The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop engine paint color?

I am restoring my '56 GMC with the Pontiac V8.
I am trying to find the correct color and type of paint to use. It's red, but faded, any one painted one of these before?

Lets see: a 56 GMC with a Pontiac V8, and you want to know the correct color. Now, I may be stupid, but I do not think that is the original engine, so why are you concerned with originality (as I interpret your word "correct")?

GMC sourced its v8's from Pontiac in the 50's. GMC and Pontiac have been associated companies since the 30's and this still continues today. ( Just check out the dealerships; Chevy/olds soon to be dicontinued, caddy/Buick, GMC/pontiac) Until the GMC v6's came along, most of GMC's powerplants were Pontiac motors.

Brian, most people don't know that GMC used Pontiac engine for their V8s. '56 used the 316, '57 used a 347, and '58 and I think '58 used a 336. This is a fact. The engines all look the same in appearance, even a Pontiac 389. I have photos if you still don't believe me.
So far, no comments on the correct red color though...Dang.

A long shot would be top try the vintage Pontiac guys for old paint codes.
Like... http://www.boyleworks.com/ta400/psp/v8displace.html

Maybe this will lead ya on a "bread crumb trail" to your answer.

Luck
john

[ 11-29-2001: Message edited by: lil' johnny ]

You try my uncle, he rebuilds does hipo for Pontiac drag racers etc. www.sdperformance.com/
just type that in, and it'll bring you to his new page, look up the links, he know a lot of pontiac people and I'm sure you'd be able to get an answer quickly.

Nate

Gm used a red color on the 270. I just recently had my 270 repainted. If you can
be sure it's the same red and find no other leads I could get a number for the paint used on mine.

GMC did, in fact, use Pontiac engines from 55-59. GMC was preparing to introduce the V-6 motor that they used from 60-68. They were expecting to hit a home run with this motor, and the pontiac motors were used as a stopgap until they were introduced. Unfortunately the V-6 never really caught on with the general public.

john123, I would be interested in the paint code for the color you used on your 270 GMC.. If you can post it here , I would appreciate it.. Thanks

Special Interest Autos (Hemmings pub) had an article on a gmc suburban with the Pont. V8. Can't remember if they had color pictures. (suburban = cameo in GMC speak)

napcogmc
There is a frame off restored 56 GMC here that has red 316 V8 it is a redcolor with just a little orange. Pontiac motor with GMC on the valve covers and hydromatic man I want it bad!

Thanks to all for the replies.
I sure didn't think this would be such a problem. I guess I am far too picky?...I could just have the paint color matched, but it is faded, plus haven't found anyone local CA that can do it using a high temp base.
I will do some following up on these few leads. Thanks again to you guys, a BIG thumbs up to you!

OK I was stupid to think that a pontiac engine would not be original. But maybe this can help if you still need information - try www.aaca.org, they have a bulletin board much like this one, those guys seem to know a lot about originality.

Brian - check the web site address you posted. That page "cannot be found".

Thanks K10, I think sometimes I am an idiot, putting in a URL with a coma.