GM "Light Fern Metallic": Need a reference!

[Faust]

Hey all!

As you may (or of course, may not) know, I am about to start building my Citation X-11. I have done way more research than I wanted to, but have determined I can do it as either an '80, or an '83 or '84. It seems the X-11 notchback was only available then. Despite the fact it is most likey supposed to be an 80, I don't like the scoop on the door, and I want to do a meaner one. So, I've decided on the '83/'84.

However, looking up the colour options, not too much leapt out at me. Sure, there was white, silver, and maroon, but I'm going to have lots of maroon what with my Camaro, Fiero GT and my already built GTA. The, I saw that in 1983, you could get a colour called "Light Fern Metallic". I found a paint site that had a "sample" of it, but that's just a computer-rendered colour.

Does anyone out there have ANY pics of ANY early 80's car done in the Light Fern Metallic. It doesn't have to be a Citation, any GM will do. Also, if there are ANY pictures of the "Light Fern" interior on any GM, that would also be appreciated.

Has anyone ever seen an X-11 Notch in Light Fern? I never have, and that's why I am now compelled to build it!

Thanks for any help you guys can give me!

This is the kit I'm using; I think it will do for any of the years I intend to model.

https://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/model-kits/out-of-box-reviews/revel-124-chevy-citation-xlowrider-oob/

Edited December 12, 2014 by Faust

[sjordan2]

Part of your dilemma might include the difference between a metallic and a pearl. It's a tiny model, and normal metallics will result in a bass boat metalflake appearance. Maybe House of Kolor can help you.

[John Goschke]

All I'm finding is a "Light Gray Fern Metallic" for GM in '84. Is that the color you mean?

Swatch is from this page... http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/colour_swatch_gm_1984A.htm

[John Goschke]

I suspect the lighter color on this "Classic" (cough!, cough!) is Light Gray Fern Metallic. Looks greener here than the color swatch. All these greyish metallics are a nightmare to match (particularly in scale) and photograph.

Must be a racing car with the Edelbrock sticker in the window.

[charlie8575]

I suspect the lighter color on this "Classic" (cough!, cough!) is Light Gray Fern Metallic. Looks greener here than the color swatch. All these greyish metallics are a nightmare to match (particularly in scale) and photograph.

Must be a racing car with the Edelbrock sticker in the window.

The upper color is correct for what you're looking for. It's far more green than gray, but it does have a definite gray tinge. It's actually a nice color, I remember it as being pretty common around here, especially in that two-tone.

Scale Finishes can probably make you up a batch and send it to Scott at Elm City to get it into Canada for you.

Alternately, you might be able to get a local body shop supplier to make a can of custom-match spray paint for you.

Charlie Larkin

[Faust]

Oh man, you guys rock!

Thanks so much for that swatch and the pic. It is more or less what I expected, which is a silver/olive drab hybrid. It is very nice indeed. I like the two-tone, but alas, the X-11 is "too sporty" for such a trim. the stock Citation isn't, though. I think the gold decals will look good on that colour too.

I love that the Caprice above has the Fern interior, too! I have a Mobile Suit in pretty much this colour.

As for getting the colour, I'm going to mix it with what I have, and we'll see how close I get. For me, if it's close,it's good enough. No one else is going to be able to argue convincingly, because I've never seen a pic of an X-11 in that colour! It was offered, but I can't help but wonder how many notchbacks came in that colour in '83/'84.

Thanks again, guys!

[ToyLvr]

If Krylon spray paint is sold in your area, look for their color called "River Rock"....

[chunkypeanutbutter]

If Krylon spray paint is sold in your area, look for their color called "River Rock"....

River Rock? Are you sure?

Edited December 13, 2014 by chunkypeanutbutter

[ToyLvr]

River Rock? Are you sure?image.jpg

Yeah, Miles, I am.

Like most other colors, its final appearance is influenced by the color of primer under it, and what type of light you see it in. I used it on a recent project, and it looks sorta gray-green....

[StevenGuthmiller]

The upper color is correct for what you're looking for. It's far more green than gray, but it does have a definite gray tinge. It's actually a nice color, I remember it as being pretty common around here, especially in that two-tone.

Scale Finishes can probably make you up a batch and send it to Scott at Elm City to get it into Canada for you.

Alternately, you might be able to get a local body shop supplier to make a can of custom-match spray paint for you.

Charlie Larkin

MCW will match it for you for $18.00 for 2 one ounce jars. Just another option. Steve

[chunkypeanutbutter]

Yeah, Miles, I am.

Like most other colors, its final appearance is influenced by the color of primer under it, and what type of light you see it in. I used it on a recent project, and it looks sorta gray-green....

Weird. Learn something everyday.

[Faust]

Yeah, I've noticed that too about primer. It's especially true on lighter colours, like yellows, reds, oranges and even lighter blues.

That's why I always prime a car body in grey, and then, if it's going to be some other metallic colour, I try to put a base coat of a close, non-metallic colour down.

[ToyLvr]

A note to Adam, or anyone else who may want to try that Krylon color.

It's part of Krylon's "Fusion" series. I've heard some tales of it crazing plastic. I haven't had any problems with it, but I always use automotive primer.

[fantacmet]

I had an 81 X-11, with Factory Recaro front buckets and matching rear bench from an 85 X-11. Gray center, witha coll dark gray, black, and red, square geometric pattern, black outer, and red piping seperating the two. Friggin gorgeous(and comfortable seats).

[Len Woodruff]

I had a red 4-door 4-speed Citation for a company car. I think it was an 82.

Edited December 14, 2014 by Len Woodruff

[charlie8575]

MCW will match it for you for $18.00 for 2 one ounce jars. Just another option. Steve

Unfortunately, with Adam being in Canada, MCW is off the table unless he has a friend stateside and can get it out by driving it up.

Also, a color that late is when Dave starts having trouble getting correct lacquer formulae.

This is the brochure for 1983 with the trim options for the X-11.

http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1983_Chevrolet/1983_Chevrolet_Citation_Brochure/1983%20Chevrolet%20Citation-10.html

Charlie Larkin

[Faust]

Unfortunately, with Adam being in Canada, MCW is off the table unless he has a friend stateside and can get it out by driving it up.

Also, a color that late is when Dave starts having trouble getting correct lacquer formulae.

This is the brochure for 1983 with the trim options for the X-11.

http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1983_Chevrolet/1983_Chevrolet_Citation_Brochure/1983%20Chevrolet%20Citation-10.html

Charlie Larkin

You're right about that, Charlie! Canadians get hosed on stuff like this all the time.

However, given how bad the kit is, if I'm a shade or two off I am not going to let it ruin my day at all! I have never heard of the MCM guys before, so I'll definitely keep them in mind for future products.

Since I'm a military modeller as well, I've got all kinds of funny greens and greys, and I have some Jacquard pigments for silvers and greens, too. I should be able to whip up some kind of concoction, I think. All my other mixed colours were done right here in my basement, so I think I can get this one figured out, now that I that picture, paint chip and the nice brochure page from above! Maybe, once I get the build issues sorted out I'll get to mixing the colour this week or next, when I'm off of work for Christmas!

It looks like olive drab, silver metallic, some bright green and maybe a bit of light grey should do the trick. Now, don't expect a recipe when I'm done, because I'm a "season to taste" kind of paint cook; once I make something once, I can't duplicate it. Hmmm... better make lots!

Thanks for all the help, guys!

Edited December 14, 2014 by Faust