I Need Your Help with an Early Paint Code Format

[911T1969]

I have a '69 911 that has a missing paint code tag. The color is Burganday red, code 6808. I know in '72 the code format changed to a 3 digit paint color, 1 digit coachbuilder and 1 digit paint manufacturer. I don't need that format. Everyone with a '69 with an original paint code tag run outside and check your car. What's the format for that year? Thanks!!

[oldE]

The old E (a 69) was built by Karmann. Code reads as follows: 63-6802-L It was a non metallic wine red when built. Hope this helps.
Les

[911T1969]

Do you know what the "63" stands for? Also is the code stamped on the top line or the bottom line on the plate? Thanks.

[911T1969]

I did some research and found that Glasurit was used for Burgandy Red in 1969, so the last letter should be a "-G". How about the first 2 digit code? Anyone?

[oldE]

The entire code is stamped into the lower space on the plate. There is nothing stamped into the upper space. Sorry, I have no idea what the "63" refers to.
Les

[RickM]

This is from 1968 (Standard colors same for both years) but perhaps will help answer your question....


Sure the 63 isn't a 68?

[RickM]

It appears the prefix of 18, 22, 55, 68 and others designate the Paint Line. This is basically the ingredients and formulation type for the paint and it's intended use (Commercial truck as opposed to general automotive). As technology progresses new Paint Lines are developed. For instance a water based Line developed in the mid nineties was designated the code of 90. As regulations change some color recipes are converted from one Line to another.


Add: I called BASF to ask the difference in Paint Lines. The tech Rep wasn't familiar with all the older lines but stated that they were likely the solvent/pigment level formulation. The 68 line is now used in Europe where solvent emmision regulations are much stricter.

Currently your '69 color would be mixed in BASFs 22 line which is a single stage acrylic urethane. The 55 line is a base clear system.

[oldE]

Rick,
Thanks for the pages. Looking at a blow-up of the plate, it is certainly possible the '8' is poorly stamped on my car, as the color seems to match the first one on page "blatt" 5, the "weinrot" (wine red?).
My car was stripped to the bare metal and painted Guards/India Red by the PO. If I was ever to change the color, I would probably go to the dark blue on the previous page. Hmmm.
Les

[911T1969]

I guess that settles it: 68-6808-G stamped on the lower space...

[RickM]

Les, you mean 6803 Polo Red? I think the weinrot is one color in the recipe.