Correct XT Wheel color for Fathom Blue

mbxlesney · #1 11-26-2006, 04:33 PM

Im restoring my 1970 Nova with the XT stock steel wheels and need to know If the Fathom Blue cars had the rims painted the cars original color or were left Semi Gloss Black. All the Fathom Blue 1968 & 70 Novas I have seen in pics either are too dark to tell or they are fitted with Rally, Magnums, Mags or full size hubcaps. It seems alot of the 68 Gibb/Harrell Novas were Fathom Blue with stock steel wheels but cannot tell if they are Blue or Black. It seems if you ordered the 1968-70 Nova and maybe 71-72 with ZJ2 lower double chrome strips on a dark color the rockers and lower portion of rear quarters were not painted black. Seems that there has been simular situations on 1969 BB Camaros with the Black painted taillight panels on dark colored BB Camaros and 66 SS Chevelles. I know this is a different animal but could be a way GM saved time and money Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks Again

**John Brown** · #2 11-26-2006, 05:41 PM

As I recall, if the car came with dog dishes, the wheels got painted body color. If the car was to get full wheel covers, the wheels were black, and not body color.

**mnyenko** · #3 11-26-2006, 06:01 PM

They should be painted body color on the front. Left black with some over spray on back. Earl

**Mr70** · #4 11-26-2006, 06:12 PM

mbxlesney · #5 11-26-2006, 09:17 PM

Thanks guys for the info. I also own a 1970 Nova Classic White that I purchased from an elderly lady that had 47,000 original miles back in 94 that matches what John stated it had the stainless full wheel covers and black painted stock steel wheels. I was looking in my brochure collection and found that the 72 Novas may have deviated from this that I have attached that prompted me to ask about this subject.

**JRSully** · #6 11-27-2006, 02:02 AM

definitely body color

**WILMASBOYL78** · #7 11-27-2006, 02:47 AM

The wheels will always look a little darker than the body with the fathom blue. You have a small area for contrast that doesn't reflect the light as well and some folks don't clear the wheels..just use the base color. will try to post pic.

wilma

Schonyenko2 · #8 11-28-2006, 08:10 AM

68 and 70 fathom blue are not the same color, or code. Both blue, but quite different.
Much of the difference in the shine on original laquer painted cars is that the cars were buffed, while the wheels weren't.

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.