I spent 3-4 hours taping up a ‘66 Starfire tail panel I have with intent to respray it. See my recent post on fixing the trunk lock cover for what this fairly intricate part looks like. Nice piece. Very much of the era.

Before I found an NOS one, I previously shot this part in flat black, but that’s wrong. At least when I compare to my NOS factory original part found a year or 2 back.

I’m leaning toward satin black. I believe high gloss would be too shiny and satin would be a good medium gloss. I’ve never seen any documentation on what paint they used on these trim pieces, so we’re firmly in personal opinion land. Do any of you know or have a belief on what paint Olds might have used?

On the ‘66 Starfire, the tail panel, tail lights, side diecast chrome trim and my fake wire wheel covers all have some black painted surfaces. The eventual goal is to shoot them all in the exact same stuff so the look is at least consistent, if not perfectly correct. After a few years looking at flat black on the tail panel and my fake wire hubcaps, it’s, well, too flat. But I don’t think these stripes and surfaces should be car paint glossy either. That would feel a little over-restored to me.

Opinions?

Thanks in advance
Chris

 

I believe I used the Satin VHT engine enamel on my trim. With the southern heat it seems to hold up better.

 

Shot first coat of black satin this morning. Reminding me that I'm not a painter.

Good this is a spare part. Job's not done yet so I'm hopeful it will come out up to my ideals

Cheers
Chris