(Silver : GM : 1966 - 1990)
At PaintRef.com we have records of this paint for over 24 years of use.

This silver gray automotive paint color is most commonly known as simply 'Silver'. Other common color promotional names include Beau James Silver, Argent Silver, and Gray. The color formulation has been used between 1966 and 1990, primarily by GM; but also by Chevrolet, Coca Cola, Company Fleet Vehicles, and GMC. See the full detailed list below.

The one Company/Organization with Fleet Vehicles using this color is: Saunders Leasing.

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 WE5140, which may appear on body data tags include: 5140, U5140, and L5140 (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 WE5140 See more information on GM code "WE5140"

Examples of GM code WE5140 (click on image for larger/detailed view)


Usage list of GM paint code WE5140 (more information)

year	make	model	code	paint name	comment
1966	Chevrolet	Chevy Truck	523	Silver
1966	GM		523	Silver
1967	Chevrolet	Chevy Truck	523	Silver
1967	GM		523	Silver
1968	Chevrolet	Chevy Truck	523,553	Silver
1968	GM		523,553	Silver
1968	GMC	GMC	523	Silver
1969	Chevrolet	Chevy Truck	523	Silver
1969	GM		523	Silver
1969	GMC	GMC	523	Silver
1973	Chevrolet	Fleet	507	Silver
1974	GM		507	Silver
1974	GMC	GMC	507	Silver
1975	GM		507	Beau James Silver	#2, special promotional color
1975	GMC	GMC	507	Beau James Silver	#2, special promotional color
1977	Coca Cola			Gray
1990	Fleet	Saunders Leasing		Argent Silver

Paint Manufacturer Codes
GM(Fisher code) : WE5140, W83E5140
Chrysler/Dodge : DT9020, DT9023
Make/Year Code : 8533, 523, 507, 553
PPG/Ditzler : 32537
Dupont : 5510, 42237, 5510A, 4729, 5510D, 04729, 181-97786, 97786, 5510L, 4729L
Acme/Rogers : 1981
Sherwin Williams : 2600, 3407, 217
RM/BASF : 2595

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