Just to help make gloss levels a little more clear which it took me a while to grasp. When I see 80% I think 80% gloss which is way to shinny for a engine compartment.
We all know that GM's firewall and engine compartments were not shinny and were more semi to low gloss. So as I have been reading the gloss levels I have been looking or applying it as % dull. So for instance when I see 80% I apply it as 20% gloss and 80% dull which makes it perfect for the GM firewall and inner fenders.
Just to help make gloss levels a little more clear which it took me a while to grasp. When I see 80% I think 80% gloss which is way to shinny for a engine compartment.
We all know that GM's firewall and engine compartments were not shinny and were more semi to low gloss. So as I have been reading the gloss levels I have been looking or applying it as % dull. So for instance when I see 80% I apply it as 20% gloss and 80% dull which makes it perfect for the GM firewall and inner fenders.
yes I agree
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Not trying to stir the pot, but I think it is very important to also state "gloss or flat" after you use a number percentages. I have spoken to many people about this to include Scott Tiemann, Jim Mattison, as well as other Pontiac experts and judges and have always referenced the "gloss" or "dull" when speaking to them. It just makes it easier to ensure everyone is "on the same page".
For example, when you read the concourse restoration article about the '67 Bird that Scott documented and restored for Tim, it very clearly says things like " has a high sheen - 80-90% gloss black ( i.e. Metal cover of the wiper motor). They reference other colors like 60% gloss black etc. which is 60% glass and 40% flattener. If he would have just stated a percentage, not mentioned high sheen and not added "gloss black", then I would agree with the above comments. But since that is added, it helps to direct the reader or restorer to what is correct.. In speaking with these "experts" they also have agreed the firewall is only 30% gloss black...so more flat than gloss and everyone above is saying the same thing....just in different ways. I have verified the level of gloss each time I have spoken to people vs. just providing a percentage. and that has helped me feel very comfortable with the "sheen" I have on my various components on my car. So for instance, my firewall is 25-30% gloss, my inner fender wells and radiator core support are 50-60% gloss black. My heater cover and wiper motor cover are 80-90% gloss black. II basically followed the Tiemann article as well as other experts advice. Oh, and my under hood is about 40-50% gloss, so different from the firewall for sure. It is interesting to see that Tim wrote back and stated it was "85% black" , but would agree that in that meaning, he was talking about 85% flat. See, confusing, without the "extra terms". :-)
Just wanted to share what I have learned from all my discussions. Hope it helps.
I still have my original paint in those areas and it is most certainly not flat nor is it gloss. However, I am not sure what 45+ years does to these finishes. To me it looks more satin than anything. I am not sure of the percentages but that's what it looks like to me after I clean off all the grime.
Larry, I think we all agree with "satin". It is what "degree" of satin that is the trick. Nothing is 100% gloss and nothing is 100% flat. Everything is somewhere in the middle....and that remains the "mystery".
So the firewall gets no body paint like most cars of the era?
Need to know mine is in shop now and will be painted soon
Correct.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold