1958 Buick 3 digit paint code

[sean1997]

Has anyone seen a three digit paint code for 1958? I know for two tones, the first letter is the upper color and the second letter is the lower color, but these two tags from cars built in Atlanta have three digits. In 1960, a numerical suffix was used to indicate the two-tone type:

1 = roof only
2 = roof and deck lid
3 = roof, deck lid, and body below side moulding

Maybe something similar?

[Leif Holmberg]

In 1958 they even seems to use 1-6 on the paint codes together with the digits.
1.Green Mist. 2 Blue Mist.3 Laurel Mist. 4 Silver Mist. 5 Polar Mist. 6 Gold Mist.
Leif in Sweden.

[sean1997]

In 1958 they even seems to use 1-6 on the paint codes together with the digits.
1.Green Mist. 2 Blue Mist.3 Laurel Mist. 4 Silver Mist. 5 Polar Mist. 6 Gold Mist.
Leif in Sweden.

Yes, good point. I forgot to mention that I think both cars were two-tones. One is on ebay right now, but it has been repainted:


Buick : Riviera Model 56R Buick : Riviera Model 56R | eBay

[Leif Holmberg]

Paint 1-6 seems to the painted part on rear fenders.
Leif in Sweden

[1957buickjim]

I think the third digit 1 is for the optional wheel color, Tangerine. The standard color is black, and is not optioned on the cowl tag.

[sean1997]

I think the third digit 1 is for the optional wheel color, Tangerine. The standard color is black, and is not optioned on the cowl tag.

I think your probably right. I looked I the new car order forms for 1956 and 1957 and they show that a 1 at the end indicates the optional wheel color. I don't have an order form for 1958, but I'm guessing it is the same as 1957. Does this apply to any other years, like 1954-1955 or 1959-1960?

[sean1997]

The BCA judging manual and the Buick Master Parts Book list the optional wheel color for 1958 as Seminole Red.

Perhaps these tags also indicate the optional wheel color:

[1957buickjim]

Sean,

That is most likely right. As for the Seminole Red, that could be also. Maybe Tangerine was a one year color for 1957. Either way, I think that the -1 is for the optional wheel color. Interesting.

[Leif Holmberg]

I whould be suppriced if you have seen the colors 1-6 on wheels on 1950s Buicks.
Leif in Sweden

[1957buickjim]

Leif,

It looks like the wheels were the body color, unless the -1 option for Seminole Red wheels was chosen, which is in line with most Buicks from the 1955 (maybe earlier) through 1958. 1957 I think only had black (standard) and Tangerine (optional).

[Leif Holmberg]

Here are a good site for trim and paint codes 1958 Buick.
Leif in Sweden.
1958 Buick Trim and Paint Codes

[sean1997]

The paint codes and wheel colors for most years are also in the BCA judging manual:

http://www.buickclub.org/BCA%20JUDGI...udgingrev2.pdf