Chevrolet Roman Red (506A/518B (1959)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Red on a 1959 Corvette is not just a paint choice; it is an era defined by chrome and high-speed optimism. This specific shade was the heavyweight champion of the 1959 lineup, often accented by white or silver coves that made the car look like it was moving while parked in the driveway. Since your car has likely spent years under the sun, you are dealing with a color that carries a massive personality but requires your full attention to get right.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish. You will not find any metallic flakes or pearl highlights here, which is actually a blessing for your repair. You do not have to worry about the flakes settling unevenly or creating dark spots. However, solid reds are notoriously honest. They show every bit of texture, every ripple in the bodywork, and every mistake in your prep work. Because red pigments are physically heavy, they tend to fade faster than almost any other color. If your existing paint has spent decades in the sun, it may have shifted slightly from its original depth.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Chevrolet Roman Red (check for code 506A/518B (1959)), you must shake the container for a full sixty seconds to wake up those heavy pigments. If you are looking for the code on the car, keep in mind that 1959 models did not use modern door stickers; you might find the color name handwritten in green grease pencil behind the seats or in the trunk area. Always test the color on the included card to check the match against your aged finish. Work in a cool garage or the shade to prevent the paint from drying too fast. Whether you are using a pen or a spray, keep the container moving and apply several light layers rather than one heavy coat. Give it plenty of drying time between passes to ensure the red builds the deep, rich saturation it is famous for.