Topic: Convt Frame Paint (engine bay paint?)

[bryancobb]

Just finished the last coat of semigloss black on my MAR 66 Metuchen Convertible Top Frame.  I painted with PPG Concept and am VERRRY happy with the gloss level.

There's a lot of questions on gloss level.  From what I've seen on high end MCA restorations, this paint is perfect for the top frame and engine compartment.

I'll post some pictures out in the sun, as soon as it cures well.

[bryancobb]

Here's the pictures.

[CharlesTurner]

The paint finish looks nice.  Is that right out of the can or did you have to add flattener?

I have found the side pieces, all 3 sections, assembled before painting (except the latches.)  The bows were the only pieces painted separate, off the frame.

[bryancobb]

Thanks Charles,

This is a Chrysler mixed color that is right out of the can.  The jobber added whatever flattener was needed to create the Chrysler color.
As you probabably know, Cocept is a PPG Catalyzed Polyurethane so it should be tough as nails. 

I painted my engine with Concept and have 5000 miles on it now and it looks brand new.

Bryan

[CharlesTurner]

I use concept for engine bays and interiors and other bits.  Mix my own flattener though.  Good stuff.

[tomtri66]

Brian,
Would you mind sharing the paint code for Concept you used for your engine.  1966 engine color seems to be controversial and I am trying to nail down what is correct.  Thanks!

[bryancobb]

I will be GLAD to, but be aware I AM NO EXPERT and my car has never been judged.
I'll scan the label in the next few days.

I can't find the thread right now on here where I got the PPG Code.

[bryancobb]

I found it.

I had the jobber mix me a quart of Concept PPG DAR 13358 Ford Corporate Blue.
I also bought 1/2 pint of Concept Purple Tinting color because I felt from memory of seeing original engines, the 13358 needed a little purple.
I added about 3 small capfuls of the purple.

[C5ZZKGT]

Is there any truth to the fact the frames were originally done with/by Electrocoating?  Bryan, your frame looks GREAT, btw.

[tomtri66]

I will be GLAD to, but be aware I AM NO EXPERT and my car has never been judged.

Thanks for posting.  Don't sell yourself short, looks great.    But yes I understand that engine color can be tricky.  I am not ready to shoot yet but collecting information for when I do.  Want to know as much as I can on the subject before I'm ready to dive in.

[bryancobb]

Thanks for the kind words fellas.

[CharlesTurner]

Is there any truth to the fact the frames were originally done with/by Electrocoating?  Bryan, your frame looks GREAT, btw.

When one observes the black coating in areas that would be hard to reach with a conventional paint gun, it makes one wonder if they were e-coated.  I don't know for absolute sure that it was done this way, but I would not rule out at least some of the parts on the top frame being done this way.

[midlife]

I don't think electrocoating (e-coat) was available in the mid-60's. 

[CharlesTurner]

I don't think electrocoating (e-coat) was available in the mid-60's.

It was developed before the 60's

http://www.clearclad.com/clearclad_resources/ecoat.htm

[C5ZZKGT]

Charles & All: My restorer had a guy working for him that was doing the electroplating for the top frames for him......these folks are the ones who told me they were electrocoated originally-I think that Bryan has absolutely duplicated the same finish that electroplating provides, I don't think that "most" people have any clue as to what electroplating is.