I have long thought that the best engine paint match for the 455 was the no longer available Martin-Senour (NAPA) # MS 7959. I have two partial cans left. This subject has been addressed before but I cannot find the resolution.

I have three 1970 cars bought new, two 98s and a 442. I believe the Thornton formula is too dark. Tamraz's is too metallic and noticeably lighter. I also have 71 VC and a 14,000 mile 72 98 to use as reference also. There appears to be some variance. The answer may be that there was more than one shade used. Early and late? 1970 only and then 71 up?

What's the conventional wisdom here? Fusick has a formula, but I have never used it - and there are others. Perhaps only relabeled cans of one of the known ones.

The NAPA cap tops below only reasonably approximate the sprayed out color - it's lighter.

 

FWIW here's a freshly painted 70 455 with paint from Fusick

 

The conclusion was that paint suppliers accounted for much of the factory color variation. Spray technique would certainly have been a factor too. There was also a bit of variation from year-to-year. However, the variation among current suppliers is much wider than among factory paint suppliers.

 

This is a basecoat of Tamraz, which didnt look right, so I covered it with Fusick's. I think it is close.
It might look a tad dark because there was just one lightbulb on in the garage.

 

Bill HIrsch is really good. Most people say it is one of the closest. Take a look. I have used it for my 54 but make no guarantees. Here is a link.

https://www.hirschauto.com/ENGINE-EN...LDZ%20MET%20B/

 

My 71 VC, the 72 98 and the 73 98 appear to have identical color. Here are some engine pics of the original 72 98 - 14,000 mile car. Clearly the flash wash-out renders some parts of the images un-useable, but nonetheless some useful data.

 

Alas! The search for the elusive Martin-Senour NAPA MS 7959 equivalent paid off! Buried in an earlier 2020 thread here, was reference to a "very close" OldsPart.com spray can. Low and behold I found this: Blue Engine Paint, 455 - OldsParts.com Better was the text description:

"This 100% correct paint has been matched to the old Martin Senour #7959. Guaranteed to be the correct color blue and to pass judging at any OCA event. This durable formula resists temperatures up to 500 Degrees F intermittently and produces a superior finish that will not blister, flake, crack or peel. Resistant to oil and other automotive fluids. Comes in a 11 oz aerosol spray can."

Most of this wording is a direct lift from the old NAPA MS-7959 can.
Took all day but a can is on the way for a test match with my 70 98, the 71 VC, the 72 98 and the 73 455.

EFFORT = RESULTS!! :-)

 

Got this paint from Oldsparts.com, sprayed flawlessly, looks as good on correct color as any.

 

It's Bill Hirsch paint for me and my '70 442.

 

Wish he had the 455 red.

 

Thorntons on mine

 

I was under the impression your car was a 4-speed W30. I could be wrong though?

 

TS engine code, check
Z-bar, check
Positive battery cable, whoops

 

It is a 4 speed w30, if the shroud put a doubt on you, realize its the correct top plate but added shroud. Any doubt expand the pic, you will see the clutch rod coming thru to the zbar

 

lol, yea I need to buy the correct battery cables..

 

Andy, just checking out your sense of humor; glad to see you have one

 

yea, I have a pretty good sense of humor..lol.. when you make as many mistakes as I do ya got to be forgiving on yourself lol. Yea sometimes I get my *** all hunched up, then I realize, WTF, why? 😂🤣