Having worked on a lot of cars from that era, I can safely say that colour will never be matched perfectly as you cannot match faded paint. I can assure you a 1991 Capri red in colour will definitley have had a level of oxidisation breakdown in the topcoat that is unrestorable. Even if it looks even or even good condition, the fact remains it is 15 year old red paint.
Legislation forced paint companies to reduce the level of lead oxides dramatically in the mid eighties, continuing strongly until the mid nineties. The lead oxides (red, yellow and white pigments) were affected greatly as the lead oxide is what gave the colour it's "balls" and protection from the sun. The replacement constituents to make the paint properties were not as effective against oxidisation as the lead oxide they replaced. That has gone full circle now and paints are just as good as before.
It is the 85-95 era that is affected and that is why you see so many super faded cars from that era with paint that has literally "burnt" off the car.
helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body
7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·
