under hood finish

[janobyte]

I was questioned today about the proper finish under the hood, I'm sure I read the hoods were dipped in black primer than shot from the top covering the edges with paint. Now is 30% gloss an acceptable finish for under the hood sheen wise ? Or too much? Firewalls getting shot at that.

[lakeholme]

I was questioned today about the proper finish under the hood, I'm sure I read the hoods were dipped in black primer than shot from the top covering the edges with paint. Now is 30% gloss an acceptable finish for under the hood sheen wise ? Or too much? Firewalls getting shot at that.

Nope... 60% gloss black underside of hood. 

[janobyte]

Thanks ,I'll let my body man know. I have both sources (laminated) for chassis and "engine compartment" finish per CHP and Skip Cain's article as well as the Camaro National's Seminar--could not find something as simple as under the hood--I know every finish down to every fastener but not that! It's getting re-assembled for the spray booth this week and he needed my decision  asap. thanks again.

[lakeholme]

Thanks ,I'll let my body man know. I have both sources (laminated) for chassis and "engine compartment" finish per CHP and Skip Cain's article as well as the Camaro National's Seminar--could not find something as simple as under the hood--I know every finish down to every fastener but not that! It's getting re-assembled for the spray booth this week and he needed my decision  asap. thanks again.

I hear you! Sometimes, reading the index to a P&A is like reading another language... 

[JohnZ]

I was questioned today about the proper finish under the hood, I'm sure I read the hoods were dipped in black primer than shot from the top covering the edges with paint. Now is 30% gloss an acceptable finish for under the hood sheen wise ? Or too much? Firewalls getting shot at that.

ALL of the Chevrolet-furnished front sheet metal got the same basic primer application - from the "Assembly Process" paper..

<<"Sheet Metal Painting: All raw parts (wheels, brackets, etc.) and the front end sheet metal (hoods, fenders, lower fender extensions, header panels, front valances, radiator supports, inner fenders, etc.) went through a cleaning, degreasing, and hot phosphate system, then through a flow-coat booth where it was deluged with black primer from all directions and then baked.">>

[janobyte]

So..when everyone talks % gloss is it an interpretation of GM's black primer ? With subtle variations for detail ? Probably asking a question I already know the answer to ( hate when people do that!)  just want to verify. Glad for the reply John ,you were there in April 68 when the Ash Gold Z was rolling down the line. Probably stuck out like a sore thumb.

[Mike S]

 I would think that whatever the gloss % is of GM's reconditioning black paint it, that would be close enough.
That is what I am using. I have yet to see anyone use a gloss meter to determine the gloss % finish at a car show.
Without one then it's simply individual interpretation. I doubt GM cared much what the gloss % was for underhood mass production parts.

Mike

[janobyte]

Oh ,I agree. Before it got the Black Lacquer and chrome treatment in the engine compartment a few years back ,I seem to remember it all being uniform. Low sheen black and undercoating ! I was asked yesterday what I wanted purchased and replied same under the hood as firewall etc... then I wasn't sure. Chassis is getting done at home anyway ,he just needed verification before he starts spraying sheet metal.

[69Z28-RS]

I would think that whatever the gloss % is of GM's reconditioning black paint it, that would be close enough.
That is what I am using. I have yet to see anyone use a gloss meter to determine the gloss % finish at a car show.
Without one then it's simply individual interpretation. I doubt GM cared much what the gloss % was for underhood mass production parts.

Mike

I'm with you Mike; that's been my opinion and approach for over 30 yrs now..

[janobyte]

BTY , I appreciate the replies.

[JohnZ]

So..when everyone talks % gloss is it an interpretation of GM's black primer ? With subtle variations for detail ?

That semi-gloss sheen may have varied a bit from day to day, but the key issue (in terms of restoration accuracy) is that all of the black-primered Chevrolet front sheet metal components should exhibit the same gloss; they all went through the same prime paint system.

[janobyte]

  That's what I passed on Saturday ,but wanted to double check. Don't want to be a conduit for misinformation. Going full circle I usually have to look no further than my own car for answers. Flat hood is upstairs in my shop and has been untouched since 69 when it was replaced with the "cowl inducted" Anybody want to guess what the color is on the back of the 68 hood Not you Jonn, you already know.

[janobyte]

And, just got off the phone with the paint shop...Mike ,Gary want to guess what he suggested?     Already had this conversation with him....he's been shooting them for almost 40 years ,I like assembly ,just do it like it's yours. That's why it's in there. Got a little "hmph" on the varying %'s of gloss anyway.

[69Z28-RS]

If he didn't tell you 'GM Reconditioning black', I'd be disappointed. 
I've used some other paints, regular black urethane (with flattener) even flattened IMRON, but I've never gotten or seen the 'exact' perfect sheen with anything as well as the GM Reconditioning black.

[janobyte]

Saw some pics of cars shot with it when searched--that's what I want. Clean-straight and uniform.