Engine Paint

[Cliff F.]

I'm getting ready to paint a '66 427 engine and was wondering who makes the correct shade of orange? I did a forum search and couldn't find the answer. Thanks

[James W.]

www.hirschauto.com.

James

[Mark E.]

Re: Engine Paint

The consensus I recall from TDB discussions is there isn't a "correct shade." There is noticible variation across batches, suppliers, years. And there was little factory concern about shade because it was cheap bulk engine paint.

Bowtie cars don't help much since the color fades and shifts considerably with time and heat cycles.

Because of the above, I was taught to not deduct for shade unless it's waaay off.

I would choose high quality rattle can engine paint from a local parts store then note the brand so you know what to use for touch ups. Just as durable and authentic but much less expensive than a boutique brand.

[James W.]

Re: Engine Paint

The Bill Hirsch Chevrolet Orange CAN be bought in rattle cans. Buy 3 or 4 cans so you have plenty for touch ups later on. I painted the engine the first time during the restoration in 2009 and had to re-paint the valve covers last spring after a brake fluid spill. This was done with paint bought just weeks after the accident, matched fine. Over time, the paint will darken and dull some due to repeated heat cycling. The paint formulas (color) from parts store paint will vary so that is not a deterrent from using the Bill Hirsch paint. The Chevrolet Orange paints from the parts stores is not the correct color. The only one close is the Martin Seynor brand Chevrolet Orange bought at NAPA.

James

[Mark E.]

Re: Engine Paint

The Bill Hirsch Chevrolet Orange CAN be bought in rattle cans. Buy 3 or 4 cans so you have plenty for touch ups later on. I painted the engine the first time during the restoration in 2009 and had to re-paint the valve covers last spring after a brake fluid spill. This was done with paint bought just weeks after the accident, matched fine. Over time, the paint will darken and dull some due to repeated heat cycling. The paint formulas (color) from parts store paint will vary so that is not a deterrent from using the Bill Hirsch paint. The Chevrolet Orange paints from the parts stores is not the correct color. The only one close is the Martin Seynor brand Chevrolet Orange bought at NAPA.

James

I guess we have differing views about this. I've seen cars sprayed with DupliColor and Plasti Kote judge fine at Regional and National. Again, what's the reference for what's "correct?"

[Dennis D.]

Re: Engine Paint

Cliff,

I would recommend buying Bill Hirsch Chevrolet Orange. I used it on a ‘65 396 restoration and it looks great. Went through all levels of flight judging with no deductions. Go to www.hirschauto.com.

James

I agree

[Cliff F.]

Re: Engine Paint

Thanks for all the input!

[Larry E.]

Re: Engine Paint

FWIW> I found that the Bill Hirsch Chevrolet Orange and the Quanta Chevrolet Orange are very very close. Of course I do not
know if either has changed their formula recently. Larry

[Gene M.]

Re: Engine Paint

Post #3 is very good summation of the topic.

[Thomas N.]

Re: Engine Paint

The issue I'm seeing with the engine paints available at parts stores recently, is they are calling it "ceramic" or high durability, nano technology or the buzzword of the month, and the gloss is way off the charts. Color is ok, but is way too shiny. If you ok with the wet look, then paint FLAPS would suffice.

[James W.]