Chevrolet Lime Yellow (40 (1974)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is a time capsule from a very specific moment in 1974. It captures the bold energy of the mid-seventies, sitting right on the line between a vibrant safety yellow and a punchy citrus green. While it appeared across most of the Chevrolet lineup, it feels most at home on the compact frames of the Nova or the Vega. Because your car has likely seen decades of sun, the original finish might have shifted toward a paler hue. This color has a high-impact personality that doesn't hide in the crowd, so matching it requires paying close attention to how the existing paint has aged.

Technical Details

You are working with a solid finish. Unlike the complex metallics of the era, there are no aluminum flakes or pearls to worry about here. This makes your job much simpler because you do not have to worry about the "mottling" or uneven spotting that ruins metallic jobs. However, bright pigments like those in this yellow family are notoriously thin. This means they have low opacity, and you might see the primer through the first few layers. To get a uniform look, you will likely need to apply more coats than you would with a darker blue or black to ensure the color depth is consistent across the repair.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Chevrolet Lime Yellow (check for code 40 (1974)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can find this code stamped on the metal cowl tag, which is located on the driver side firewall inside the engine bay. Always test the color on the included card first to see how it reacts with your specific surface. Whether you are using a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling or sagging. Work in a clean garage or a patch of shade rather than direct sunlight. Give the paint plenty of drying time between layers so the finish stays flat and professional.