Factory mettalic paint, Did they skimp on clearcoat? Options

[bbrock]

I've been working on blasting and stripping my silver metallic '73 chassis to bare metal, I've been paying attention to the factory paint as I work. I've noticed the paint inside the cockpit, fuel tank compartment, under the cowl, and engine bay is thin and not at all glossy. This is true even in areas that have been well protected from sun and rain so show no signs of fade or weathering. I'm thinking that on these 2-stage metallics, maybe the factory spayed the whole chassis with base coat but only bothered to spray clear on areas that would be visible. Anyone have any insight on this? Am I just making it up?

I'm just curious, it won't affect how I paint. I'll probably do single stage on those areas but if I did 2-stage, I don't think I could bring myself to spare the clear coat.

[davep]

I believe that the 1969 silver metallic was a two coat system; so starting in 1968 calendar year. The silver metallic went through many revisions over the years; most so than any color I know. Many of the metallics had code changes (formula changes) in the 1970's.