Has anyone restored the exterior paint of a 1965 GT350 (or 1966/67) back to how the car ACTUALLY left Shelby American?
1. Main body sheetmetal with ENAMEL (single stage) paint.
2. Fiberglass pieces installed by SAI with acrylic LACQUER paint.
3. LeMans stripes and '65 side stripes (not logo) with acrylic LACQUER paint.
Many high end Shelby restorations duplicate FORD'S assembly line paint process (overspray, red primer, blackout paint, etc), but the exact duplication of SHELBY AMERICAN'S paint characteristics seems to be lacking.
There's a noticeable, visual difference between Ford's enamel and Shelby's acrylic lacquer: surface texture, orange peel, gloss retention, longevity, etc.
Most restorers are constantly searching for the smallest of details to set their work apart from others... why not one of the most visible of all: Shelby's day one paint process?
Owned, driven, repaired and painted Shelby's and Cobras since the 1960s'...
The consideration on which paints to use is now determined by the restorer.
Some time ago the major judging bodies decided that any available paint finishes were acceptable and it would not be necessary to duplicate the restoration in the original chemical formulas.
It was debated and because some paints are not available or can not be used in certain places it would not be reasonable for those restorations to have to use illegal finishes.
I restored my 1968 with single stage enamel...not unusual
To the best of my knowledge SAAC has never told restorers which paint they can use
I know of another 1968 that reproduced the slight variation in the fiberglass parts from the body color
Believe since we don't drive and test the vehicles the look or presentation is what judges and owners are most often focused on. How you get their is the magic or science depending on how you look at the challenge.