Factory Engine Colors

jonstringer · 04-24-2008, 10:19 PM

How do I find out the factory correct colors for an oldsmobile engine? I have a 1970 455ci in a 1972 Cutlass S. Should I paint it the '72 color, or the '70 color? They could be the same, but that's why I go to the experts... If I'm painting an engine, I might as well do it right.

59-59-59 · 04-24-2008, 10:34 PM

This is the one topic that gets me mad..Paint it what color you want! You will have people that say "well this bronze, red, blue , gold, color has too much metallic in it". My question is this.. DO YOU THINK OLDSMOBILE HAD ANY QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTORS LOOKING AT THE CORRECT SHADE OF ENGINE PAINT????

Eddie Hansen · 04-25-2008, 04:31 AM

I would go with the 72 color which I believe is the metallic blue..

Oldsguy · 04-25-2008, 04:58 AM

59-59-59 has a point, unless you are completely restoring the car (which you probably aren't) then paint it what you wish. I would say this however, if possible paint it out of the car, if not take extra care in cleaning and use good engine enamel. I have even used brush on paint on an engine and you really don't get visible brush marks because there are so many compound surfaces on an engine that they just don't show. Pick the one you like the best and go for it.

Olds64 · 04-25-2008, 05:01 AM

The brush on paint Oldsguy used is also very durable. I know the paint he used was POR 15 with a base coat. Some other people might be able to attest to its quality and durability.

droptopron · 04-26-2008, 09:23 PM

I beleive both '70 & '72 big blocks were metallic blue

72EPCutlass · 04-27-2008, 07:06 PM

jonstringer, Your are all over it, do the job right and paint it the original color which is blue. Fusik's (www.fusick.com) has the paint and lists it by year and engine size. 2 spray cans should be enough. One more thing, after painting, vehicle operation you will usally have heat discoloration near the exhaust manifolds and near the choke stove area.

jonstringer · 05-06-2008, 01:35 PM

I'm not planning to do a full restoration, that is true. Part of the reason I enjoy classic vehicles are the differences that make them unique. When I built model cars, i meticulously chose the correct colors of exterior, interior, and engine paint so when you popped the little hood, you could see a difference. I'm not restoring it, but I do want it to keep it's original identity. Oldsmobile is a very obscure division, so I'm doing my part to keep it obscure.

04-24-2008, 10:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
jonstringer Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 27	Factory Engine Colors How do I find out the factory correct colors for an oldsmobile engine? I have a 1970 455ci in a 1972 Cutlass S. Should I paint it the '72 color, or the '70 color? They could be the same, but that's why I go to the experts... If I'm painting an engine, I might as well do it right.

04-25-2008, 04:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
Eddie Hansen Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South River, New Jersey Posts: 56	I would go with the 72 color which I believe is the metallic blue.. __________________ "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." Benjamin Franklin

04-25-2008, 04:58 AM	#4 (permalink)
Oldsguy Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 2,553	59-59-59 has a point, unless you are completely restoring the car (which you probably aren't) then paint it what you wish. I would say this however, if possible paint it out of the car, if not take extra care in cleaning and use good engine enamel. I have even used brush on paint on an engine and you really don't get visible brush marks because there are so many compound surfaces on an engine that they just don't show. Pick the one you like the best and go for it. __________________ Dan '46 2 door

04-25-2008, 05:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 1,088	The brush on paint Oldsguy used is also very durable. I know the paint he used was POR 15 with a base coat. Some other people might be able to attest to its quality and durability. __________________ "Some men are Baptists, others Catholics. My father was an OLDSMOBILE man." Ralphie Billingsley A Christmas Story 1983 "We rei-eign, supreme, ooooh god! Burrito supreme, and a chicken supreme, and a CUTLASS SUPREME!" Tenacious D 2007

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04-24-2008, 10:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
59-59-59 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 114	This is the one topic that gets me mad..Paint it what color you want! You will have people that say "well this bronze, red, blue , gold, color has too much metallic in it". My question is this.. DO YOU THINK OLDSMOBILE HAD ANY QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTORS LOOKING AT THE CORRECT SHADE OF ENGINE PAINT????

04-26-2008, 09:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
droptopron Keepin it real is hard wo Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 13	I beleive both '70 & '72 big blocks were metallic blue

04-27-2008, 07:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
72EPCutlass Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 13	jonstringer, Your are all over it, do the job right and paint it the original color which is blue. Fusik's (www.fusick.com) has the paint and lists it by year and engine size. 2 spray cans should be enough. One more thing, after painting, vehicle operation you will usally have heat discoloration near the exhaust manifolds and near the choke stove area.

05-06-2008, 01:35 PM	#8 (permalink)
jonstringer Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 27	I'm not planning to do a full restoration, that is true. Part of the reason I enjoy classic vehicles are the differences that make them unique. When I built model cars, i meticulously chose the correct colors of exterior, interior, and engine paint so when you popped the little hood, you could see a difference. I'm not restoring it, but I do want it to keep it's original identity. Oldsmobile is a very obscure division, so I'm doing my part to keep it obscure.

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