Re: BigKev's 1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Sedan

Posted by BH On 2008/2/16 19:31:58

The new blue paint does seem dark, but I wouldn't go by scans of the supplier paint chips, either. Some of the metallic shades scan way off their true color - perhaps due to the amount of metal flake.

However, I have a hard time believing that any original paint that far out of direct sunlight would fade that much. I also doubt if anyone who previously re-sprayed this car in a different color would go to the trouble of taking the fender off to paint the side cowl. Yet, lacquer does oxidize, which lightens the color.

Try some light rubbing compound on the old paint in that area of the side cowl, adjacent to where you sprayed the edge. The new paint might turn out to be a closer match than you think. However, you have to keep in mind that the pigments and irridescent materials used today are not exactly the same as 50+ years ago - might never give you a perfect match.

If the paint on the firewall, door openings, etc. is in relatively good shape, you might get by with using rubbing compound (easier than sanding), then thoroughly washing (and drying) the area, wiping it down with Prep-Sol (or equivalent), and top-coating it with the new paint.

P.S. - After you paint each rim, set them out in the sun to finish drying - seems to be the next best thing to a bake oven.