Paint Question
 

Hello Mick here. I am doing some repair and refurbish type work on a 31 Coupe.
The car has what I think is the original paint in place. The paint is the copra drab and chicle drab combination. I need a quart or so of each shade to effect some touch up work on the existing paint. I have been unable to
find a supplier of these colors. I am not very familiar with paint work and
am thinking I may have to have paint custom mixed? Any suggestions or
information where to obtain some of this paint would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

Re: Paint Question
 

Hello Mick
You should look up the local automotive paint supplier.
They usually work with the body shops.
But here we just drive a car to their business.
They come out with their computer.... scan several areas of
each paint color.... and can usually make a very good match.
We can get any desired quantity. Even small touch up bottles.
Good luck to you

Gil. NoCal

Re: Paint Question
 

Thanks Gil. There are several paint suppliers in this area. I did have a supplier
scan a 40 Ford for a color match several years ago. I will drive the A to one and see
what they may come up with. I probably only need a pint of each color.

Re: Paint Question
 

Its usually important to know what type paint was used on your car . Lacquer will lift enamel if hardener wasn't used in the enamel when it was applied . Lacquer is the easiest to blend and spot paint .

Re: Paint Question
 

Most suppliers don't have lacquer any longer, except in states or local jurisdictions still allowing the higher VOC limits. TCP Global in S. Ca. can color match a dry or wet sample in acrylic lacquer and will ship out of state. They have cards for the original A colors also. Lacquer thinners used to be available for varying weather conditions and blending.

Re: Paint Question
 

Thank you Sir. That is helpful information. I am sure this coupe has original paint.
I can find no indications of any repaint having been applied.

Re: Paint Question
 

Most busy/larger body shops in this area can camera and mix their own paint.

Re: Paint Question
 

If the paint is original, it is nitrocellulose lacquer.

If you can find a supplier, this is the paint type you need.

The original color will have changed where it was exposed to the elements. Don't just get the colors mixed from a formula. Have it color matched. Then spray a test panel on a piece of sheetmetal to check the match before spraying it on the car.

Honestly, you might be better off leaving the original paint untouched, with the patina.

.

Re: Paint Question
 

I agree . If you decide to try matching , thinner paint at a little higher air pressure will often be lighter . thicker paint will usually end up darker .

Re: Paint Question
 

I am just trying to get the paint on hand. Some really off color green was brushed on
to seal some small areas that has chipped off and were showing light rust trying to
establish a hold on the body. I do intend to enlist the help of a professional painter.

Re: Paint Question
 

Hi Mick-

Congratulations on having a car with original factory paint. You belong to an exclusive club. I understand that someone did some nasty things to your paint in some small areas, so I understand your desire to fix those spots.

I'm not sure what your plans are for the car. Most folks think there are two camps...Restore, and Rod. But there is a third camp, its called Preserve.

Most car shows today and high dollar collectors (Leno for example) have a special area for unrestored cars.

I encourage you to consider keeping your car as original as possible; that is to say...'untouched', and especially the paint. Its original only once.

Alex

Re: Paint Question
 

Thanks Alex. I have had this coupe sitting in my shop for 10 years untouched.
I bought it in California while working there. Also bought a trailer and hauled it all the way to New Orleans. I am a hot rodder at heart and fully intended to build the A into
a rod. That being said I have a 40 Ford coupe that is all hot rod. Also a 32 three window
Ford coupe that is hot rod bound. The A had a knock in the motor and I was not concerned about the originality of the car at all. Now I have had a complete attitude
reconsideration regarding the coupe. I have ordered some new tires and tubes and will
probably have the wheels powdered coated. May be not? they are not rusty, just faded. Either way since i retired I mostly drive just around town and to my shop
which is two miles from home. I have grown to appreciate the A for what it is and

think it will make a fun somewhat daily driver. The only parts missing on the entire car

are the rear shock assemblies. I may just add tubular shocks and be done with that issue. I have a replacement motor and will change the clutch assembly while it is apart. I will pull the drums and check the brake condition and repair or replace as necessary.