[Bentwheelbob]

So, I'm not going to get carried away with this because I don't have time, but I would like to do a test/review of 4 commonly available rattle can engine paints. I have bought 4 cans of 1978 Pontiac Corporate Blue engine. One each produced by VHT, DupliColor, OER and Plastikote. I have painted samples of each and would like to distribute samples to several forum members that have a 1978 original engine paint car or part that is in good/great shape to get feedback. I'm sure none of these will perfectly match 37 year old paint, but one of them should be close. Each color is a different, but I would say there are really three main variations as two of the samples seem really close to each other.

My plan is to cut the board up into about six pieces each and mail out a set of samples to five different recipients. If you have an original paint part or motor in really good shape please send me a PM describing what you have and your mailing address. I would like to get this shipped out on Friday by FedEx or priority mail so that I can feedback in quickly and get some paint on order. Let me know what you've got. I appreciate everyone's help on this.

Here's a few pictures.

[Alvin]

Subscribing

[superdutybob]

Duplicolor or VHT look best to me. Plasticote looks too dark and OER looks too light.

[Skip Fix]

I know the cans I've used blow out darker blue for awhile until they get the lighter stuff.

I have some original 78 180 hp valve covers and they look a tint more green than the corporate blue but not as green as 73 SD green.

[Bentwheelbob]

Actually, I mixed up the order of the paint cans so that people would not be biased based upon brand preference. I think what you are saying is that you think the paint on the left end (let's call that sample position 1) and then sample 3 are best. Is that correct? Those are the two samples I mention as being very close in color.

[Bentwheelbob]

Originally Posted by Skip Fix

I know the cans I've used blow out darker blue for awhile until they get the lighter stuff.

I have some original 78 180 hp valve covers and they look a tint more green than the corporate blue but not as green as 73 SD green.

Skip - I would be happy to send samples of each to you to compare to those valve covers. PM your address to me if you are willing to do a comparison. Samples 1 and 3 appear more green in person that they appear in the picture. Sample 4 probably appears more blue.

Thanks for your response.

BWB

[78 TA KID]

I did the same test back in the day and I thought Plastikote was the best match!!!! I do know you have to shake the **** out of the paint for at least 15 minutes and the paint is much lighter then.

[fiedlerh]

The "gold standard" would be to find a can of GM corporate blue that GM used to sell. In the past I was contacted by someone who had a few cans, but I can't find the old email. It was supposedly a very good match to the factory color and was primarily used by dealers.

Keep in mind that engine paint probably did not have the tightest color tolerances, especially when GM engine plants may have been sourcing corporate blue from different suppliers.

[3tas4me]

Also keep in mind that 37 year old engine parts that have been subjected to heat, oil and gas may have changed color from what it looked like when new. Skips valve covers having a green tint sound like that situation.

[Bentwheelbob]

Here's a helpful reply from the Unitedf-body forum recommending Dupli-Color 1619 which is listed as Chrysler Green. Several people previously recommended that including the long absent 2manyTA's and Roundport. I have can coming from Summit. So far no one has stepped forward with original paint and an interest in helping.

http://unitedf-body.com/simplemachin...p?topic=9095.0

[400 4spd.]

Originally Posted by 3tas4me

Also keep in mind that 37 year old engine parts that have been subjected to heat, oil and gas may have changed color from what it looked like when new. Skips valve covers having a green tint sound like that situation.

That's the opinion I have, that over time the various blues would "green out" from chemicals (including engine cleaners/degreasers), age and heat exposure.

[3tas4me]

Bob- I will look through my stuff tomorrow and see if I have anything that has original paint. I think I may have a valve cover somewhere.

[skunkwerks]

Getting ready to Build a 78 400 for a customer. I have purchased 2 cans of Duplicolor 1608 and this is shown as the correct GM corporate Blue/Green in as couple of restoration books. I would hate to think that I would need to spray a Poncho Engine with a Chrysler Product. Please tell me it ain't so. What are the part numbers on each can Bentwheel?
1608 DC
221 PC are the 2 I know about. The OER is to dark from what I have heard.

[Bentwheelbob]

Skunk - I have sent you a PM.

[78 TA KID]

I painted my engine with Duplicolor 1608 and its not even close. I should of used Plastikote it is more correct. He is a picture of my motor in Duplicolor (picture is with a flash so motor looks lighter then what it is!!). I also posted a picture of a 23k orginal '78 Y88 engine compartment yesterday. But my post was taken down for some reasaon????????

[Bentwheelbob]

Originally Posted by 78 TA KID

I painted my engine with Duplicolor 1608 and its not even close. I should of used Plastikote it is more correct. He is a picture of my motor in Duplicolor (picture is with a flash so motor looks lighter then what it is!!). I also posted a picture of a 23k orginal '78 Y88 engine compartment yesterday. But my post was taken down for some reasaon????????

Try reposting it. I would like to see it.

[superdutybob]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

Actually, I mixed up the order of the paint cans so that people would not be biased based upon brand preference. I think what you are saying is that you think the paint on the left end (let's call that sample position 1) and then sample 3 are best. Is that correct? Those are the two samples I mention as being very close in color.

Yes! sample 1 and/or 3 look closest to me.

[skunkwerks]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

Skunk - I have sent you a PM.

Thanks for the PM Bob.

[skunkwerks]

Originally Posted by 78 TA KID

I painted my engine with Duplicolor 1608 and its not even close. I should of used Plastikote it is more correct. He is a picture of my motor in Duplicolor (picture is with a flash so motor looks lighter then what it is!!). I also posted a picture of a 23k orginal '78 Y88 engine compartment yesterday. But my post was taken down for some reasaon????????

Thanks for the pic of 1608 paint. Your comment on the color compared to 23K original paint motor is interesting. I know we are all trying to get things as close to original as we can. The only thing I have noticed from 25 years of doing Pontiac stuff is (all) years of Pontiac engine colors tend to turn a little Blue/Green from engine heat and oxidation over the years. Original GM engine paint was not clear coated and more prone to color change. But I would still like to see your original Pic. See If we can see the green tint to the paint.

[Aus78Formula]

Here's a few sample pics to show GM Corporate blue in original condition before darkening or fading and yellowing from heat. It's a little richer in colour and darker in the first few photos than the #1619 which appears a good match for older faded paint perhaps and even the 1977 sample at bottom, naturally variation in paint mix at the time could have occurred, especially if local restrictions on chemicals used or sprayed.

NOS 1970's 400 valve cover (Notice the GM box lid is a pretty good match):





1979 TA 403 with miles in the hundreds:




213 mile 77 TA:

http://www.hotrod.com/cars/project-v...-fresh-part-1/