paint codes

canadianviking said

Hi guys and gals,

I am new to the forum. I recently purchased a 1974 Duster on ebay and I have found this site to be most helpful. Answered a lot of questions for me.
Anyway, the fender tag and build sheet on my Duster have the paint code KY4. I found a paint supply company online that has samples of the original paint chip sheets used in 1974 (cannnot remember the name of company, tcp something maybe). The color listed as Y4 on the sheets is not the colour that is on my car. Y4 is listed as Golden Fawn yet my car looks more like Y2 Sunfire Yellow. The paint on the car appears to be original. I pulled the carpet out and interior apart and that is the colour underneath everything. I guess my queston is, could it have been painted Y2 by mistake at the factory.
Look at my avatar to see the paint colour and tell me that is not Sunfire Yellow.
Thanks,
TODD.

Click to expand...

Todd,

I'm going to try to answer your questions.

"Mispaints" were commonplace on new vehicles up until the late 80's when barcoding each vehicle became the norm. Often they would get repainted the correct color instead of crushed (which was protocol).

Batch to batch color match consistency was also an issue for a number of reasons. I can write a book on this subject.

Those color chips you see in refinish paint stores are for reference purposes only. They are not to be used for color matching. The major refinish paint suppliers (BASF, DUPONT, & PPG) all work off of "color masters" . The second tier refinish paint suppliers usually follow the leaders.

Never ask someone to judge a color from a digital picture.

Color codes do change slightly year to year depending on the model and color formula.

I suggest you go to a reputable Tier 1 refinish paint supplier and ask them to help you out. (Not the guys selling the paint.) There are a lot of knowledgeable paint tech reps eager to help you out.

I hope I answered your questions.

Good Luck