I'm finding that the paint code for my car does exist. I was calling to find out about a color match can of paint for my bumperettes and she was saying that they don't have that info. But their records show that the paint code should be 6B5. Anybody know the story on this? Will there be a difference in color or tint? Should I worry about this? Its a 01 seal grey. I tried to search the answer to this but just found info on both codes but nothing explaining the difference.

Sorry not 'that story' to 'the story'

 

So i figured out whats going on with my paint code. On the car it says 'L6B4' and that paint code was listed everywhere as a 6B4 but then was discontinued in the states. It then became '6B5'. I had automotivetouchup.com look at the two formulas and they said they were identical. Now the reason behind the change stumps me but at least I know I'm getting the right paint for my next project. I'm sure I wasn't the first to figure this out or research it but I didn't get any responses so I had to pursue it.

 

Thanks for the info .... just bought a hardtop for my car ... I have a Seal grey 996 ... its a 01 ... and the guy who is painting it just asked me if I have the L6B4 or L6B5 code .... now I will tell him they are identical

 

I have noticed though that the porsche touch up paint and the paint mixed for me on the bumperette project came out a tad darker. Don't know if its the paint code change or the sun making the car lighter, even though its a garage queen. Good luck. Tell him to test out a small area first, he might have to lighten it up a bit.

 

Interesting ... he is actually sending me a card thats painted, to match it up to my car to see if it matches .... he is located about 5 hrs upstate ... I want it to match as close as possible but one thing thats good, is there is a space between the hardtop and where it sits on the car ... so it helps

 

6B4 and 6B5 are both Seal Grey Metallic paint. However, 6B4 = water-based pearl effect paint. From model year 2002 separate water-based and standard paint codes were abandoned and the same code was used for both paint types. This info is published in the booklet Porsche 964, 993 & 996 Data Plate Code Breaker by Adrian Streather and can be purchased from Barnes and Noble online. Nothing more is said about the two codes and no further explanation of the paint differences is given or reason for the abandonment.

 

Porsche frequently has numerically different codes for the same paint. They are usually very close numerically but the paint is the same. If the paint doesn't match a body-shop can color match it to your car's paint.

 

another interesting note ... got the paint card in the mail .. I agree with you Merlin ... yes, the paint card does look a tad darker .... when I put it up directly to my car body you can see a tiny bit of a darker difference ... but when I put it up to my top and compare to the body ... you really can't tell ... looks identical ... since there is the space between the body and the top I just might get away with the slight difference ... Iam gonna go for it ... I don't think I have a choice since you can't get LB4 color anyway

 

I just bought an extra set and wanted to paint them myself. Where did you get the paint and did you use the touch up paint or buy the mixed paint and spray it?

 

Recommend Eric at board sponsor BumperPlugs. They do great work on the bumperettes, really updates the rear end.