1959 Chevy El Camino House Of Kolor Custom Paint Job - Fade In-Not Out

The first part of the El Camino to be worked on was the cab and dash. For this, Gene mixed up a special basecoat to match a swatch of the white pearl material Dave intends to use for the upholstery.

Although the basic colors had already been chosen, together Dave and Gene consulted magazines and the awesome Winfield portfolio to finalize the paint scheme and fadeaway effect.

With the dashboard in its finished state, the sun will really set off the white pearl that will also be a nice contrast from the outside of the El Camino.

Now the crucial moment: time to start mixing the main body paint, Sunrise Pearl. This was time-consuming work that had to be done just right to get the perfect color and consistency. The paint had to be filtered, too, as any "bits" would ruin the finish.

With the bottom of the hood sprayed in tinted primer-sealer then body color, the engine bay was given a final prep for paint. Compressed air was used to blow out any dust and particles.

Next, all the loose components were reattached to the body using wire. These parts had to be painted in place in order to keep the fadeaway effect consistent.

Now it was time to start building up the fadeaway paint scheme. Watching Gene throw himself around the floor to create the right fogging effect with black and brown on the lower part of the El Camino, you'd never believe he was nearly 80!

After color had been applied to the tailgate hinges, shuts, and in areas where small hanging pieces would then be refitted, Gene tackled the engine bay.

With everything carefully masked up and the body given a final once-over, Gene donned his overalls and mask. Starting at the tailgate and inside the bed, he gradually worked his way over the entire '59 with tinted primer-sealer.

Other Winfield special effects included darkening the area under the rear fins, and accenting the fender tops, hood, wheel arches, and flanks with white pearl highlights.

With the color laid on and sealed, finally it was time to apply layers of clearcoat...

...which Gene mixed with House of Kolor metalflake to increase the KA-POW! factor.

The finished car, ready for trim!

Customizer extraordinaire Gene is 80 years young and still the master of his game!