Chevrolet Arbor Green Metallic (905 (1961)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

1961 was a pivot point for American design, and this shade captures that exact moment when the heavy chrome of the fifties gave way to something leaner and more modern. This color is a rare bird, especially if you are lucky enough to have it on a Corvette. It carries a soft, minty lightness that feels remarkably fresh for a vintage palette. Since your car has likely lived a long life, the original finish might have shifted toward a warmer tone over the decades, so your repair will need to account for that age. Whether it is on a full-size Impala or a sleek Sting Ray ancestor, this shade is a time capsule of early sixties optimism.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means its beauty comes from thousands of tiny flakes suspended in the paint. The biggest challenge you face is mottling, which happens when those flakes clump together and create dark, blotchy patches or stripes. This usually occurs if the paint is applied too heavily or if you stay in one spot for too long. However, these same metallic particles are your best friend when it comes to hiding minor surface scratches or slight bodywork imperfections that a flat, solid color would immediately reveal.

Best Practices

You can usually find your paint code stamped onto the metal cowl tag located on the firewall inside the engine compartment. Before you spray or dab Chevrolet Arbor Green Metallic (check for code 905 (1961)), you need to shake the container for a full sixty seconds to ensure the metallic flakes are evenly distributed. Do not skip this step, or the color will look dull and uneven. Test the color on the included card first to see how it interacts with your specific light. When you begin the repair, keep the container moving across the surface in steady passes to maintain an even flow. Give each layer enough drying time so the flakes can set properly before you apply the next one.