Couple Paint Questions

jagnweiner

jagnweiner

Senior Member
As I prepare to take delivery of my new-to-me '47 Mercury, I'm starting to think of a few cosmetic things I'd like to do. I have a few questions about paint:

1) Is there anyone that markets touch-up paint in small quantities in factory colors (I believe this to be Pheasant Red)? I see that the paint codes are available, but I don't really want to have to have a local paint store mix up something in a quantity much larger than I need. There are a few chips that I'd like to touch up.

2) I'd like to repaint the steering wheel, because it looks a little rough. Same question, any good suppliers who have the correct color? It could either be in a rattle can or a quart that I could use in an HVLP gun.

3) The paint is coming off the top of the radiator in large chunks. Is there a particular type of paint that does well on radiators? I see that Eastwood markets a specific radiator paint. Also, is the correct finish gloss, satin or matte black?

Thanks in advance,
Scott
 
Scott......You'd have a hard time convincing me that EASTWOOD's "radiator paint" is anything special, and just guessing here, it probably ain't cheap, too! I'd feel very comfortable using an engine-type semi-gloss paint in a rattle can from the parts store. DD
 
Sounds good to me. I do kind of need to figure out why the paint is coming off of this part of an otherwise nicely restored car. I guess just poor surface prep, but I've seen photos of a few other early Ford v-8 engine bays where the radiator was shedding chunks of paint.
 
My experience with paint suppliers is that even with the original paint codes, they get close, but not close enough. The chemical composition of the paints may have or probably have changed over the years which could result in a variance to the color. Secondly, the exposure of your paint to an unknown variety of environmental conditions will have changed the appearance of your paint. I agree with V8coopman, the radiator paint isn't anything special. As for the steering wheel, I'd recommend a search on this website for steering wheel restoration. I've seen a number of people commenting on the success they have had and their experience will be your benefit.
 
hit your local paint store in your car. they will scan the paint and mix you up a correct color in a pint or gallon or even a spray bomb. ---- clean the radiator good and hit it with 'krylon semi gloss black, no primer no sealer hit the brass with the black itll last for years depending how much your hanging over, rubbing on the radiator keeping the flathead running. :)
 
Steering wheel restore.jpg
 
For the pheasant red touch up look for a match in fingernail polish department.
Buy several different ones and make sample tests on a cd or dvd disk.
Bruce
 
For gloss black, including radiator, I've been using Rustoleum's Appliance Epoxy rattle can. It comes out very nice and has a good quality nozzle on the can.

On the radiator fins, just as thin a coat as I can manage of Rustoleum satin black.

John
 
The the best transfer of heat, a standard black enamel works like OEM. The gloss level on enamel can be regular gloss or a slightly egg shell semi-gloss but I wouldn't worry about a radiator on a cosmetic stand point. I'd be more worried about a functional and reliable engine cooling system. Definitely no lacquer, it won't transfer heat well at all.

Most paint dealers won't want to sell much less than a quart these days. If you can talk them down go ahead but that has been my recent experience so I don't even ask anymore unless it is for pin striping enamel. The old paint color numbers are basically worthless now days since the paint colors aren't even in the books any more. If it is composed of primary colors, it is possible but if it is composed of random paint colors by name, it's almost impossible. A good color match person that uses the computer scan to get close and finishes by eye is the way to go. They will need a part off the car to do the match. The part needs to be s large as practicable. A fuel tank access door is better than nothing though. I've matched off a lot of parts that are near that size. A cowl vent is another good part to use. Sometimes you find the original color under there.
 
Thanks, guys. For now, I'm not planning on painting the fin area of the radiator, as the paint seems to be adhering fine there. It's just peeling off on the brass (I think) part on the top of the radiator. I'll know more when I get the car in the next few day and can do a more thorough inspection.
 
I used BBQ grill black paint on my radiator. Looks great with no gloss. Available in a rattle can at Home Depot and other big box stores.
 
Radiator paint is an asphalt based paint. I am sure just painting the top tank would be OK with any type of paint. As for the red paint clean an area and take it to an auto paint store, they can mix a Pint for you. it won't be cheap but red paint never is. The steering wheel can be painted with Acrylic enamel but would be best to remove it and keep it away from anything you don't want painted because it will get everywhere especially where you don't want it to be painted.
 
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