COLOR CODE518 (1971) - Medium GreenChevrolet Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is the shade that defines the classic silhouette of the 1971 Chevy truck. It is a no-nonsense, honest green that feels right at home on a farm or a forest trail. Since your truck has been on the road for over half a century, you might notice the original paint has taken on a softer, chalkier personality from years of sun exposure. This color belongs to the era of white roofs and heavy chrome, and it remains a favorite for anyone looking to keep their restoration period-correct without drifting into the neon trends of the later seventies.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish. You will find zero metallic flakes or pearls here, which is actually a win for your project. Solid colors are much easier to match and blend than metallics because you do not have to worry about the flakes standing up or laying down the wrong way. The trade-off is that solid green is a snitch. It will highlight every dent or sanding scratch you failed to smooth out before starting. Because there is no sparkle to distract the eye, the depth of the color relies entirely on your surface preparation and the quality of your cleaning.

Best Practices

For your truck, the identity label is usually tucked away on the Service Parts Identification sticker inside your glove box door. Before you spray or dab Chevrolet Medium Green (check for code 518 (1971)), you need to shake the container for at least sixty seconds to ensure the pigments are fully mixed. Test the color on the included card before you touch the metal to see how well it sits against your aged paint. Keep the container moving to avoid puddles and apply light layers rather than one thick coat. Allow plenty of drying time in the shade or your garage between layers to ensure the finish hardens properly without trapping moisture.