I tried searching, but did not return any matches, so I'm sorry if this has been posted before.
When did GM start putting a clear coat on thirdgens? If they did at all. I have an 86 and I'm wondering if there is a clear coat on it.
Thanks...

 

If I remember correctly it was 1987.

 

I think you can check on your RPO sticker. Somewhere near the bottom, if you see "BC/CC" the paint system is base coat/clear coat.

 

The Camaro started getting clear coat in 86. I had an 86 Olds that was not clear. The page shown is from the 86 brochure. The 1st line under appearance states clear coat.

 

I know this might not be a viable option if you have good paint, but if your car is going to get a paint job or you can find an inconspicuous spot, here's how you tell....

get a small piece of somewhat fine grit sand paper. go to a spot on the paint you want to test, and rub it a couple times

for all non-white cars -- if the sandpaper has rubbed white off the paint, it is clear coat. if not and you have rubbed of color, then its not clear coat.

on a white car, you do the same, but then have to get the sandpaper moist/wet where you sanded the paint. if the white on the sandpaper turns clear, it is clear coat. if it stays white, it is a nonclear coat paint.

that is how you can determine btwn single stage and multiple stage paints.

hope it helps!!!

 

My 1985 Firebird with a July 1985 build date came with base coat /clear coat paint from the factory, so at least some late build 85' F-cars got the clear coat.

 

My 85 TA was base/clear from the factory.

 

Thanks for the info guys! Judging from the brochure Scottmoyer posted my car has a clear coat. I will also double check my RPO sticker for the code. Thanks again.

 

My '86 TA has clearcoat (WHICH IS COMING OFF!!!) but the previous owner didn't say if he had it repainted but I'm suspicios