I hit a deer with my 91 GTA in July/08 and I hope to fix it within a year. I am planning on repainting the entire car and I am trying to keep the appearance as close to factory as possible. One question I have is what is the correct color for the front bumper reinforcement. The part is discontinued unfortunately so I will have to use a used one. The part # is: 10118418. The one on my car is primer black in appearance but I am wondering if it would have been a shiny black when it was new, similar to this headlight bracket. Every original GTA I've seen has one in similar appearance but I am not sure if its from exposure to the elements or if they came that way. The headlight parts were originally shiny black but turn to primer black over time if exposed to the elements. Here are pics of the bumper reinforcement: Here is a pic of a shiny black headlight bracket.

That piece on my '88 GTA is low-gloss black. And it's never been off the car before.... or at least since mile 61.

I painted mine SEM Trim Black (it is a semi-gloss Black) It looks original...

Just about everything that was originally Black on a non-black car should be the Semi-Gloss Black, including the Bows on Convertibles, the T-top strip above the door, the Suspension, axle (if painted) The strut towers mounts, The engine etc...

The only thing I do not like about the SEM is it is almost too semi-gloss, it should be slightly more Gloss IMHO. but no one knows the difference...

John

If you have ever bought a new part from GM, the black colored sealer/primer factory coat is the same as what those parts for your bumper are painted with. Its not like black primer, its got a slight shine too it, but not glossy like exterior paint.

Like Okfoz said, the SEM trim paint may be a bit too flat in color, so if you dont like the outcome from using that, try some Krylon BBQ & Stove paint. Thats what I have been using on my latest project, and it looks perfect. Its heavy duty, has a mild shine without being glossy, and can withstand heat up to 1000 degrees. I have been very happy with the results from it, but dont know about long term durability against weather since I just started using it on this latest restoration, but since its meant for BBQ Grills I figure its tough stuff. The code for it is 1618 BBQ Black.

I would like to add, that if you have access to a large enough oven, I know for a fact that the semi-glss Black that Eastwood's Powdercoat is darned near spot on... And it is very tough to beat the durability once it is applied...

John

Thanks for all the help guys. I will likely have some more questions once I get my car out of storage.