Danp76

Hi guys, does anyone have an automotive paint code for the correct shade of blue paint for a 1971 455 engine? I realize that there are aerosol spray cans available, but I'd rather spray it with automobile paint. I didn't know if anyone had an automobile paint code that would be an accurate representation. I would like to spray an activated paint/catalyzed automotive paint on my engine, instead of an spray can. Thank you.

Olds64

I wouldn't think a paint designed for auto body wouldn't work on an engine. Even an engine paint bought from a parts store is designed to withstand higher temperatures. Auto body paint would probably burn off and deteriorate when you break in the engine.

FWIW, I used POR15 on my engine and it worked well. Unfortunately, there isn't a correct Oldsmobile blue color. I know there are spray can engine paints out there that are "darn close" to Oldsmobile blue.

Danp76

From the pictures that I have seen of the 455 blue, it looks as if Lemans Blue is pretty close in color...is it? Other paint suggestions? Again, I'd rather not aerosol it. Worst case scenario, I can buy a spray can, make a spray-out card and match from there...anyone already do this?

Danp76

I have painted several engines with automobile paint and it's much more durable then the cheap single-stage enamel you get in a spray can. I just wanted to know if anyone has matched a spray can to an automotive paint color code.

midrange

Try this thread:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...int-found.html

I went with Hirsch, haven't used it yet, engine won't be back until later this week, so I can't give a review personally, but others have given them a thumbs up.

76 Regency

I just finished painting my motor with Hirsch Olds 455 Metallic Blue and I think it looks awesome. Years ago I painted it with paint I had matched to an original valve cover and the Hirsch paint is very, very close to that. I did a combination of brush and spray painting. I brushed the cast parts, sprayed the stamped parts like the valve covers, timing cover, etc and then sprayed over the whole thing with a top coat after it was all together. This pic is just after I finished the final coat. It's actually a bit darker than it looks in this picture but I don't have the more recent pics on this computer. I'll post them when I can.

Danp76

Great Job! How did you prep the engine prior to painting? Does the Bill Hirsch paint contain an activator? Did you have to reduce it to spray it, and if so, with what?

455man

I used the fusicks paint

Olds64

Both of those engines look really good.

Mine is similar to 455man's. I painted the block and water pump blue and installed an aluminum intake, valve covers and oil pan. I wish I could post a pic.

72 w29 all green

It sounds like you're referring to the PPG / Ditzler 2083. I remember a thread or two on realoldspower.com about that blue and people were pretty happy with it.

76 Regency

Thanks! Didn't need to thin it. I used a quart to brush it and aerosol cans to spray. Here's a more recent pic with some bolt on items. I used lots of purple power and some wire wheels to get it clean and ready for paint.

oldsonharmont

Do you just spray the enamel directly on a new or cleaned part, or is there such a thing as a high temp primer?

442rocketdave

Dupont Imron is tough enough to paint your engine and it will just about never come off or turn and it stays glossy, if you cannot get that Amerflint was really good and it has changed its name but most paint stores know what the new name is if they are affiliated with PPG. There are many paints out there but use one that is activated and single stage so you dont have to use clear. Most shops can scan a part that is painted the correct color blue and match it! Do it once and be done with it!!

76 Regency

You can paint right on bare metal but for parts like valve covers, they recommend primer. Nothing specific really, I used rustoleum clean metal primer and it looks amazing.

TWP442

I bought my paint from Tamraz and it worked very nice, but break-in burnt some of it off the cylinder head. Could be my error, not enough coats. Looks great tho!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oldsmobile-B...536690&vxp=mtr