Chevrolet Dark Claret (Bordeaux Red) Metallic (76 (1980)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is one of the most sophisticated reds to ever roll out of a Chevrolet factory. Released for a single year at the dawn of the eighties, it helped the C3 Corvette and other flagship models transition from the loud, bright tones of the seventies into something much more refined. In the shade, it has a deep, wine-like presence that almost borders on black, but once you get it out of the garage and into the sun, the metallic flakes wake up to give it that signature claret glow. Because your car has likely been on the road since the Reagan administration, the original finish has almost certainly darkened or developed a unique patina, so keep in mind that a fresh application will always look a bit more vibrant than the aged paint surrounding it.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means it demands a bit more respect than a standard solid color. The tiny silver and red flakes inside the mixture are what give the paint its depth, but they are also prone to "mottling"-a fancy way of saying the flakes can clump together and create dark, uneven spots if the paint is applied too heavily. To avoid this, you want to focus on light, even layers. If you are using a pen to dab a chip, don't try to fill the entire crater in one go. If you are using a spray can, avoid letting the paint pool in one spot. Ensuring the flakes lay down flat is the secret to making sure the repair disappears into the rest of the bodywork.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Chevrolet Dark Claret (Bordeaux Red) Metallic (check for code 76 (1980)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This isn't just a suggestion; those heavy metallic pigments settle at the bottom of the container and need to be fully suspended to get an accurate match. You can usually find your trim tag on the driver's side door hinge pillar on a Corvette, or occasionally on the firewall in the engine compartment for other models. Once you are ready, test the color on the included card to see how the metallic behaves. When applying, keep the container moving and wait for the recommended drying time between layers. This patience allows the solvent to evaporate properly, ensuring the flakes stay exactly where you put them for a professional-looking finish.