The original factory paint code system used by American manufacturers in the 1960s is more complex than it appears and understanding it helps in sourcing the correct paint formula.

Chevrolet used a letter-number code stamped on the trim tag that corresponds to a specific paint formula. The formula specifies not just the color but the paint type — enamel base, acrylic enamel, and later acrylic lacquer. Using the right formula in the wrong paint type produces a color match that looks correct in daylight and wrong under artificial light.

The paint code alone isn't sufficient — you also need to know the paint type used in the correct year and whether you want to match original paint or match the factory formula. For a concours car with surviving original paint, the formula may need adjustment to match the aged paint on the car. For a fresh restoration, the factory formula is the starting point.