Here is an example from one of the threads using the search function that I found helpful:
Mar 12th, 05, 11:59 PM
Diamond Judge1
Tech Team
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
Posts: 168
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Hi Guys,
Here is what I know on the subject of wheel inset color. You are 100% correct, the stuff sold in a rattle can is way off.It is way to grey. I think if memory serves me correct, that color was developed by Brian Caudell when he started his detailing business and matched from an NOS Wheel he found. Like all things, NOS in a box does not always mean correct. What I used as a standard was a Unused Factory spare out of a 1970 Chevelle SS454, and that was actually a Black or Dark Charcoal Mettalic color. This wheel had not seen rain or sun, and had never been mounted on the car,it spent its whole life upside down in the trunk, so that should provide the best read on the correct color. When they are on the car, subject to sun and rain, they fade, flatten in color, and look a lot greyer after many years of use. It also loses the mettalic look first, somewhat because it was a very light coat of paint, and also it is sprayed over the light grey primer coat. Maybe someone out there with an unused spare out of a 1969 can confirm if they are the same, as I have not been able to come up with one to check yet. Tell you how I made my color, and I matched it up to the original spare and it was dead on. I took a Quart of Black Lacquer, and to that added 1 inch from a pint can of silver mixing Lacquer. Not real scientific I know, but you should be able to mix that up relativly easily. I am sorry, but I do not know of a rattle can mix, but some hardware stores might carry a charcoal mettalic paint that might be close. Good Luck!!!! Let us know what you find!!!!!
Jeff Dotterer
