Chevrolet Dark Green (46 (1980)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the grit and soul of the 1980 lineup. You usually see this deep forest shade on the G10 through G30 vans or the heavy-duty P-series trucks that spent their lives hauling cargo. It is a no-nonsense, utilitarian color that defines the era of the square-body workhorse. Because your vehicle has likely been earning its keep for decades, the original finish has probably settled into a flatter, more muted tone than what you see inside the cap. This green is excellent at hiding the road grime of a long haul, but it shows every scratch and chip once the metal underneath starts to peek through.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which is a blessing for anyone working in a garage or driveway. Unlike the finicky metallics of the early eighties that tend to Tiger-stripe if your technique is off, this pigment lays down heavy and consistent. The main risk here is depth. Solid dark colors show every ripple in the bodywork, and if you apply it too thick in one go, you will lose the crisp edges of those classic body lines. Since there are no metallic flakes to worry about, your focus should be entirely on achieving a smooth, level surface.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Chevrolet Dark Green (check for code 46 (1980)), you need to shake the container for a full sixty seconds to ensure the heavy green pigments are fully suspended. You can find your identification sticker inside the glove box or occasionally on the driver-side door pillar. To get the best results, test the color on the included card first to see how it reacts to your specific lighting. When you start the actual repair, keep the container moving and use several thin layers rather than one heavy coat. Watch your drying time between layers to prevent sags, especially on the large, flat vertical panels common on those old vans.