Good evening guys, does anyone know the correct original engine color,and name of the color,for a 1953 Chevy Panel Truck 3100 1/2 ton,216 ?? and also would anyone have a pic. of that original color ?? Thanks Guys.
1953 Chevrolet 1/2 ton Panel Truck 3100 4800 LB. maximum rating, 85hp at 3300 RPM
I don't know all VCCA judges. The few which I have met are not "Truck" experts (their words not mine). I have laid my eyes on a few engines with lots of very good condition original paint left on them, and the color resembles a 216 without any original paint on it, but instead, is covered with oil-soaked road grime. More of a light black color than a dark gray to my eyes.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
Do a search and you'll find this subject has been discussed thousands of times...the short answer is Gray. The shade has been up for discussion forever, Chevrolet/GM never published the paint code, so we have nothing to go by. Bill Hirsch makes a "Chevrolet Gray" that's been accepted for the 50 years I've been playing with old Chevys and within the past 20 years or so The Filling Station has come out with their version. If you're building a "show winner" to be judged by VCCA or AACA, as long as it's Gray you won't have any points deducted.
I've always used the Bill Hirsch paint because it is really good paint...brush it on and it flows out like it was sprayed. Back when I got into it they were the only game in town...
Mike B
Mike Boteler
1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod 1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep 1983 Jeep CJ7 Laredo 1984 Jeep CJ7 +++++ Silver Spring, MD
Thanks Guys, its not going to be a show winner, just wanted to paint it the original color it was. Bill, I think id like to use that Bill Hirsch Chevrolet Gray. Where can i purchase this item ?
Last edited by Garageguy6078; 03/06/202310:53 AM.
1953 Chevrolet 1/2 ton Panel Truck 3100 4800 LB. maximum rating, 85hp at 3300 RPM
Directly from Bill Hersch. Here is a [LINK]. You will have to select the color. They also carry the paint in spray cans.
Last edited by Phak1; 03/06/202312:22 PM.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Do a search and you'll find this subject has been discussed thousands of times...the short answer is Gray. The shade has been up for discussion forever, Chevrolet/GM never published the paint code, so we have nothing to go by. Bill Hirsch makes a "Chevrolet Gray" that's been accepted for the 50 years I've been playing with old Chevys and within the past 20 years or so The Filling Station has come out with their version. If you're building a "show winner" to be judged by VCCA or AACA, as long as it's Gray you won't have any points deducted.
I've always used the Bill Hirsch paint because it is really good paint...brush it on and it flows out like it was sprayed. Back when I got into it they were the only game in town...
Mike B
I concur Mike. That is what I use.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
