Paint for 1973 Schwinn (Opaque Blue)

[Martin Bike Nut]

I need to repaint some substantial portions of the chain stays on my 1973 Continental. The color is Opaque Blue, and it looks like "repair" spray paint sold by Schwinn dealers may have been Schwinn no. 72880.

Any suggestions, recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[mrg]

So is 72880 the lighter powder blue?

 

[Martin Bike Nut]

Yes, it’s more of a sky blue or baby blue or robins egg blue.

 

[GTs58]

There is a half pint for sale on ebay. Pricey to say the least, but it looks like the tint code is on the can. Whether that's the complete formula or not I can't say. Copy the info and check with an automotive paint store.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224593633245?campid=5335809022

 

[CavemanJoe]

I am in the same boat. I have a '74 Le Tour in the same color with some chips in the paint. I was looking at a Rustoleum color, but I think it's too dark. It's not going to be easy. I was going to look for Testor's paint for plastic models. That is if it's still made.

 

[Martin Bike Nut]

In this picture, the seat and chain stays have been painted with the Rustoleum Maui blue, and the main tubes and the bottom bracket are the original opaque blue. It’s definitely not a museum quality restoration match, but it’s close enough for me. I just wanted to take care of a few spots where the paint was completely worn down to the metal and there were some rust starting.

 

[CavemanJoe]

The Maui blue was the color I was looking at. Thanks for posting it. I figured it might be a slight bit darker. Outside of black, most colors are not that easy to match. The auto parts store near me used to be able to help me out, but the selection of auto touch-up paints that are now available has been thinned out to worthlessness. Here's the 1973 catalog page for your bike.