Actually I am asking about the period of the greatest popularity of 'flake....not if it was available. It has been available since Metalflake Corporation originated it's use for custom painting about 1960. By the time I started painting in about '72, it had been used a lot!

On a side note, for younger enthusiasts.....Metalflake Corporation was the "King of custom paints" starting about 1960, until House Of Kolor started to take over the biggest share of the market about 20-25 years later. Metalflake published all of the big how-to books then, and carried 'flake, pearls, candies, and many other specialty products. They still exist today, but it is a small family-owned business in the Northeast, and isn't really able to compete with HOK, which is no longer owned by Jon Kosmoski...but by the large chemical product manufacturer, Valspar.

I was there when many cars of the '60s used it...especially in drag racing. It was very popular on Gas Class race cars (the "original" gassers). :-) I recall many Willys painted with 'flake.

I just couldn't recall exactly when it fell out of popularity. It is clearly starting to make a comeback, if you are watching the internet chat, and pictures of recent projects.