1980 Corvette: Service Bulletin: Enamel Paint Pilot Program

Subject: Enamel Paint Pilot Program
Model and Year: 1980 Corvette
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Service Information Bulletin
Bulletin Number: 80-I-68, Section I
Date: July, 1980

TO:  ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS

In anticipation of the 1981 1/2 model year plant start-up at GMAD Bowling Green in June, 1981, a paint pilot program has been initiated at St. Louis to evaluate production application of each color released.

All pilot vehicles (approximately 80), as well as all future Bowling Green vehicles, will be finished with a two-tone acrylic enamel, as show on the following chart (St. Louis regular production will remain lacquer):

UPPER LOWER
ColorG.M.
Code		Fisher
Code		 ColorG.M.
Code		Fisher
Code
Autumn Red Met E80 WAEA 7411   Dark Claret Met E98 WAEA 7421
Silver Met E33 WAEA 7410   Dark Blue Met E38 WAEA 7496
Silver Met E33 WAEA 7410   Charcoal Met E39 WAEA 7420
Beige E50 WAEA 7498   Dark Bronze E74 WAEA 7412

These special "E" paint codes will be stamped on the body I.D. plate.

This acrylic enamel color topcoat is a thermosetting material used to provide a durable, attractive, lustrous finish over the exterior surfaces of the vehicle.  In addition, all metallic colors will have a "clear coat" applied to them which will provide the most lustrous and damage resistant finish available in the automotive industry.  The front and rear bumper covers, or facias, will also be base coat/clear coat but will be a type of flexible paint as is currently used.

The base coat/clear coat system can be repaired with materials such as Dupont 380S, Ditzler DCA 468, or equivalent.  Refinish colors may not be available until 1981.  Contact the appropriate Zone Office to obtain color coat paint.

The repair should cover either the complete panel or to a feature line that provides an acceptable breakpoint.  Spot repairing enamel with lacquer is not acceptable.

Recommended Procedure  (Follow manufacturer’s label directions for reduction, application, and drying time.)

  1. Clean complete panel with paint finish cleaning solvent.

    NOTE: If panel was previously incorrectly repaired with acrylic lacquer and loss of adhesion is evident, remove all lacquer with lacquer removing solvent prior to performing Step 1. Because the factory applied acrylic enamel is a thermosetting material, lacquer removing solvent will not soften original color topcoat.
  2. Thoroughly scuff-sand with wet or dry #400 sandpaper and reclean.

    IMPORTANT: To insure positive adhesion of acrylic lacquer to acrylic enamel, it is imperative that all areas (particularly adjacent to moldings, handles, etc.) be thoroughly scuff-sanded.
  3. Apply adhesion promoting sealer to all surfaces at recommended film thickness.
  4. Spray acrylic base coat (if metallic) and allow to flash.  Then aply topcoat (clear if metallic) for proper appearance and color match.
  5. Rub out and polish.

Chevrolet Motor Division
General Motors Corporation

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved


Article ID: 712
Created: August 2, 2014
Last Updated: August 2, 2014

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