Gary has he ordered the paint yet? I'm pretty certain my son has the paint code for Gretsch green used on guitars. Not sure if it's the same for drums?

Anyway congrats!! This is a big step on these. Man that's a great deal on the snare shell too.

http://curtisnovak.com/restorations/Gretsch-CadiGreen/

I found this online^^?

Glenn.

Gary, nice project you have going. Thank you for presenting it with such a good description. That "tar" black lac is really hard to belive, I have never seen anything like it. Cant wait to see the shells back from the painter, we will be waiting! And great news on the real gold under the fake gold,,??? who would? ah never mind.

JC

Thanks.

I bought the paint already - it was only $60 or so....got it made up months ago. It does look pretty close. The painter has not started yet....today....maybe later today but most likely nex Tuesday.

If you think that you have the ORIGINAL paint code for Cadillac Green I would consider having the painter put a HALT on the job for now if you think I could have that paint code copied here in Canada.

P.M. with the info or email me if you like or post it here - I would love to have that info as soon as possible = before Francisco the painter starts!

And I do think the drum paint IS the same as the guitar paint although Gretsch used the paint on Nitro wrap from what I've read.

I sent Mr. Fred Gretsch a letter regarding the paint and wrap earlier this week and I hope to hear back from him in a month or so = snail mail.

Thanks a bunch for this.

Yes - I did read that link when I first started to look for the paint but I could not find the 'lacquer" here - it's outlawed here as well. I took the paint code to the local supplier but he was not able to match it for some reason (a Canadian thing??).

Yes - "who would" indeed.....I think back in the day when the gold started to wear off (and you gotta remember the drums were not Vintage yet and there was no thought of mojo and the like) it would have been okay with some people just to put a nice gold 'spray' paint over what was left of the real gold. This plating is flash plated and there is not much gold there. Myself...I think it was more of a tragedy of sorts to cover the snare shell with what looks like runny-bumpy tar ........yoy!

I'm waiting to hear back from him now. Soon as I do I'll post what he found and if it's different from the one I posted.

http://gretschpages.com/forum/modern-gretsch-guitars/cadillac-green-quetion/18072/page1/

http://paintref.com/paintref/model/green_Cadillac.shtml

Here's a few more links related. The first one has a formula about half way down the page.

Interesting reading on the Gretsch forum about the metallic content in the spray guns. And how it settled in the bottom of the gun. Seems to be one of the reasons for the different shades you can find. Also being a guitar not as critical to color match as a car that could have touchup paint work down the road.

Gary my son had the same info posted on the Gretsch forum above ^^^. I think if your painter matched the color pretty close you should be fine. Seeing how there is different shades of the color due to loose color spec on guitars and drums. Sorry I thought he had better more exact specs.

Yes - thanks anyway - it was good to go back and re-read all that stuff. That's pretty well what I found.....there was no clear statement from anyone stating that "this is what Gretsch used for paint on the drums." I would love to see this:

"Gretsch used this paint code - go ask ole Charlie - he's the one that applied it and he has all the information....here ya go....good luck with the finish AND thanks for bringing those ole shells back to life young fella!"

It would be perfect if Gretsch would be more relaxed about giving a paint code out. I don't mean I expect them to just hand it out to anyone. But, if someone is willing to spend a lot of money (searching out and buying the shells and all the period correct hardware, buying special high-end paint and gold plating almost all of the hardware) to bring some very nice Gretsch shells back to life it would be nice if they were helpful with the paint code at least. After all, the drums have Gretsch badges and they are still Gretsch drums and everyone that sees them is going see .......Gretsch drums....not Gary drums if you know what I mean. I think it is great advertising for Gretsch. It's not like I'm trying to reinvent a drum kit here - I want it to be as Gretsch as possible. I'm only trying to help with the Gretsch drum legacy. I'm not doing all this to sell the drums and make money.

I am in no way stating anything negative about the Gretsch people - quite the opposite = all my dealings with Gretsch over the years have been nothing but good with excellent service and products.

I agree it can be very confusing to get exact info. I think they way you went is still the best. Hand and eyes on the shell your painter should get it dead nuts close. Have him save some paint for future touchups or additions. ;)

Yes you'd think the paint code would be easier to know about and understand. Don't they still use this color today? I thought I've seen newer guitars in this color. It could be a trademark thing but it's a GM color??? LOL With the new retro chevy colors they are doing I'd think there's some type of ties. At least sell you the paint or through a supplier in your area.