Wallj

iTrader: (1)

I just bought a Suncoast Z style hood for my red '97 camaro. So I believe my paint code is the WA 8774. I want to repaint the hood myself to save some money because I have the equipment. I want to know what brand of paint I should get to do is? I've read that sometimes the new red will come out darker than the rest of the car. I really am trying to stay away from this and have it match pretty well.

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

in general when painting it is hard to exactly match old paint (difficulty varies with colors), if you do just the hood then the slight shade difference could be noticed, this is why painters use a technique called "blending" where you not only paint the part (or repaired area) but you feather out the edges till the "line" of old to new is indistinguishable.

here is a video that demonstrates the concept

TechCam97

iTrader: (5)

93-02 F-Bodies had the same red, so have you tried it on to see if it matches already? Or is the paint that is on it just too bad?

Wallj

iTrader: (1)

I have heard of blending before however I'm just worried about possibly messing up my bumper and fenders color in the process. Also, the hood is actually the right color now, there are just a few spider cracks and chips I was going to fill and repaint the whole hood.

NnOoSsSs

iTrader: (1)

Spray a couple test pieces, like some panels. Then you can see wether it matches. It wont ever be a perfect match. Blending is a wonderful trick since it decieves your eyes/mind therefore you wont notice the difference. Instead of painting the whole hood since you said there are only certain spots, you could try to spot blend the hood that way also you might not feel as pressured since youre not touching the rest of the car.

BIGCHRISS197

The reality is you can get very close but it'll always be a shade off unless you paint the whole car, who ever mixes your paint can do a side by side comparison and usually they're pretty close. Best of luck