Engine Enamel for 1930 Chrysler Imperial?

[RoadsterRich]

Does anyone know of a source for, or the proper color codes for the engine enamel on a 1930 Chrysler L80? From the looks of things this was orginally a greenish-grayish-bluish color? (Well it is more green, but has some blue and grey tint to it). Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Rich

[Guest]

Suggest you try Bill Hirsh, who advertises in Hemmings. He has the color codes for just about every engine that was ever painted. I have his number around here somewhere, if you dont have a HEMMINGS handy.

Pete Hartmann

Big Springs, AZ

[RoadsterRich]

Thanks for the tip on Bill Hirsch. When I contacted them (Edited note: MAJOR MISTAKE HERE, my brain must have been at lunch, it was Eastwood that was not helpful at all, NOT Bill Hirsch) the salesperson that answered told me they did not offer such a color, nor were they in the business of providing color codes. Guess times have changed. I did find out from another source that the color is referred to as "Silver Green" and was used on 1930-34 Imperial 8's, as well as some 24-30 Chrysler 4's and 6's. So far it is all I have to go on, maybe I just didn't get the right person on the phone at Hirsch Auto (Edited note: Obviously not, as it wasn't them I called! DOH!), but I sure was not impressed by the person I did get. Any other leads would be most greatfully accepted.

Rich

[Guest Chuck Conrad]

You might try Bob Turnquist at Hibernia Restorations. Phone 973-627-1882. You might also call Hirsch again and ask for Bill. He is a member of CCCA and AACA, as is Bob Turnquist. One or the other of these gentlemen should be able to help you, or at least point you in the right direction.

[RoadsterRich]

Well got a personal message from Bill, he says he never made the silver-green, was a very nice letter. Must have just been a bad day for whoever I talked to on the phone. I'll try Bob Turnquist next. Thanks for the leads. Have to give Bill credit, he did take the time to personally let me know that the color was one he has never made. Definitely moved him back up a few notches in the impressed with category. My first call must have been a fluke.

Rich

[RoadsterRich]

Chuck,

Thanks again! Bob Turnquist does not produce engine paints, however he did restore a 31 Imperial using the same 'green' paint. They are researching it now, hopefully they can point me in the right direction. If his restorations are half as good as he is friendly, courteous and helpful, they must be a sight to behold.

Rich

[RoadsterRich]

Well in a follow up...

Bob Turnquist at Hibernia was unable to provide any information on the paint. He spent a bit of time and effort on his part and his staff's part trying to help me out. He called me back to tell me they were unable to locate any of the paint, or the records as to where they obtained the paint. Apparently it had been some time ago, and many of the folks involved were no longer with the company. While I am dissapointed, I must admit the courtesy and prompt response, as well as extra efforts provided by both Bob Turnquist at Hibernia and Bill Hirsch at Hirsch Auto certainly attest to the quality of people that are involved with restorations.

To end on a positive note, Bob Turnquist did give me yet another lead to someone who has restored an Imperial engine with the proper color. I'm off to track it down, I'll report my progress as it unfolds...

Thanks everyone, and in the meantime if anyone has any new ideas please let me know!

Rich

[mikzjr@aol.com]

rich the guy who rebuilt my moter has passed away but i had to touch my paint up an i found at pep boys plast-kote paint that matched if you what i will check the numbers for you. if you had this to go by any paint shop should be able to match it. mike

[Guest normandie]

I'd suggest you contact Chrysler authority Frank Kleptz of Terre Haute, Indiana. He's in the CCCA directory. Frank will tell you the correct color.

[Guest imported_sherwoodk]

The engine color for the L80 is the same as 51 Ford Meadow Green Dupont #55134. It's a gray green color.

Sherwood Kahlenberg

[Jan Arnett]

I am not familar with the green used in the 1930 Chrysler but you might take a look at the green used on earlier Dodges. If you go to Romars website and look at an engine that has been rebuilt you will get an idea of what it looks like. If it is the correct shade Romar sells it in spray cans. Try this link.

http://www.geocities.com/romardb/

Hope this helps.

<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

[RoadsterRich]

The final follow up (I think!) on this may be...

1951 Ford Meadow Green, Dupont 55134.

I have confirmed from two reputable sources that this color is the closest the 'experts' have found for matching the original engine enamel used by Chrysler. This color is a bit more grey and less 'silverish' than I anticipated. The color does however resemble some bits of color found on a couple of 1930 Imperial and several 1930 model 77 engines I have been tinkering with.

I was also informed that the term 'silver' in 1930 was used to denote a particular shade of grey, more towards the white side, rather than what we think of as silver today with its metallic look.

Now to figure out just how 'glossy' the paint would have originally been. The examples I have look like satin, but alas they are 70 years old and have seen much dirt, grime, oil, and fuel, as well as lord knows what else. I've seen the cars with the infinitly deep wet look on the block, I find it hard to believe that was the original finish, but then again my imagination isn't always on target.

Rich