Tim asked me to post the phone number to the PPG Paint Library. So here it is, plus some other ways to research your paint color:
1) Call PPG. Phone Number: (800) 647-6050, ask for the Paint Library. Use this "800" number instead of the number on the bottom of Tims Paint Tech Tip.
> Paint Tech Tip (Great Info, but do not use the PPG phone number in the tip)
2) Send an email to the GM Heritage Center
> GM Heritage Center Contact Info3) Find the codes on PaintRef.com
> Paint Ref.com - All Chevrolet Truck Paint CodesClick on the model year at the top of the page to narrow the search.
You can also narrow or expand the search by entering specific terms in the search box below the color samples and mfg paint codes. Such as:
"Chevy Truck" for paint codes for all years of Chevrolet Trucks
"1954 Chevy Truck" for paint codes for 1954 Chevrolet Trucks
"GM" for all General Motors colors
"Mariner Blue" for all paints named Mariner Blue
"GM Mariner Blue" for Mariner Blue on GM vehicles
"Chevy Truck Mariner Blue" for Mariner Blue on Chevrolet Trucks ... yes, there are two PPG codes for the color. One for '47-'52, and one for '53-'55. But there is only one DuPont color code. Old trucks are a puzzlement.
3a)
UPDATE - Here is the main page for PaintRef.com Pretty easy to search. Has links to paint databases and chips by major suppliers.
> PaintRef main page4) Go to your local PPG automotive paint store.
I received an email from the GM Heritage Center responding to my question that confirmed that PPG #10984 is the correct color for the bowties on my '54 chrome hub caps. I called the PPG Paint Library to confirm that the number was 1954 Mariner Blue. I didn't ask the PPG Library for the mixing formula. I gave the number to my local PPG automotive paint store and they mixed a pint for me. I asked the store for the formula that they used to mix the "1954 Mariner Blue." They printed the mixing formulas for "1953-'55 Mariner Blue" and for "1947-'52 Mariner Blue" so that I could confirm that the two were different colors of blue. Good customer service!
Here is info that I learned from Brad Allen, Tim Lederman, and Denny Graham:
Tim Lederman:Original Advance-Design (and several earlier year) trucks' exteriors paint was Dupont Baking Dulux, synthetic enamel. Repair work was usually done with Air Drying Dulux (synthetic enamel). Wheel/body striped was lacquer.
An "offset" is used by PPG to refer to a modern formula that produces a color very similar to an older paint color (an older code that usually/probably required a mixture of different color-pigments that are no longer available).Denny Grahamn:None of the original formulas are the same as they were back in the 50's. The offset color is formulated from modern day resins and pigments to look as close to the original color as that can get it today.
This is an interesting read concerning the DuPont/GM marriage:> DuPont Paint Information- Lonnie
