Topic: July 1964 Dearborn undercarriage paint

[JeffD]

i am looking for the correct color to shoot my car with. in my research, i can confer that the undercarriage on my car is a bit glossier than the old krylon 1613 semi-flat black or PPGs DDL 9423. and with some old experiments i found that PPG DDL 9423 base along with a light dusting of the dark charcoal interior paint just about replicated what i saw under my car. I will also say that because of some of the oils that leaked from the car i couldnt tell 100% if this shine was due to the slop paint being a little heavier in the metallic department that day or some of the oil picking up some shine.

now, by my paint references you can tell ive either spent a ton of money on ebay for the PPG paint or had a stash from the olden days. I would like to go with PPG products, but am still at the stage i can change. From what ive read DP90 is a good alternative - though ive had people say that this will break down over time. I would prefer to use something i can shoot from my paint gun, but am not adverse to something from a ratlle can.  i think using the 9423 (if it were still available) would get me by 99% of the judges, but i want Jeff Speegle to say it is a nice car and not a pretty car

the local PPG shop has a couple options - none of them being the DP90 - to offer but theyre not concerned with originality. What is everybody using these days?

[midlife]

The DPLF products will break down if exposed to UV light over an extended period of time.  The undercarriage will see very little UV, so I imagine that it would hold up well.  Many use it in the engine compartment and that has held up over time as well. 

[JeffD]

sure would be easier to just undercoat everything  

[J_Speegle]

................. What is everybody using these days?

Sounds like you've describing batch colored floor from at least the firewall rearward as would be expected or a possibility from the data you provided. Since the exact color varied so much you will be the gauge for how close you get it to the original and how happy you are with the end results. For a judge IMHO its just getting it in the neighborhood since we didn't see what you started with.

What are others doing. Last batch car I did I started with the PPG Volkswagen color I believe I posted in one of the earlier discussions on the subject then added some left over exterior colors to tone it the direction I wanted to go and shot that. Was really happy with the finished color - and not a single judge or observer commented at it being too this or that.

[JeffD]

thanks Jeff - copying the link here so i can find it again later.
http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=5002.msg28403#msg28403

[JeffD]

and by the starting point - i meant a good base paint. like you mentioned the volkswagen color, i was talking about starting with the DP90 as others have mentioned, or in the past, the rattlecan options that many have mentioned like krylon semi-flat. thanks again

[CharlesTurner]

DP90LF is ok as a topcoat, but it does scuff easily and will turn shiny if you rub it.  I'd suggest using it as a base primer and then applying a custom mixed single-stage topcoat.  The key, though, is to try and keep from getting too heavy with the paint.

The black undercarriage stuff we see usually has a bit of a grayish appearance, not deep black.

[J_Speegle]

and by the starting point - i meant a good base paint. like you mentioned the volkswagen color, i was talking about starting with the DP90 as others have mentioned, or in the past, the rattlecan options that many have mentioned like krylon semi-flat. thanks again

You can use a primer sealer for a base for the paint or an epoxy primer.

[JeffD]

thanks Jeff - sometimes you just need a little confirmation youre on the right track-- especially since ive been away form the hobby for a while.