Correct XT Wheel color for Fathom Blue

mbxlesney · #1 11-26-2006, 04:33 PM

Im restoring my 1970 Nova with the XT stock steel wheels and need to know If the Fathom Blue cars had the rims painted the cars original color or were left Semi Gloss Black. All the Fathom Blue 1968 & 70 Novas I have seen in pics either are too dark to tell or they are fitted with Rally, Magnums, Mags or full size hubcaps. It seems alot of the 68 Gibb/Harrell Novas were Fathom Blue with stock steel wheels but cannot tell if they are Blue or Black. It seems if you ordered the 1968-70 Nova and maybe 71-72 with ZJ2 lower double chrome strips on a dark color the rockers and lower portion of rear quarters were not painted black. Seems that there has been simular situations on 1969 BB Camaros with the Black painted taillight panels on dark colored BB Camaros and 66 SS Chevelles. I know this is a different animal but could be a way GM saved time and money Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks Again

**John Brown** · #2 11-26-2006, 05:41 PM

As I recall, if the car came with dog dishes, the wheels got painted body color. If the car was to get full wheel covers, the wheels were black, and not body color.

**mnyenko** · #3 11-26-2006, 06:01 PM

They should be painted body color on the front. Left black with some over spray on back. Earl

**Mr70** · #4 11-26-2006, 06:12 PM

mbxlesney · #5 11-26-2006, 09:17 PM

Thanks guys for the info. I also own a 1970 Nova Classic White that I purchased from an elderly lady that had 47,000 original miles back in 94 that matches what John stated it had the stainless full wheel covers and black painted stock steel wheels. I was looking in my brochure collection and found that the 72 Novas may have deviated from this that I have attached that prompted me to ask about this subject.

**JRSully** · #6 11-27-2006, 02:02 AM

definitely body color

**WILMASBOYL78** · #7 11-27-2006, 02:47 AM

The wheels will always look a little darker than the body with the fathom blue. You have a small area for contrast that doesn't reflect the light as well and some folks don't clear the wheels..just use the base color. will try to post pic.

wilma

mbxlesney · #8 11-27-2006, 04:29 AM

Beautiful Car Wilma!!! Is that the Marine Corp.s car with XTs ? I have always admired your cars and glad I could get yours and Sullys input also. I would like to see a pic of Sullys car also if possible as I have never seen it. My car is a Fullerton/Anaheim CA. L78 with the Dual Snorkel Air Cleaner and Zero chrome down sides or doors and drip rails. M21 and 3:55s. I have owned 2, 69s and 3, 70s and a 72. Now I'm down to 2, 70s. I'm trying doing a concourse resto on the L78 and appreciate all the info I get from this knowledgable site. I still need to re:up my NNN membership. Thanks again Kim

**WILMASBOYL78** · #9 11-27-2006, 07:45 PM

Thanks for the kind words...Sully's car is getting close to the finish line and should see some day light in 07. Please rejoin NNN..it is a great group of folks!! We have a mini-nats show in orlando the first weekend in March...you are close to that, so why not bring your ride and come down. They ahave the show in old town, kissimmee. good luck with the resto.

wilma

CamarosRus · #10 11-27-2006, 08:59 PM

Any knowledge here as to why the 70 Nova SS and Yenko Duece used the XT 14x7 (ala 1969) and the 70 Camaro used the cosmetically different CL 14x7 or was it most likely just one of those unexplainable Kelsey Hayes decisions ?????
And w/o me opening the Colvin book right now......Nova's did go to CL's in 1971..........

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