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Posted By: B16 PEP BOYS Spray Paint - Mon Apr 17 2017 03:27 PM
I recently purchased this PEP BOYS spray paint can and have searched on-line trying to find out when PEP BOYS first sold their own brand of spray paint and for how long, but have come up empty. Any information would be appreciated.

Posted By: Oldgas Re: PEP BOYS Spray Paint - Tue Apr 18 2017 02:56 AM
Is there a zip code on their address on the can? A UPC bar code?
Posted By: B16 Re: PEP BOYS Spray Paint - Tue Apr 18 2017 10:55 AM
Yes, there are two zip codes on the can: Philadelphia, PA 19132 and Los Angeles, CA 90015. The can does not have a bar code.
Posted By: SandPCollector Re: PEP BOYS Spray Paint - Tue Apr 18 2017 01:23 PM
I can't answer the specific question of when Pep Boys introduced their own brand of spray paint, but according to a New York Times article (link below) the spray paint can was invented in 1949. Zip Codes were introduced in 1963, so your can is after that date. The first commercial "scanning" of a item with a UPC bar code was in 1974, although the bar codes started to be placed on products in the early 1970's, so your can is prior to that date. My research would suggest that your can was made between 1963 and 1973.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/magazine/who-made-spray-paint.html
Posted By: Oldgas Re: PEP BOYS Spray Paint - Tue Apr 18 2017 02:01 PM
The can can't be older than 1963, when the zip code system was first used. UPC bar codes started in 1974, but took a while to get on all retail packaging.
Posted By: B16 Re: PEP BOYS Spray Paint - Tue Apr 18 2017 02:14 PM
Thank you all for your help and information. It is much appreciated.
Posted By: slyle133 Re: PEP BOYS Spray Paint - Wed Apr 19 2017 02:47 AM
Just stumbled upon this. The Pep Boys can you have is from the 1980's. Earlier cans were labeled varsity. As was stated above, Spray Paint was invented in 1949. The earliest varisty can I have in my collection is mid 50's. An earlier version may have been made, but I have yet to see one. Funny is that early varsity cans have a 1930's trademarks, but that is not a correct date for the cans.

Always on the hunt for old spray paint cans. DM message me if you have any.
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