Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Early V8 (1932-53)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-28-2019, 05:49 AM   #1
GOSFAST
Senior Member
 
GOSFAST's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 1,052
Default Engine Paint-1953 Merc

Does anyone up here know if the "Detroit-Diesel" Alpine-Green paint is close to the original Merc color? I don't need it to be a perfect match, just close!

I called Hirsch first, they want 50.00 for 2 spray cans, shipped, tells me it is the correct OEM color though!

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. If this works I can get 6 cans (a case) of the Alpine shipped for under 50.00!
GOSFAST is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2019, 06:20 AM   #2
WABOOM
Senior Member
 
WABOOM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 347
Default Re: Engine Paint-1953 Merc

It is close. It's a little bit lighter, and appears more glossy when dry. If both are not next to each other, you'd never know.
WABOOM is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 09-28-2019, 06:31 AM   #3
mfirth
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: ohio
Posts: 986
Default Re: Engine Paint-1953 Merc

I have used Hirsch paint [quart] & brushed it on. No brush marks, correct sheen and very durable. mike
mfirth is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2019, 07:03 AM   #4
tjw
Senior Member
 
tjw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 244
Default Re: Engine Paint-1953 Merc

Painted with the Detroit Green paint
Attached Images
File Type: jpg paint 1.jpg (31.6 KB, 33 views)
File Type: jpg paint 2.jpg (47.1 KB, 34 views)
File Type: jpg 3.jpg (50.5 KB, 65 views)
tjw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2019, 08:30 AM   #5
Merc Cruzer
Senior Member
 
Merc Cruzer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Posts: 2,421
Default Re: Engine Paint-1953 Merc

Quote:
Originally Posted by GOSFAST View Post
Does anyone up here know if the "Detroit-Diesel" Alpine-Green paint is close to the original Merc color? I don't need it to be a perfect match, just close!

I called Hirsch first, they want 50.00 for 2 spray cans, shipped, tells me it is the correct OEM color though!

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. If this works I can get 6 cans (a case) of the Alpine shipped for under 50.00!
The problem is that computer monitors don't show the actual color. I have included a picture of the thermostat housing with the original color on one half (left) and Detroit Diesel Alpine Green on the other half (right), to give to a better idea of the color match. With two 53' Mercs sitting side by side, you can't tell the difference in color.

I painted my engine with it 5 years ago and it has held up beautifully. I bought mine at the local auto parts store: NAPA Auto Parts, they carry it in the store.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCN0241.jpg (72.3 KB, 53 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN5122.jpg (53.5 KB, 70 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN6887.jpg (47.2 KB, 46 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN9485.jpg (36.2 KB, 48 views)
File Type: jpg DSCN5522.jpg (71.7 KB, 52 views)

Last edited by Merc Cruzer; 09-28-2019 at 08:47 AM.
Merc Cruzer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2019, 09:54 AM   #6
GOSFAST
Senior Member
 
GOSFAST's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 1,052
Default Re: Engine Paint-1953 Merc

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Appreciate all the replies, especially the pictures!

We decided to order the 6/case and finish up. The color is close enough for our purpose here.

If this were a 100% correct restoration my friend who owns a resto shop would "read" the original paint (he uses some sort of light meter) and mix us the 100% correct color. Unnecessary on what I need for now over here.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. The idea to show a comparison between the colors on a "monitor" is a real good one for sure. Sort of "fail-safe" so to speak! I'm also sure the "real" OEM color after 65+ years in service has probably faded just a bit??
GOSFAST is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2019, 10:00 AM   #7
Merc Cruzer
Senior Member
 
Merc Cruzer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Posts: 2,421
Default Re: Engine Paint-1953 Merc

Quote:
Originally Posted by GOSFAST View Post
Appreciate all the replies, especially the pictures!

We decided to order the 6/case and finish up. The color is close enough for our purpose here.

If this were a 100% correct restoration my friend who owns a resto shop would "read" the original paint (he uses some sort of light meter) and mix us the 100% correct color. Unnecessary on what I need for now over here.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. The idea to show a comparison between the colors on a "monitor" is a real good one for sure. Sort of "fail-safe" so to speak! I'm also sure the "real" OEM color after 65+ years in service has probably faded just a bit??
Engine heat will also change the color slightly.
Merc Cruzer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-01-2019, 08:34 AM   #8
GOSFAST
Senior Member
 
GOSFAST's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 1,052
Default Re: Engine Paint-1953 Merc

I brought this back to show the "Alpine-Green" paint color.

Ended up buying the case/6 for under 50.00 shipped. Certainly beats the 20.00/can price (+ shipping) we were quoted!

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. Figured I put a shot here of the right and left OEM Merc water pumps just painted, this is all we were aiming to do, looks excellent as far as me and my customer are concerned?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Flathead Ford-Merc OEM Water Pumps-Painted.JPG (75.3 KB, 61 views)

Last edited by GOSFAST; 10-01-2019 at 01:14 PM. Reason: C
GOSFAST is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-01-2019, 12:30 PM   #9
rotorwrench
Senior Member
 
rotorwrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 16,369
Default Re: Engine Paint-1953 Merc

The Hirsch stuff I used some years ago was exact for my 51 but I didn't use the rattle can stuff. I have since used the Duplicolor stuff on several occasions and am not impressed with the quality. The color is just slightly more blue than the OEM was is 51. The OEM has a touch more yellow for a better cast of light green. The color difference is miniscule I know but I'm just picky. I don't like rattle can paint for engines. It just never seems to hold up as well as the good old enamel in a regular can that can be reduced further if needed.
rotorwrench is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2019, 09:35 AM   #10
JSeery
Member Emeritus
 
JSeery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Wichita KS
Posts: 16,132
Default Re: Engine Paint-1953 Merc

I really like the way Hirsch brush on paints flow out.
JSeery is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2019, 04:36 AM   #11
Red98
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 60
Default Re: Engine Paint-1953 Merc

Local NAPA will mix any color, factory chip or custom color for $28 into a rattle can. Takes about hour and requires a special machine and clerk attendance at 2-day t training camp stores can comply.so not all stores will have it.
Red98 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:17 PM.