[brockb455]

Where can I find the correct engine enamel for a late 73 TA? Evidently they used a bluer color on the late 73's and SD cars.

[2manyT/A'S]

OEM paints,who I believe are distributed by Classic Industies have a pretty close shade of "porch paint" for the later 73 & 74 Pontiac engines.

[superdutybob]

Originally Posted by 2manyT/A'S

OEM paints,who I believe are distributed by Classic Industies have a pretty close shade of "porch paint" for the later 73 & 74 Pontiac engines.

Do you ever say anything nice? LOL At least it doesn't look like a Robins egg!

[bird72]

Porches look funny painted Pontiac Blue of any shade.

[schneidsd455]

Not sure how particular you are, but the stuff from OEM is a little on the dark side of correct. Using the formula listed on the link below is a better way to go if you want it closer to original. In the attached picture, you can compare the OEM 73-74 (62230) "Porch Paint" on the left vs. paint matched to a very low mileage original in the middle vs. OEM early 73 (62220) paint on the right. Then, make up your own mind.

http://www.angelfire.com/mi/jamos1/sdblueformula.html

[sd455hota]

Brock, I have some paint matched from a very low mile car many years ago. It's what I use on all my late 73-74 projects. I have a 74 in the for sale section that has this paint on it. Last batch I had made cost me $13 per spray can and your welcome to it for that plus shipping. PM me if you want some.

[brockb455]

How can I confirm that my engine should be the late 73 color? The PMD historical data says it was shipped 08/06/73. The VIn is 2V87Y3N146051. It is currently robins egg but looks like it has been painted before.

[schneidsd455]

Color changed on March 15, 1973. It was to mark a change Pontiac made in it's egr emissions control system to satisfy epa. It has nothing to do with being a special SD color as some have claimed. All Pontiacs after this date got the same color.

[brockb455]

Originally Posted by schneidsd455

Color changed on March 15, 1973. It was to mark a change Pontiac made in it's egr emissions control system to satisfy epa. It has nothing to do with being a special SD color as some have claimed. All Pontiacs after this date got the same color.

So if my car shipped on 08/6/73 then it is a safe bet it was manufactured after March?

[schneidsd455]

Originally Posted by brockb455

So if my car shipped on 08/6/73 then it is a safe bet it was manufactured after March?

Yes. Take Steve (sd455hota) up on his offer. The paint in the middle that I posted earlier is from him. You won't find a better or more correct paint for a better price. Period.

[cliffhanger]

apart from this topic, do you have a picture of your car? the blue looks GREAt from the avatar pic?!

greets

Cliffhanger

[superdutybob]

Originally Posted by schneidsd455

Color changed on March 15, 1973. It was to mark a change Pontiac made in it's egr emissions control system to satisfy epa. It has nothing to do with being a special SD color as some have claimed. All Pontiacs after this date got the same color.

This is a true statement.

The color from the above link is too dark in my opinion. I have a can in the garage and it is darker than the OEM paint. Maybe it was mixed wrong, I don't know, but it's not useable to me.

[schneidsd455]

Hey Steve, maybe you could have a huge batch made up and sell it in $50 spray cans like OEM.........

I see that Classic Industries quit selling OEM and moved to OER paints. Engine paint is now $16.95. Wonder how the quality is vs. OEM?

[brockb455]

Originally Posted by cliffhanger

apart from this topic, do you have a picture of your car? the blue looks GREAt from the avatar pic?!

greets

Cliffhanger

Here is the car before I stripped it down to the chasis. I will post a complete set of pictures before I start rebuilding it.

[brockb455]

Originally Posted by sd455hota

Brock, I have some paint matched from a very low mile car many years ago. It's what I use on all my late 73-74 projects. I have a 74 in the for sale section that has this paint on it. Last batch I had made cost me $13 per spray can and your welcome to it for that plus shipping. PM me if you want some.

Steve, did you get my PM? I will take you up on your generous offer.

[sd455hota]

Brock, I got the PM just haven't gotten to the post office for a shipping quote. Next couple days I'll make it.

Jeff, sounds like a great plan. I have a couple other folks wanting the paint so I'm having more mixed. I'll probably stay with whatever they charge me for now though.

[Transamric]

Originally Posted by brockb455

So if my car shipped on 08/6/73 then it is a safe bet it was manufactured after March?

Absolutely! At 146051, your TA was one of the last '73 Firebirds of any model built. Your Trim Tag date code most likely is either 07E or 08A, and as such, would have the "B" second design EGR system, & would have been painted the later, darker shade Blue.

[schneidsd455]

Originally Posted by sd455hota

Brock, I got the PM just haven't gotten to the post office for a shipping quote. Next couple days I'll make it.

Jeff, sounds like a great plan. I have a couple other folks wanting the paint so I'm having more mixed. I'll probably stay with whatever they charge me for now though.

You're a generous man, Steve.

[wizard61]

My 73 Formula 455 has a build date of 03E. Since the changeover was Mid-March of 1973, do you guys think my engine would be the earlier blue or the later blue. If it is the later blue, I would also be interested in purchasing some paint. I am planning to get my restoration underway in December.

James