Cowl Tag question on Water Based Paint

[Stage169]

I have seen the Stegmiller's Second Generation Cowl Tag page. I am hoping to find some kind of factory document explaining that the GM California assembly plants used water based paint and the "W" before the color code stands for water based paint.

Searching the net this site is just about it for evidence that WB paint was used in the 70's. Seems obvious enough but I'm hoping there is reference to this from the factory or some other document? Any help would be appreciated! Southgate was retooled for the GM H body in 1975. I've seen reference to a 75 Monza with the "W" before the paint code. Thanks!

 

[Rosster]

Water based paint was pushed by the epa to reduce vocs which contribute to air pollution. They certianly weren’t on the 70 models but I did have an early 80s pontiac with water based paint as it had to be repainted under warranty. Most 2 stage aftermarket paints today use a waterborne base coat and polyurethane clear coats.

 

[COPO]

My ‘87 Buick Grand Nat’l was still lacquer.

 

[muscl car]

Water based paint wasn't available until the early 90's

 

[Gary S]

Water based paint was used on all LA cars at least as early as 1976. California laws required it. Check your cowl tag on an LA car.

 

[Twisted_Metal]

My 1980 Berlinetta (LA car) has the "W" code.

Water based, single stage paint wasn't very tolerant of sun light.
The factory red paint on mine had faded/oxidized almost to "pink" by the time I bought the car in 1990.

 

[Stage169]

Water based paint was used on all LA cars at least as early as 1976. California laws required it. Check your cowl tag on an LA car.

From what I can tell all the GM H body Chevy cars for 1975 built at Southgate have the W in front of the color code. In 1976 Pontiacs and Buicks were added and they also have the W. Would be great to read the law to confirm but guessing the law would just give a VOC limit. I'll try and find it. If there are any other references let me know. I worked at a Subaru assembly plant in Indiana for 31 years. Before that 3 years at Randsburg Gema (Automotive electrostatic painting systems) so I'm somewhat familiar with the history. Subaru didn't go WB paint till the 2000's in Indiana all based on permit and their production totals. From what I've read on this site back when WB was first used in California a standard spray gun could be used and simple filters for the pigment. Do you think the guys that made the Cowl Tag decoders here have a reference indicating W stands for WB paint? Thanks!

 

[Rosster]

Water based paint was used on all LA cars at least as early as 1976. California laws required it. Check your cowl tag on an LA car.

Yep that makes perfect sense the carb “calif air resource board” which has no accounting to the voters as they are appointed positions pushed crap like this well before it was a reliable technology.

 

[bodymanbill]

There ya go , from one of my old PPG color chip books

 

[Stage169]

View attachment 152696
There ya go , from one of my old PPG color chip books

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!