JCMC64

I've seen a good chunk of the 455 engine paint color threads on C.O. but they are all pretty older threads.

I've gathered 3 consensus paint brands from the other threads, but those are from 2010-14 timeframes.

(You can click Brand titles, their updated current working hyperlinks)

Fusicks http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=EP100

Bill Hirsch
https://www.hirschauto.com/mobile/AEROSOL-ENGINE-ENAMEL/productinfo/EEA-SPRAY/OLDZ%20MT%20BL/

Thornton
https://www.thorntonmusclecars.com/product-page/455-blue-metallic-engine-paint

And has anyone tried Eastwood?
Eastwood
https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-ceramic-engine-paint-amc-metallic-blue-quart.html

Which is the one you've used and reccomend?
There are others that people mentioned, but above seemed the consensus in distant past.

I've also seen post that say the more Urethane in the paint the longer it will last. Comments?

Past threads:
2011
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/big-blocks-2/correct-455-blue-engine-paint-found-27794/

2013- Good thread with pics
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/big-blocks-2/455-engine-paint-67805/

vette442

I've used Fusick's blue on four of my 455 cars in the past 6 years (looks beautiful and very similar shade to Thornton's) BUT I'm starting to think that Brothers has the actual correct blend after comparing back to some unrestored originals and having people go at it in similar threads here and in the Facebook Olds pages.

Pics are Fusick's blue in the top pic after detailing last fall; and what I believe is the more correct shade on the same car in the pic at the bottom (painted 10+ years ago by the prior owner, not sure whose paint it was).

Terry

JCMC64

Thanks Terry.
Big difference. Generally I like the darker shade.
I see the more Aqua, lighter shade in 2nd pic, like others have repeatedly mention.
I've never seen an original nice painted clean engine.
Plenty of nasty ones though, lol. And repainted ones.
Jim

VC455

Here's original, not nice, but a bit on an oil pan removed in 1973 from a 1970 Lansing 442. I bought this car from the original owner who drove it in the winter salt (obviously).

I'm posting this as a color example. There may have been many paint suppliers, however.

In 1975, I had Sherwin-Williams mix 455 engine color using the Oldsmobile color number so I could repaint the engine. The balance of green and blue looked like this as well.

green1972

Brothers 30 years ago had a very close to original color the blue with a little green hue, the next time I bought it from them it wasnt even close, and then the typical Brothers issues , stopped buying from them

RetroRanger

I used thorntons, it looks very close to terrys fusick picture, ill try to find a pic

JCMC64

Thx for the replies.

Seems like it's down to Fusicks and Thornton, with Hirsch a close second.

I got two 455s to paint. One is a hipo non stock 455 for a Cutlass S. For this one, I like the richer colors. The other is a slightly modified one for a 442...think I want to go as original as I can on that one. Thx. Jim

rickw30

This is Bill Hirsch rattle can. Painted 2 years ago. Engine was run for about 1k miles. I liked the color when it was first applied but seems to turn more green with heat cycles.
Does anyone offer a quart can other than Hirsch. I think spraying from the gun has better results.

My442

Supercars Unlimited has a high quality paint,

JCMC64

How many coats did you lay? Thin or thick?

rickw30

2 thin + 1 medium. 3 total.

JCMC64

Thanks.
Any pics when first sprayed?

rickw30

I still have a can of Hirsch from that batch and a new can of Fusick. I'll find the time to spray both next to each other for comparison. I'm close to finishing my build and have to make a decision on color.

JCMC64

Most excellent!👍👍

JCMC64

My Hi Perf 455 is done and ready to install, needs paint first too so above would be perfect, updated side by side comparisons.

rickw30

Left side is Fusick. Right side is Hirsch.
Top is outside in sun light. Bottom is in garage with natural light.
Both from rattle can. Both 3 coats. (2 light coats, 1 medium.) 65 degrees, 50 humidity.Fusick:
More on the blue side, doesn't seem to have any turquoise,More metallic
Goes on thinner and dries faster.
Needed 3 coats for true colorMore sheen than Hirsch
Hirsch:
​​​​​​More turquoise blueSlightly less metallicGoes on thicker and dries slowerTrue color achieved in 2 coatsSlightly less sheen than Fusick.

I'm confused.... ! The Fusick paint is very appealing. But is it correct. Not in my opinion. It needs a little turquoise. On the other hand, the Hirsch paint seems to have to much turquoise and need a little bit of blue. Still a nice color.
I don't know..... What is the original color !?

RetroRanger

Both look good imo. Thanks for the visual rick. Which is correcter IDK. I do prefer the fusick paint

the fusick looks closer to the original paint posted above.

i wouldnt be surprised if there was more than one supplier for paint based on location. I also wouldnt be surprised if GM aka gm put less thought into this than we do

rickw30

Yeah... I guess I'm letting it get to me. I just have to pick a color, do it and live with it. I always thought the color had a little hint of green to it.

VC455

Here is the paint can from 1975 showing drips and formula. It's more blue than I recalled--but similar to Fusick's current offering. It's lacking some of the turquoise shown in the original oil pan picture.

JCMC64

Thx Rick. That pretty much settles it. This one is a restomod so Fusicks it is.😎

JCMC64

Or Thortons! Lol 🤦🏻‍♂️🤣