Firebird Body Factory Primer Colors?

[drbuice]

I know that the early Firebird bodies were first painted in a semi-gloss black primer.  Then sometime in the early '70s the bodies were painted in a red oxide primer.  Later in the same decade the factory primer seemed like a glossier black than was used in the late '60s.

Does anyone know the exact years when the primer was changed, i.e. in which years did GM change the body primer colors and what were the colors?

[T/A JLK]

HI:
The Color of the Primer is of importance?

In my opinion the color of the primer is of no great importance in my opinion; GM. was trying to find a colored primer that will work the best with all of the Color cover coats of the given years; however it is based on the type applications that the Primer will be used; the type of material being painted, the type of material protection, verse the type Paint (Cover Coat) In general, Light Colored Primers for Light Colored cover coats / Dark Primers for Dark Colored cover coats being used see below for examples:

2K URETHANE PRIMERS   

Are of high performance, high-build urethane primers; surface that is chromate free. When applied over properly prepared steel, galvanized, aluminum and fiberglass, 2K URETHANE PRIMER provides excellent adhesion, corrosion resistance, and superior hide. 2K URETHANE PRIMER is easy to sand and topcoat with all current base coats. It can be used as a sealer and applied wet-on-wet when reduced with any KR Reducer.

POLYESTER PRIMERS

Are corrosion-resistant, sanding primers surface, based on an air-drying polyester resin. The pigmentation is carefully balanced for optimum sanding properties. It is fast drying and has excellent filling properties and adhesion over fiberglass, metal, plastic and wood. Can be top coated with all types of finishes, acrylics, lacquers, synthetic enamels and two-component urethane coatings, and Polyester Primers are sold as a kit that includes enough hardener for the container size that is purchased. The Primer Colors are White, Gray, Black, Buff, Red Oxide.

LACQUER SPEED PRIMERS

Are Quick-Dry Primer Surface, is a single-component, low VOC lacquer primer. This premium primer offers maximum high build and adhesion properties. Old-School Lacquer Speed Prime is also corrosion-resistant, and may be wet or dry sanded. They are recommended for acrylic enamels, synthetic enamels, acrylic lacquer Paints (Cover Coats).

DTM EPOXY PRIMER/SEALERS

Are excellent corrosion resistant primer that offers optimum adhesion and superior hide to many types of properly prepared metal, aluminum, fiberglass and plastic filling materials. DTM Epoxy Prime / Seals are easy to sand; and top-coat with all the current base coats. It can be used as a sealer and applied wet-on-wet when reduced with KR Reducers. DTM Epoxy Prime. The Primer Colors are White, Gray, Black.

2K HIGH BUILD ISO-FREE PRIMERS

Are a high quality, direct to metal chromate and iso-cyanate free high build primer surface; that is formulated to provide excellent corrosion resistance and adhesion. When applied over properly prepared steel, galvanized, aluminum and fiberglass, 2K ISO-FREEPRIMER is easy to sand and topcoat with all current base coats. It can be used as a sealer and applied wet-on-wet when reduced with KR Reducer.

2k SPEED URETHANE CLEAR (Clear Coats )

Are formulated for premium productivity at less than 2.1 VOC. 2k Speed Urethane Clear can be applied over a variety of base coats in base coat/clear-coat systems. This two-component polyurethane system with a 4:1 ratio offers a durable, high gloss finish. This product is user-friendly, resulting in increased production. This product polishes easily after 6 to 8 hours. 2k Speed Urethane Clear is multi-use; can be applied as a spot, panel or overall application. VOC-compliant for all multi-stage topcoat systems they provide the following:

·   High gloss finishes
·   Long term UV durability

                Hope This Helps 
 
                                      Justin K.