(Desert Sand : Chevrolet : 1970 - 1973)
At PaintRef.com we have records of this paint across 5 manufacturers/makes, and with 5 unique promotional names.

This brown automotive paint color is most commonly known as Desert Sand. Other common color promotional names include Copper Mist, Desert Gold, Laredo Tan, and Palomino Copper. The color formulation has been used between 1970 and 1973, primarily by Chevrolet; but also by Buick, Cadillac, GM, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac. We have records of this color appearing on the following models: Camaro, Chevelle, ChevyII, Firebird, GTO, and Monte Carlo. See the full detailed list below.

GM paint manufacturing codes come in two forms, the short 1 to 3 digit model/year code which changes frequently; and beginning in the 1960's a longer 4 digit code which starts with the letters "WA" or "WE". Sometimes called "Fisher Paint codes"; codes beginning with WA are production paints, WE are commercial or special order paints with codes typically starting with '5' (i.e. WE5xxx). Early use of Fisher Paint codes included extra digits between the "W" and "A" to indicate the type and sometimes location of the paint. For example: WOA or W0A for a flat or suede trim paint (typically interior dash), W5A for low gloss (interior), W25A for semi gloss trim colors (typically interior), and W30A for standard gloss colors.

Variations of the exterior paint code WA4042, which may appear on body data tags include: 4042, U4042, and L4042 (the prefix U for upper body, or L for lower body). Location of the GM paint code plate (Service Parts Identification tag) varies depending on the year and model of the vehicle common places are on the top or near the top of the back engine compartment shroud panel just behind the steering wheel, hinge pillar of the driver's side door, trunk or rear hatch, side of door, glove compartment, or behind the driver's seat. Check for either the short year/make/model paint code or the longer manufacturing (Fisher) paint code.

Example of the color GM WA4042 See more information on GM code "WA4042"

Examples of GM code WA4042 (click on image for larger/detailed view)


Usage list of GM paint code WA4042 (more information)

year	make	model	code	paint name	comment
1970	Buick	Buick	63	Desert Gold
1970	Chevrolet	Camaro	63	Desert Sand
1970	Chevrolet	Chevelle	63	Desert Sand
1970	Chevrolet	Chevrolet	63	Desert Sand
1970	Chevrolet	ChevyII	63	Desert Sand
1970	Chevrolet	Monte Carlo	63	Desert Sand
1970	Chevrolet	Nova	63	Desert Sand
1970	GM		63	Desert Gold
1970	Oldsmobile	Oldsmobile	63	Copper Mist
1970	Pontiac	Firebird	63	Palomino Copper
1970	Pontiac	GTO	63	Palomino Copper
1970	Pontiac	Pontiac	63	Palomino Copper
1973	Cadillac	Cadillac	63	Laredo Tan
1973	GM		63	Laredo Tan

Paint Manufacturer Codes
GM(Fisher code) : WA4042
Make/Year Code : 63
PPG/Ditzler : 2183
Dupont : 5492, 5125L, 5492A, 5492L, 5125, 927-99921, 5125D, 5492D
Sherwin Williams : 3253
RM/BASF : 2275, 2642
Autocolor ICI Nexa : 3539M

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