Tail Light Panel Paint Question

[Richie G]

I've been working on a few things lately and recently pulled and repainted the tail light panel.  Got the paint from California Datsun which supposedly is the closest to original but I'm wondering about the glossiness.  The color seems right to me, but its awfully glossy.  Was it this glossy when new?

I could have done a better job honestly but many of the small ripples you may see didn't seem to show up until the gloss shined in the light.  If this paint was matt or flat may not even notice them but with all this shine you can see even hairline imperfections.  Debating if I pull it and try again once I get through more important things.

[Mark Maras]

 Not that glossy.

[Richie G]

Any suggestions on a replacement?

[jfa.series1]

It sounds like you are satisfied with the color, just not the gloss. I agree - way more glossy than OE. Try this: Dupli-Color HWP106 Wheel Matte Clearcoat. That will get you back to a OE-like finish. These are done with a different product for the color, topped with the Wheel Matte Clearcoat.

 

[Richie G]

Cool!  Curious what color did you use underneath just in case I get really ambitious 🙂  Those look great BTW.

[jfa.series1]

45 minutes ago, Richie G said:

Cool!  Curious what color did you use underneath just in case I get really ambitious 🙂  Those look great BTW.

Thanks. The base/color coat is Dupli-Color BFM0360 Dark Shadow Gray - a Ford color. Credit for the research and development of this process goes to our very own member @CanTechZ and I have used it on several sets of panels, including the ones on my car. The pics I included are part of a set currently posted in the Classifieds if you want to see more images.

[Richie G]

Just wanted to post some progress.  Tested the method with the center section, love the results.  Thanks again to all!

 

[Richie G]

Wanted to close this out with a final pic of the results.  Taken in pretty much full sun so has a little reflection on it but I'm super happy with results.  Even took the opportunity to get the right push rivets (realized after the initial install the PO had used interior ones) and I refreshed the metal clips on the bottom.

[Richard McDonel]

Love your license plate.

I bought my 240 from my son when it was no longer able to provide him with reliable transport.  From there I restored it.  The license plate I got was DADSON.

[Richie G]

Richard that's awesome. For the license plate when I first showed it to my wife she jokes around and says most people will think it's farty not forty

[HusseinHolland]

On 8/3/2023 at 11:42 AM, jfa.series1 said:

Thanks. The base/color coat is Dupli-Color BFM0360 Dark Shadow Gray - a Ford color. Credit for the research and development of this process goes to our very own member @CanTechZ and I have used it on several sets of panels, including the ones on my car. The pics I included are part of a set currently posted in the Classifieds if you want to see more images.

 

Thanks for posting this info - I'm in the process of reworking my 75 tail panels, so I bought the paint you have recommended. Mine are only primed at this point, and also need a crack repair, I just noticed...

Have to redo the 'chrome' as well - mine had a bunch of wrinkles 

[Captain Obvious]

The best paint option I've found is different than what the general consensus uses. Bottom line? Rust-Oleum 261413 Metallic Carbon Mist.  Top coat with Krylon Colormax 53530 Flat Clear.

Bunch of detail here:

https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/67836-rear-tail-light-panels/#comment-645395

I know I'm swimming upstream against the other recommendations for the BFM0360 Ford Dark Shadow Gray, but if you're willing to entertain other options, I recommend the Metallic Carbon Mist.

I also like the flat top carbs.   

 

 

Edited October 24, 2023 by Captain Obvious