Blurb on frame paint:

[pfarber]

http://bobstory.tripod.com/faq.html#Bare%20Metal2

..."Synthetic Enamel: In the mid 1930's, a new and completely different type of paint was developed, the alkyd or synthetic enamels. It proved to have superior qualities in film strength, adhesion, luster, flexibility and durability over all previous paints. The resin base was developed from the reaction between phthalic anhydride and glycerin, with gums, oils and plasticizers added during the manufacturing process a drying oil such as linseed, a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerine, and a dibasic acid, such as Phthalic Anhydride. It dries by solvent evaporation, like the lacquer paints, but the resin remains soft and sticky when no solvents are present. It cures to a hard finish by absorption of oxygen from the air. The curing process can be accelerated by heat, and several methods of baking enamel were developed. Unlike lacquer, when dry, it needs no polishing to produce a high luster finish. Acrylic Lacquer: As time passed, chemists developed a substitute for nitrocellulose lacquer, using an acrylic resin as a base. The resins used in acrylic lacquer tend to be slightly brittle. This deficiency is overcome by the use of a plasticizer ( a liquid that is a solvent for these resins and softens them slightly). A cellulosic resin is any resin derived from cellulose (pure cotton). Acrylic lacquer was used extensively by General Motors. Acrylic Enamel: During the late 1960's and early 1970's..."

It seems that "Acrylic lacquer was used extensively by General Motors" might be the answer to the frame paint question... I'm waiting to see what reply's I get to my question in the forums at stovebolt.com

[pfarber]

Seems that the consensus over at VCCA forums is that Rustoleum semi gloss black paint is the closest frame paint to what was used.

Another has mentioned Eastwood Satin Black frame paint. But at $130/gal + ship + hazmat I think a few rattle cans of Rusoleum will suffice... especially as Eastwood never cites and specific GM documents. You claim OEM specs you need to prove it.

If you use this search on google: site:vcca.org chevy frame color it will bring up all the posts... they seem to gravitate to a paint vs an acid etched finish.

[retro-roco]

You can also buy Rustoleum in qt cans, which would then allow the use of an HVLP gun if desired. It looks like they also sell gallons...https://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=130

[pfarber]

I found this blurb in the 1941-42 Fisher Body Repair manual:

blackframe.PNG (95.37 KiB) Viewed 6823 times

I don't think its the same as its designed to be removed.

[pfarber]

Here is another blurb in the 1946&1947 Fisher Body manual:

blackframe2.PNG (136.26 KiB) Viewed 6823 times