Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

More and more I notice that Model "A's" are being painted in non-authentic colors and schemes. Perhaps I am more sensitive to this because I painted my Victoria in colors of my liking, not Henry Ford's.
As for paint scheme variations, I notice window reveals painted lower body color on cars that did not come from the factory that way. I also notice the top of hoods being painted upper body color, a treatment I like a lot. Perhaps the most extreme case is painting the fenders and aprons body color.

Considering barn finds, it is rare that a Model "A" is found with its original exterior colors, so the practice of repainting with non-authentic colors and schemes goes way back.

I am positive regarding deviating from Ford's factory colors and schemes. However, I am negative about using metallics and clear coats. What is your opinion?

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

Remember there ALWAYS is a next guy, who your widow, kids, or estate will attempt to sell your masterpiece to.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

I think the crazy colors fit hot-rods and kit cars better and keep the stock appearing vehicles in authentic colors. That's my 2 cents.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

well, Ive always felt that Henry had a pretty nice palate of colors on the A's. Never much cared for the chevies of the same period.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

Model A's bad such rich colors, I don't see any reason to deviate from them. Just my opinion. You see other car owners painting their non Model A's in Model A colors.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

My thought process was to have it run well, stop when the brakes were applied, and have a comfortable interior that looked good. The color scheme may be changed at sometime, but for now what I have will do. We can only do with what we have, and I have a nice car for the hobby.. JMO/kb

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

I used the original A color from when my dad bought the car new in late 1929, Andalusite Blue. But I painted the fenders the same and used One Shot-Process Blue as the pinstripe color. It is close to original, but at the same time, not at all. I did not build it to sell or build it for showing to others. I often thought of my dad as I made my decisions on various modifications. He would be happy with it I am sure. The only one who needs to be happy with the color is you.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

Author Clive Cussler has an impressive collection of cars in a museum near Denver. One room is devoted to French cars of the 1930's. Almost all of these cars have non-stock paint jobs. Lot's of pastel two tone paint jobs. The more you look at them, the more they grow on you. This is not to say that a Tudor is in the same league as a Delahay (sp?), but it was certainly refreshing to see some genuine classics with non traditional paint.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

My opinion, its your car paint it any color you want.


But, by doing so you void your right to complain when you can't sell the car for what you think it's worth.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

I was judging at a concours event when we came upon a 1920's car with a metallic paint job. The owner pitched a fit when his car did not win best in class complaining on how about how much money he spent for the paint job.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

Model T's, black only.
Model A's, not so much.
I wonder what changed Henry's mind.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

There were a lot of T's that came from the factory in colors other than black.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

I feel Edsel changed Henry's mind on this paint colors and more.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

The Model T's were painted Black as it was the fastest drying paint available at the time.

In the late 1920's fast drying lacquer paint was available, that enabled Ford to use more pleasing color schemes .

In the UK lots of pre war cars are painted white for wedding work they rent them out .
IMO they look terrible you really appreciate the color schemes that Ford used compared to them. They look so much better with the mouldings picked out in contrasting colors

Last year I saw a 29 Caddy Fordor at a show still with it's original paint it had a very similar color scheme to my original paint 29 Leatherback Fordor even the Thorne Brown was on it.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

I don't mind seeing cars in other colors, it's their car, they can paint it however they want.

However if I am painting my car, I would keep with the original colors or something close.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

Canadian and Australian Model-A's came in some pretty neat paint jobs from the factory. If you do a search here on the ..'Barn and the internet you should find some examples. One paint scheme that I remember from the late 60's early 70's on antique/classic cars that I did not particularly like is: brown fenders, tan bodies and orange wheels. Back in the late 80's I had a '30 "A" town sedan painted this way. I traded a VW 'Thing' for it and it already had the tan/brown/orange scheme on it.:o I did not keep the car long.:)


Bob-A:D

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

I find it hard to improve on the original paint colors. This opinion coming from someone who still works at the same business started 45 years ago, married to the same woman over 40 years and living on proprty that has been in our family since before the Civil War.

I am not a purist, you would know this if I explained what's hidden inside my engine and the running gear. I just prefer original colors.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

With color fading with age and sun light it is impossible to determine the exact factory colors. But this is not an excuse to not try to duplicate the original color. This is why you will see so many shades of green and blue on Model As. This is fine, it is what the hobby is all about. But, if you want to paint your fenders some color other than black or a color that can't be named in the Paint & Finish Guide, don't expect to get the highest prices that a Model A traditionalist (like myself) will pay. I look at a car with non-factory colors as a needed re-paint! Just my take. Ed

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

It is amusing that many of the responses to this post are the opinions of purists. I kind of expected lots of negative responses.
There is a recurring theme to this post that a Model "A" is devalued by non-authentic paint colors. ???? There is no way a current / recent thorough restoration will recoup its cost regardless of its colors. As for what a Model "A" is worth, that's in the eyes of the beholder.
The public and club member reactions to the colors of my 190A have been lots and all favorable.
Here's a twist. If I paint a company logo on the doors of my 190A, its colors will be correct a commercial special order.

Re: Non-Authentic Paint Colors & Schemes
 

I side with Dave and Gary on this topic.

The original colors fit the body styles. They look better to my eye done original, not painted up like some kind of clown car or college football mascot kinda thing. Leave that for the Shriners.