1953 Buick Skylark Paint and Interior Color Dilemma

[Guest mdwhit]

The original color of my Skylark was Osage Cream with a black and white interior. I am thinking of painting it Matador Red with a red and white interior. There's a part of me that likes the Osage Cream, but I do not think that a black and white interior goes well with that color. A red and white interior color I think would look better with the Osage Cream. My plans though, are to paint another one of my old cars a light yellow, which is extremely close (almost identical) to the Osage Cream. I don't want 2 cars of the same color, and I am really stuck on the light yellow color for the other car.

Anyway, my biggest question is that since the data plate on the Skylark is coded for Osage Cream and a black and white interior, if I go with different colors will it devalue the car should I decide to sell it? Any input on favorite color combinations is also appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any comments on this,

Michael

[Bleach]

While it is your car, it won't be your car forever. Someone down the line will look at and say' "why did someone go to the expense of doing the car other than original when it would have cost just the same to have it done right'. I'm sure it will devalue it and part of that is because of what it could cost to correct it.

I could see the color change and interior change on a lesser model but not on something as rare and desirable as a '53 Skylark.

This is just my opinion.

[Guest my3buicks]

I would agree with Bleach, on a more run of the mill car you could change to another factory color and not affect the value much, maybe even increase it if going to a better color. But for a 53 Skylark, I think to demand the best money they need to be correct. Red 53 Skylarks are a dime a dozen (so to speak) the different colors stand out in a crowd. Osage Cream is stunning on a Skylark and with the black & white interior would be a unique one. On a personal basis, if I have a set amount of money to spend, and two cars are sitting side by side, one being factory correct and the other no, my money will always go to the one with the proper pedigree. Edited October 15, 2013 by my3buicks (see edit history)

[buick5563]

With that said, the BCA does allow body and interior color changes (in original colors) for judging.

[Bleach]

If changes are allowed, are there penalties assessed if the colors and trim are not original to the car but original to the model?

[Glassesguy]

I agree with Keith. Red 53 Skylarks are a dime a dozen. I will say, though, I'm not sure changing the color from the body tag will necessarily devalue the car. 53 Skylarks will be in demand no matter what. A future buyer looking for a factory body tag Osage Cream car would be sorely disappointed, though, if he found one that had been nicely repainted Matador Red. He might then echo Bleach's sentiments regarding the cost to have it done "right". Your car, your decision. Beautiful car either way.

[Barney Eaton]

The Skylark should have an exterior and interior done in original colors. The Osage Cream is a nice color and I know of a car around here with green interior that should look nice with the Cream and still be original. I don't think I have anything that list the original (Skylark) colors so I would not have other suggestions.

[old-tank]

"Red 53 Skylarks are a dime a dozen." How can red one be dime a dozen when any 53 Skylark is far from dime a dozen .

Paint it red with a complimentary interior...your car to live with and enjoy for awhile. Car shows: any show where there is a hint of subjective judging involved, red will alway win even if next to a much better Cream. Resale: remember "resale red"?

My first desktop background was of a red 53 Skylark (Windows95)...

Willie

[buick5563]

If changes are allowed, are there penalties assessed if the colors and trim are not original to the car but original to the model?

For judging, it just needs to have been available. If Seminole Red was available, you can paint it that color. Not Candy apple red (for instance). The interior would (in a Skylark) be leather, so you couldn't use vinyl or cloth.

Basically, you can do whatever you want if you could have ordered it that way in 1953.....for judging purposes.

I will stay out of any decision making process that the OP has asked about. Heck, a 53 Skylark looks great in any color!

[Guest Rob McDonald]

MICHAEL, according to this PPG paint chart, '53 Skylark standard colours included just Reef Blue, Mandarin Red, Balsam Green, and Pinehurst Green. Of course, back then carmakers would build 'em however you wanted, which explains your car's original Osage Cream. if you want it to be unique, consider an original two-tone combination. Apparently, Skylarks could be had Majestic White above the sweep-spear and one of the four standard shades below.

Here's a rare example of a 2-tone 76X, done in what appears to be Osage Cream over Matador Red. I'd be very interested to see what its data plate says. Mind you, that's a yellow supercharger on top of the nailhead, so one can assume that originality is not this owner's chief concern.

Edited October 12, 2013 by Rob McDonald
blower spotted (see edit history)

[1953mack]

MICHAEL, according to this PPG paint chart, '53 Skylark standard colours included just Reef Blue, Mandarin Red, Balsam Green, and Pinehurst Green. Of course, back then carmakers would build 'em however you wanted, which explains your car's original Osage Cream. if you want it to be unique, consider an original two-tone combination. Apparently, Skylarks could be had Majestic White above the sweep-spear and one of the four standard shades below.

Here's a rare example of a 2-tone 76X, done in what appears to be Osage Cream over Matador Red. I'd be very interested to see what its data plate says. Mind you, that's a yellow supercharger on top of the nailhead, so one can assume that originality is not this owner's chief concern.

Just saying, your interpretation of PPG's paint chart notes on the backside (Pic #2) is incorrect.

The items you noted above (in red) are on my "top ten ugliest rumor's list" concerning 1953 Buick Skylarks.

Al Malachowski

BCA #8965

"500 Miles West

[Glassesguy]

I agree with Al. Two tones applied only to the color of the top vs. the rest of the body. Under the sweepspear colors from the factory did not happen until 1955.

[Guest Rob McDonald]

I agree that this paint chart should not be taken as Buick gospel. However, Ditzler was an OEM paint supplier (sorry, I mis-named PPG earlier). The contemporary card says, "In the two-tone combinations above the letter (U) indicates upper body, (L) lower body" and specifically lists Skylark two-tone combinations. If it meant the convertible top colour, it wouldn't be described as Majestic White, which is a specific '53 Buick paint colour.

Maybe the designers thought about two-toning but changed their minds, after informing the paint suppliers prior to production. Or maybe Ditzler made all this up, to confuse us 60 years later. I've never seen a Buick ad showing a two-tone Skylark and none of their show cars used the sweep spear to divide the paint scheme, until after 1953. The one example I was able to pull off Google images should not taken as authoritative. I'm not even sure I like it, although it does kind of slim down a very big "foreign type sport car with chrome plated wire wheels".

This should in no way change the common understanding that every '53 Skylark was originally painted a single colour. Please just take all this as a dead-end curiosity, based on an inaccurate, non-GM publication.

[hotrod1940]

The Skylark I am restoring was Osage Cream, but since the id tag was missing and I am restoring to my liking and not a future owner, I am still up on the air about color. I do know I think painting a Skylark two tone is a no no in my book. Leaning toward Mandarin Red, or Black. I am only 22 years away from paint, so I have time. Unfortunately I will be in my nineties at that time.

[1953mack]

mdwhit said:

.....if I go with different colors will it devalue the car should I decide to sell it?.....

NO.

 

Here's my three cents worth on this subject. Even if you have a true #1 body-off-the-frame, spin-it-around-a-rotisserie, every nut & bolt-replaced restoration that cost you more than $150K to complete, you will find out very quickly that there is a limited market of buyers for your 1953 Buick 'Lark and a market who could care less if the colors don't match the code numbers on the Body by Fisher Number Plate. (Edit: reproduction number plates are available today that can be stamped with any code numbers you want on them.) Hell, they probably don't even know what a Number Plate is or how to interpret the code numbers. They are most likely buyers who wear pants that don't have bottoms in their pockets and are buying the car strictly as an investment, the color matches his wife's favorite dress or the miles on the odometer match his weekly paycheck.

 

A good example is the 1954 Buick Skylark, advertised by MECUM in their 2013 MECUM INDY AUCTION docket,  describing the oldest-known (not true) 1954 Skylark (Body #10) painted Gulf Turquoise, PAINT code #19, with a custom two-tone White with Turquoise bolsters interior; NOT a TRIM code #66, Light Green with Dark Green bolsters interior. The 1954 Skylark was hammered down at $150K without fees and taxes. Could he have gotten more if the numbers matched? I doubt it. You decide. Completely different than the Corvette and muscle car cults where "all numbers must match." 

 

1953 Buick Skylarks (Model 76X) were available in a total of 19 standard colors during one time or another during the production run and NO TWO-TONES.....contrary to what is mentioned in Post #10 above. The noted Ditzler/PPG paint chart in that same Post notes only 18 standard colors and does not make mention of the new color that was added (Glacier Blue, Paint Code #86) in May of 1953 to replace one of the color chips shown (Teal Blue, Paint Code #73). Standard 1953 Skylark convertible top color choices were listed as either Black or White. Note that a Tan convertible top was not listed as a standard color choice for 1953 Skylarks. Only Black and Tan tops (NO White) were available on 1953 Super (Model 56C) and Roadmaster (Model 76C) convertibles.

 

There were four standard interior trim color choices: white leather with red leather inserts (Trim Code #66); white leather with black leather inserts (Trim Code #67); white leather with light blue leather inserts (Trim Code #68); and, white leather with light green leather inserts (Trim Code #69). There are (or were) members of the 1953-1954 Buick Skylark Owner's Club that have solid color interiors, i.e., all blue leather or all red leather. Their Body by Fisher Cowl Tags have subsequent different Trim Code Numbers. 

 

What I have noticed recently is that there appears to be more Reef Blue (Paint Code #77) and Pinehurst Green (Paint Code #83) paint jobs showing up on recent 1953 Buick Skylark restorations. Just my observation. If you're stuck on Osage Cream, you might want to check out reportedly Bob Hope's 1953 Buick Skylark.....what appears to be an Osage Cream exterior paint job with a Tan Leather Trim package (Trim Code #77, listed as a standard choice for 1953 Buick Models 56C & 76C convertibles only), a tan soft boot, maybe a tan top, a black & DI-NOC instrument panel and a black steering wheel.

 

 

Good luck with your paint and trim color selections.....a tough decision to say the least.

 

Al Malachowski

BCA #8965

"500 Miles West of Flint"

Edited November 16, 2019 by 1953mack
expanded info (see edit history)

[Guest mdwhit]

I would like to thank everyone who has provided feedback for my "Paint and Color Dilemma". All replies have been helpful. Unfortunately, I still can not make up my as to which way to go. And this can only be done by me, but I have got lots of good info to ponder... Thanks guys!!

DJ (Bleach), Keith Bleakney, Dave Rex, and Barney Eaton, I was happy to get your replies, because in my own thinking, that path of thought would make the decision for me. It makes sense that to go against the data plate on such a valuable car could very well hurt the Skylark's value (and I don't want to do that).

Mike Middleton, your revelation that the BCA does allow body and interior color changes (in original colors) for judging. Is really good to know, in case I do go with other colors.

Willie (old-tank), I think Red is a great (dazzling) color for Skylarks, but you sure do see a lot of them out there! I was actually thinking of keeping the Osage Cream and going with a red and white interior (instead of the original Black and White) though, but I still get a little concerned about that "darn" data plate.

Rob McDonald, Al Malachowski, and Bob Nugent, all comments have been helpful, thanks.

Thanks again to everyone, I really have appreciated the comments. I'm still having trouble making up mind, but that's nothing new for me.

Michael

[Guest mdwhit]

Al,

After sending my last comments to all who replied to my "Dilemma", I saw your latest reply. All of that "common sense" in your reply is hard to argue with! A good down-to-earth assessment. Thanks!

Michael

[buick5563]

Plus one for Al

[West Peterson]

Interesting information here. I know it's an old thread. I was wondering if anyone has any printed factory documentation regarding the wheel well color options. I understand they could be either red or white, but was hoping to see factory documentation on that.

[8E45E]

Is this for the scallops on the 1954 Skylarks that were a secondary color?

 

Craig

[1953mack]

On 10/1/2015 at 7:30 AM, West Peterson said:

Interesting information here. I know it's an old thread. I was wondering if anyone has any printed factory documentation regarding the wheel well color options. I understand they could be either red or white, but was hoping to see factory documentation on that.

 

I have been following the 1953-1954 Buick Skylarks since they were new and the only Buick documentation that I've come across that addresses the brake drum paint color.....that was supposedly the same color as the inner fender-well color on the 1953 Buick Skylark.....is in the 1953 BUICK PRODUCT SERVICE BULLETINS, abridged edition, page 67..... .....Depending upon the color of the car, either red or white paint is used on the brake drums. This is a special paint designed to withstand temperatures up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit without burning off.....available in quart cans.....S.R. Red 7917  @ $6.25 and S.R. White 1476 @ $4.75.....from PPG in Cleveland, Ohio.....We are giving you this information because service brake drums for these cars will not be painted and should it be necessary to replace a drum or drums on a Skylark Model, the replacement drums will have to be painted according to the color that was on the drums being replaced.....

 

What about the 1954 Skylark's wheel well colors that were supposed to match the brake drums, you might ask about? I have never seen any Buick documentation offering any other colors than red and white. However, going back through my 25-year collection of Newsletters from the '53-'54 BUICK SKYLARK CLUB, here are three items that may be of interest to you.....

 

Item #1:  In the January 1992 issue of the Club Newsletter, there is a copy of a handwritten letter, postmarked May 24, 1984, from the retired (at the time; died in 1987) and well-known Chief Designer at the Buick Design Studio, Ned F. Nickles, that he sent to a 1954 Buick Skylark owner who wrote asking four questions needing clarifications. One of the four questions was the following: "I understand that the inner fender panels were available in only three colors (white, black, red). Is this correct?"  Ned's reply was: "You are correct." 

 

Item #2:  In the September 2013 issue of the Club Newsletter, a 1954 Buick Skylark owner told the story about showing his freshly restored Skylark at the 2003 Buick Centennial Meet in Flint, Michigan, that had black inner fender panels. There were two gentlemen viewing and talking about why all the Skylarks had different colored inner fender panels when one of the men said.....Well son, we are accenting the wheel wells with the darker color on the seats.....(meaning the darker of the two leather colors of the interior upholstery). The 1954 Skylark they were looking at had an interior that has a light green leather with dark green leather bolsters and the gentleman that made this comment was none other than Bill Mitchell, Harley Earl's right hand man. Guess what? The 1954 Skylark owner went home and repainted his black inner fender wells and brake drums a dark green to match the darker upholstery leather color. I have seen this car and know of the owner. If you bought a 1954 Skylark, you had four standard interior upholstery colors to choose from: #65 all Red Leather.....#66 Light Green Leather with Dark Green Bolsters.....#67 Light Blue Leather with Dark Blue Bolsters.....and #69 Cream Leather with Black Leather Bolsters. I have never seen any Buick literature addressing the high-temp paint specifications for the Dark Green, Dark Blue, or Black colors. You decide.  

 

Item #3.  Numerous stories are out there about shiny (polished stainless steel or chrome plated) inner fender-well panels on a 1954 Skylark. Some stories claim they were OEM and other readers say they were probably a custom-built onesie-twosie or an aftermarket item. Even though Skylarks were advertised as being fully equipped from the factory (no options available) you do hear about Special Orders for different items during that era. Again, you decide.

 

For some unknown reason, I have been experiencing problems uploading pictures within the last few days. If you need copies of the articles talked about, shoot me a PM with an email address. Thanks.

 

 

Al Malachowski

BCA #8965

"500 Miles West of Flint"

Edited August 22, 2019 by 1953mack (see edit history)

[Guest my3buicks]

Interested stuff

[Restorer32]

About 10 years ago we restored a '53 in its original Majestic White color as indicated on the tag. The owner sold it soon after we completed it. The new owner tore it down and painted it red.

[FireballV8]

Hi Al

Item #2 above is interesting, however it could not have been Bill Mitchell as he had died in 1988.

Steve

[1953mack]

Hi Al

Item #2 above is interesting, however it could not have been Bill Mitchell as he had died in 1988.

Steve

 

Thanks for the information. I will contact the 1954 Buick Skylark owner who wrote the story and ask him to come onboard here and address the discrepancy. 

 

He also posts on the 1954 Buick Highway Forum once in awhile.

 

 

Al Malachowski

BCA #8965

"500 Miles West of Flint"

[Guest BuickNailhead]

In 2003 I was showing my freshly restored 54Skylark with black wheel wells at the flint national meet and was getting some really positive feedback from people. I met an older gentleman who's father I found out owned a buick dealership back in the fifties and his father sold a lot of 53 Skylarks and was invited to flint to pick up a gift from the factory the dealer brought his son with him as well and knowing how the 53's were he must have been thinking out aloud why The 54's had different color wheel wells and a gentleman walked up and said " well son we're accenting the wheel wells with the seat waffle patteren/ interior "and this person was none other than Bill Mitchell Harley Earl's right hand man.

Now that conversation between me and the son took place in 2003 and what was told to him by Bill Mitchell took place in either late 1953 or early1954

So I would rather take the word of Bill Mitchell any day because you can't get any closer to the horse's mouth except for Harley Earl himself

Edited October 19, 2015 by BuickNailhead (see edit history)