1957 Eldorado paint

[Paul Tesone]

The restoration of my 1957 Eldo is at the stage where it is ready for paint . A very knowledgeable club member gave me the formula for Dakotah Red ( I assume the lacquer formula ) . My paint supplier had the paint in its computer , but the formula was slightly different . It was explained to me the difference could be because the new paint is not lacquer . I had samples sprayed in both Limpco ( a PPG one stage paint ) and Diamont ( a two stage BASF/RM paint ) . My restorer wants to use the higher quality Glasuric one stage product from BASF/RM  , but my supplier says he can't mix it because he can't obtain one component of the formula . My restorer doesn't want to use paint from the Color Plus Library . Can anyone give me some leads as to where I can get Dakotah Red in the Glazuric line  ? Thanks in advance . Paul Tesone CLC 6876

[V63]

Everything has changed since the original formula, including the tints.

my suggestion is to use an original chip and match that closest to a fleet color in whatever brand you wish to use, then it can be further 'matched'.

Be sure to buy enough paint so not having to match again.

Any anticipation the original formulas can be modified into modern finishes is probably not realistic.

[fishnjim]

Best to go direct.  Either contact corp or the local rep.  Any certified shop should have a contact/acct.
I'd make sure they use the solvent stuff and not the aqueous bases.  I have my doubts about water borne for collector cars.

https://refinish.basf.us/contact-us/

[Moody]

I would suggest you look into MotoBase base coat clear coat paint. Sold by Chads paint supply. They are very good about matching older cars. And I can say it's a very good product. I've used it, and it performs very well with excellent coverage and metallic orientation is excellent. Not sure if your color is metallic. You can order a 4 oz bottle and do spray outs to check if you're happy with the match before committing to the at least six quarts you will need for an entire refinish.

[Paul Tesone]

Thank you V63 , fishnjim and moody . I'll explore all these options . ..Paul Tesone CLC 6876

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Just to be clear, Dakota Red (code 50) was not an Eldorado color in '57. Eldo colors are 9x (nineties) which were available on other models at extra cost. Eldorados could also be ordered in standard colors as well. 

[Paul Tesone]

Eric - Based on the attached chart , I believe you are correct . It seems that 1957 Caddys could be ordered in any of the 1957 available colors ; but it would cost extra if you ordered a non-Eldo in a color that was "standard" for an Eldorado (a color numbered in the 90's) . Mine came from the factory as Dakota Red (50) and I plan on restoring it to that color - once I find someone to mix the paint correctly . ....Paul Tesone CLC 6876

[PHIL WHYTE CLC 14192]

Here in the UK the car paint stores can spectographically match the paint if you have a panel with the correct colour on it.

[Moody]

That will be gorgeous! Since it's not metallic, painting it with single stage urethane will give you as close to an original look as possible, and be very attractive. Plus easy touching up. This is probably my favorite Cadillac

[V63]

Your interior has a SO code, something was special order
Notice staples too

[Paul Tesone]

V63 - not to get off the Dakota Red paint topic , but there was a long discussion about what exactly was the "special order " item(s) in my car . I think the conclusion by many of the readers , including myself , was that the color of the carpeting and front floor speaker box was special ordered in black instead of red . Paul Tesone CLC 3# 6876 .

[V63]

Oh, yes... that would explain it. Just thinking outloud they might have wanted black as a more of a soiling precaution?