bcmiller]

Bill will discuss with you off-line later, probably this evening.

[x66 714]

It had been discussed previously that there were 2 vats of black. One to be used for striping & the other vat for everything else...Joe

[cook_dw]

I wonder if Chevelle guys have this same discussion on 67 SS models?

[x66 714]

I wonder if Chevelle guys have this same discussion on 67 SS models?

Probably 66,67,68,& 69 Chevelles. Impalas had the same black out for a few years also. El Camino SS 68 & 69 at least...Joe

[bcmiller]

I wonder if Chevelle guys have this same discussion on 67 SS models?

Yes they do.

I have seen several original paint 67 SS 396 Chevelles.

Dale M. does not have the paint code.