I would like to hear any information on specific paint manufacturers pertaining to quality, and correct paint code matching abilities.

I am looking for a manufacturer who will be able to supply me with the correct match for 1972 "Flame Orange Metallic. Paint Code 65."

Is there really a difference from one years "Orange" to another. As I understand, the paint was the same on different years, but called something different in some cases. The names I see, and hear are rather confusing. Red-Orange, Fire Glow Orange Met., Hugger Orange, Burnt Orange Metallic, Yellow Orange, Flame Orange Metallic, Monaco Orange, not to mention the ones called Red something that are considered orange by most.
Please help me figure this all out (as much as is possible).

Jason Shulenberger

Having been a painter during these years I will render my opinion. We always used Dupont to match GM's, PPG for Ford's and MoPars. We felt the match was better with each respective product. But also remember in 1972 there were no such thing as BC/CC (basecoat/clearcoat) and the paint was really junk comparatively speaking. Today's paint is far superior over the 60's and 70's lacquers. So trying to match today's paint to 30 year old paint is a challenge in itself, sort of. The texture of BC/CC is totally different compared to lacquer, more orange peel in BC/CC. But a nicer, smoother orange peel, a wetter, deeper look if you will. Today's paint will hold up 100% better than vintage lacquer. The best way today, is to find a really good paint jobber that is willing to take the time and match your 30 year old paint with today's paint system. Like the cowl section that was painted but hardly exposed to the elements, or any piece for that matter that has been protected. Something in the trunk area or under the door panel maybe. Not that I gave you a lot of info, I can't really give you the answer you are looking for, because the true answer doesn't exist. Just find a reputable body shop to assist and see what brand they like. All the paints today are very good, not really that much difference between them. Each painter will have his/her favorite and it will be the best for them on that given day. Just like everything today, it all boils down to support if an issue occurs. Just stay with PPG, DuPont, SW, etc and you can't go wrong.


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Mike Stacy
1969 El Camino SS 396

If you didn't know, I was a paint rep the last four and half years with S-W (selling M-S, which IS S-W with a different label) and I used to get so ticked off because S-W didn't have any bc/cc formulas for the old colors. Then they started poping up and I would have one once and a while. But they weren't "matched" they were called "close to" colors. That's right they were picked (probably by a spectometer) from the formula base of all the late model bc/cc colors available to be "close to" the original color. Now I thought this was pretty lame and thought that PPG and DuPont were kicking my butt, but from what I understand, they did the same thing. They may have "tweeked" with it a little bit but this is basicly what they did.

Color formulation is THEY MOST EXPENSIVE part paint suppliers have to do. The cost to have all the old colors hand matched (which is what they do every year with the new colors) would be cost prohibited. They would NEVER sell enough 1972 code 65 to pay for it.

Though I do believe DuPont does the best job in this area, plan on buying the paint and tinting it to an original sample that you may have on the car to perfection.

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1965 Buick Gran Sport Convertible
1965 Buick Skylark H/T
"Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

Thanks guys for the information so far.

The one common thing you both mention is matching it to try and match to an original sample. My car was not originally Orange, so that is a bit tough. I guess I just want it to be as close as possible to the correct original paint color.

It sounds like the body man's preference, and a reputable company are the things to watch for.

If anyone has gotten a good match, and knows of a specific paint code to use with a particular manufacturer, that may help.