Topic: What shade of gold 65 valve covers

[lead_foot]

I've just spent an hour looking thru numerous old threads. This has obviously been discussed many times, but I'm still not comfortable with what I've read. I'm doing a restoration and I want to get this right the first time.

Attached is a pic of a 65 289 engine that I just received from a rebuilder. I had asked him to use a gold engine paint on the valve covers and suggested he look at Dupli-color. What he used is the VHT engine paint. Before I proceed I want to be sure this isn't too dark.

On some of these threads I've read "honey gold", another that said it should be more bronze than light. The MCA rules just say gold. Page 5F5 in Bob Mannell's book says bronze-gold. Since my background is in the process industry all specified colors were given an RAL number (or something similar) I was looking for something more definitive.

Thanks for any comments.

[carlite65]

'shade' depends on when the engine was originally assembled. not sure of changeover date.

[CharlesTurner]

Need to know approximate build date.  There was variance in the shade.  Have not seen an original engine with the color shown in the pic.

[lead_foot]

Feb 15 1965 Dearborn 5F07C

[CharlesTurner]

Good reference here:
http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=11491.0

[lead_foot]

http://www.mustangandfords.com/how-to/paint-body/1805-get-it-right-ford-engine-paint/

Mr. Turner, do you still think the NPD paint (P/N AP-EGC) is still a good choice? Looks like I'll need to have the valve covers stripped. The air cleaner I just had it bead blasted, but I was holding off until I confirmed the color.

https://www.npdlink.com/product/paint-engine-enamel-ford-gold-exact-correct-color/142045?backurl=search%2Fproducts%3Fsearch_terms%3D%252528P%25252FN%252BAP-EGC%252529%26top_parent%3D200001%26year%3D

[ChrisV289]

Here is a comparison shot of the NPD gold color you referenced and the duplicolor gold you can buy at the auto stores.

[jwc66k]

Which is which?
Jim

[ChrisV289]

NPd color one is installed on the car.

[CharlesTurner]

Mr. Turner, do you still think the NPD paint (P/N AP-EGC) is still a good choice? Looks like I'll need to have the valve covers stripped. The air cleaner I just had it bead blasted, but I was holding off until I confirmed the color.

Without color matching original valve covers/air cleaner, the NPD paint is reasonably close.

[lead_foot]

Thanks for your help. I'm going to change those valve covers. Since I'll take it down to bare metal, do you recall if this paint requires a primer?

[CharlesTurner]

Thanks for your help. I'm going to change those valve covers. Since I'll take it down to bare metal, do you recall if this paint requires a primer?

You'll want to use something like an epoxy primer and topcoat within 48 hours for the best adhesion.

[CKF1962]

I am also about to paint a '65 289, but NPD shows the OnmiFill "out of stock" and quite frankly I don't want to paint any surface that is smooth and visible to the eye with a rattle can; and especially not gold.

Has anyone tried the PPG26635 mentioned in the article?

K