The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop What color to paint

Having trouble deciding what color to paint my 46 chev. I really like forest green but it really seam's to show the dirt. Been looking through the gallery And dark red suite's this year of truck too. How does the red stand up to dirt and what would be your choice of color. Any responces to help me decide would be appreciated because I am can't make up my mind. Thanks: Stuart

My first choice unless it is a horrible color is to keep it original. Especially if the firewall still looks good. Otherwise just pick what you like. Red paint is more expensive. Lighter colors need better body work. Dark colors get hot in the summer. Resale red makes a truck easier to sell.

Just look around and see what you like best. At some car shows last year everything was orange, yuck.

Here is a ! good color

I was going to paint my '50 Forester Green also, but the more I look at ad's pics, the more I'm considering the same color since it was the original color of my truck. Very different to say the least. There are so many dark greens around this area, this color would stand out.

AD,
Is this sea foam green? If we meet later this month, I'm going to bring a piece of my firewall (circular heater plate cover) which I have buffed out. It will be interesting to see how close they match.

cheers

Craig, that color green would look great with a light oak bed.

Craig, the color of my truck is "Ocean Green".

Ron

Thanks for the tips Guys. The truck was origanaly light green. I myself am not to keen on the lighter colors And I finnally have decided to go dark forest green with a light metal flake. I am also going to paint the interior the same color. Everything but the cab and doors were hot dipped, derusted,sanded and then phosphtate dipped. Just primed the parts today and will be stripping the cab within the next couple of weeks. Anbody recommend a good paint stripper.
http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/watts_stuart_1946_01.htm

As you can see the truck is not on its origanal frame. This truck is going to be a daily driver. I own a 40 GMC that I am restoring to original

Ron, That ocean green does look really nice. It has a real nice gloss to it. Did you already clear coat it ?

Ron, That ocean green does look really nice. It has a real nice gloss to it. Did you already clear coat it ?

My panel is going back to its original two-tone brown/tan, as seen in this postcard: GMC panel postcard.

About a year ago I caught a few minutes of a 70's cowboy movie which had a '54-'55.1 GMC Deluxe pickup with this same paint scheme, and I loved the look. Plus, there can't be too many out there like it!

AD-Notice the color of this smiley face?

Stuart 989, that is three coats of paint with clear mixed wth the third coat.

cmayna, saw the color of the smiley!

cmayna, at "American Classic Truck Pats Inc." ( Go Here ) The greens that were available in 1950 (that is the year of your truck, isn't it?)were Forster Green, Seacrest Green, Mist Green, Crystal Green and Mist Green/Crystal Green (was this a two tone or was it a mixture of both?).

If yours is orginial color, it is probably "Seacrest"

I believe that Mist Green and Crystal Green were both car colors, not truck colors.

I agree with you, I was quoteing the GMC greens in 1950.

I forgot to post a good link that I believe has been posted before.

1951-1954 Commercial Colors (Chevy)

Note that not all colors were available in all years. Need to go to your year's resto pack to see the actual colors for your year.

AD,
Hopefully this shot of the engine showing the firewall color helps clarify what color that is. Any idea?

http://community.webshots.com/photo/114973298/117501443NRyboP

Is there a stamping on the trucks showing what was the original color. This would be way too easy.

You kno guys, I wuz thinkin, mebe you could paint yer truck like this bike I used to have. I decided to 'take it up a notch' and make fun of the Harley 'life stylers' where I used to live.

Get ready to laugh - one of my favorite stupid paint jobs....

Cmayna, that looks like a somewhat faded ocean green to me. Bring that heater plate with you and we can match the two colors.

I don't know of any stamping for the orginial color.

Irwin,
Let me sleep on your color suggestion......

Craig
You sure your truck was ocean green originally? I believe that color was not available until 1953. If you have a 1950 restoration packet that will tell you for sure. I also agree there is no stamping on body or frame that tells original color.

No, I'm not certain my color is infact ocean green but it's pretty similar. Yes according to my resto kit packet from Chevrolet, there were only 3 greens offered for '50 Forester Green, Seacrest Green & Mist (Crystal) Green. My gut feeling is saying it's Seacrest.