paint formula

[mack]

Does anyone have the paint formula for the original black with metal flake for a 79 special tank and side covers?

[Crazcnuk]

There isn't one. These bikes predate paint codes, for motorcycles. Yamaha does not list anthing other than the color name.

'79 is black with gold metal flake. 80 is black with blue flake.

How bad is the original paint? On my 80 special it was faded and a big patch of the clear coat was gone, where gas spills. I sanded with 600grit wet/dry and re clear coated and it looks pretty good.

[mack]

no such luck

The coon poop has eaten right down to the metal in several spots. I'm in the process of stripping all the paint off, glass welding the seams, cleaning out the rust and coating the inside & rebuilding the petcocks. Wanted to put it back to the original colour with the sparkle. Seems stupid to spend several months restoring the bike and not to include this step.