Re: 69 RS SS BB
 

Just looked at a original paint 18K Cortez 69 SS.....Gloss black in the trunk jam and rear panel. The jam is rough and not well cared for (not waxed) but it is a gloss finish.

Steve

Re: 69 RS SS BB
 

Here are pics of the low mile car that was at Scottsdale.

Re: 69 RS SS BB
 

Another

Re: 69 RS SS BB
 

and again

Re: 69 RS SS BB
 

Charley, thanks for posting those pics of that 68. That tailpanel is not 100% gloss like the rest of the finish on the car. You can compare the reflections that are in the spoiler to the same ones on the tailpanel and tell that the finish does not have the same gloss. That is exactly the way mine was behind the bumper when I removed it. The term "gloss" is used too loosely in the restoration industry. There are varying degrees which determine the final sheen/shine. That is why there are more incorrectly painted tailpanels, firewalls, air cleaners, heater box covers, rocker panels, and dash boards. If the proper flattening agents and spray techniques were used then you would see more correctly restored cars done. However not everyone today can use the spray gun at home or even has access to the correct paints used so they are left to whatever is close in a rattle can.

Now there are cars out there as Kurt and I have both seen and documented that have a duller finish on the tailpanels and some with very glossy tailpanels. One example of a very glossy tailpanel was a supposedly "untouched" L78 convertible that showed up at Superfest in 1991. After close examination there were numerous areas that were repainted once we confronted the owner. So I and a few others discounted this car as totally untouched and could not conclude the tailpanel was not repainted or messed with.

Brian and I have talked about this a couple of times on the phone and at a show and came to the conclusion that there is not a set rule. Until there is a definite verified documentation from GM as to what was supposed to be used then it will be personal preference. Maybe a group like the CRG or Vintage Camaro judging at Carlisle can come up with a correct finish chart for each component.

Somewhere around here I have a picture of a 68 SS396 that has the lower portion of the fender painted a very high gloss black like the finish of the car and from the rocker panel back was not as glossy. I could never figure out why there was a difference and then it hit me, the nose stripe was gloss black and the painter must have decided to paint the bottom of the fender with the same paint instead of taking the time to change his spray gun. I may have a picture of that L78 convertible with the very glossy tailpanel, if so, I will post it when I find it.

Again thanks for posting those pics of that 68 as that does show what I have been trying to explain........RatPack........ [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

BTW, what color is the tailpanel on the watertruck? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: 69 RS SS BB
 

I agree that those 3 pics show what I've seen on other cars. Pretty glossy, but no as reflective as the rest of the paint.
From a process standpoint, they would be shooting from the same gun that did the rocker blackouts and that wasn't 100% gloss either.

Re: 69 RS SS BB
 

[ QUOTE ]
You can compare the reflections that are in the spoiler to the same ones on the tailpanel and tell that the finish does not have the same gloss.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not trying to beat a dead horse but shadows kill pictures when too dark but also help to define a reflective surface when not too dark. I don't know personally what degree of gloss is correct but thought this contrast enhanced copy of Charlies pic would help.

Re: 69 RS SS BB
 

troy,
you amaze me!