Topic: 68 S-Code 390--Correct Engine Paint/Color/Product?

[E35Pilot]

As a first time poster, I expect someone will point me to other (older) postings answering this question...if so, fine.  However, know that I did make a 30min effort to search and locate the answer but, it appears it was too elusive for me to find. 
I have a 1968 S-Code from San Jose built in November '67.  The engine is out of the car being rebuilt so I now have time to detail the engine compartment and prepare for painting the block and other accessories. My impression is that the engine has never been previously removed and the engine color on the block was original.  I have read quite a few postings on other sites that recommend a number of different products that claim to be the correct blue for a '68 big block. However, the color on my block is definitely lighter then the darker Ford "corporate" blue that tends to be recommended most often. 
So, regardless of what's on my engine (original or not) what color (product name/code/number) is most often accepted as original?  I'd rather work with a spray can product but could also use a premixed paint that could be brushed-on or sprayed as a last resort...I just don't have a lot of experience in a spray booth. 
So there it is....what product will provide the best "mustang-aficionado-accepted" color/finish for a '68 S-Code engine block? 
Thanks for your help!

Lee

 
             

[GT500KR]

Welcome to the site!
 I've been using PlastiKote 224 Ford Blue, with excellent results. Years ago I bought about 6 brands that looked close, (some are WAY off, Corporate Blue especially),and painted a card with the different brands. 224 was my choice. I usually have to order it online lately, most of the new chain stores don't seem to carry it anymore. (Ford quit using it in the 70's)
 Would be interesting to see if there is something better that has come along. Anybody?

[jwc66k]

Welcome to the forum. Can you explain your user ID?

I've been using PlastiKote 224 Ford Blue, with excellent results.

I use it too, in fact last Thursday doing a bit of touch-up on my water outlet. For information, from 1966 on, Ford used the same color paint on their engines, Ford Corporate Blue. Up to and including 1965 it's a whole different story.
Jim

[GT500KR]

For information, from 1966 on, Ford used the same color paint on their engines, Ford Corporate Blue.

+1 The weird thing is that often, most paints advertised as "Ford Corporate Blue" are quite a few shades off. The PlastiKote is much closer IMHO., as you have also found.

[E35Pilot]

GT500KR, thanks for the pics, the blue looks good on the block and the other pictures help me to find the correct product.  It does look darker then what's now on the engine though.  Did you use a primer?

JWC66K, while my passion hobby is most definitely automobiles (Mustangs, of course), I also own a 1954 Beechcraft E35 V-tail airplane.  Fun to fly but hits the pocketbook pretty hard.  The 68 S-Code, while not particularly cheep to restore/drive, is far more affordable and just as much fun ( most of the time!)

Unless any additional poster's wisdom sways my decision, it seems PlastiKote may be the solution.
Thanks.

[J_Speegle]

If you have to use rattle cans then Plastic-Kote will work - have used it for 30 years or so. Kind of like Duplicolor for big blocks - find it a little bit closer for those engines compared to small blocks (different assembly  plant)


Most recent engine (for me ) I choose PPG with hardener and some flattener shot from a gun

[GT500KR]

Most recent engine (for me ) I choose PPG with hardener and some flattener shot from a gun

Jeff, what is the PPG number that you like?
 
E35, I hav used epoxy primer in the past on the sheet metal parts, and it seems t work well. On the cast iron parts seems to work good with or without.
 
Charlie

[J_Speegle]

Jeff, what is the PPG number that you like?

These should help

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=2085.msg10529#msg10529


http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=788.msg4079#msg4079

[Bob Gaines]

GT500KR, thanks for the pics, the blue looks good on the block and the other pictures help me to find the correct product.  It does look darker then what's now on the engine though.  Did you use a primer?

JWC66K, while my passion hobby is most definitely automobiles (Mustangs, of course), I also own a 1954 Beechcraft E35 V-tail airplane.  Fun to fly but hits the pocketbook pretty hard.  The 68 S-Code, while not particularly cheep to restore/drive, is far more affordable and just as much fun ( most of the time!)

Unless any additional poster's wisdom sways my decision, it seems PlastiKote may be the solution.
Thanks.

As others have described the shade is a darker shade typically. Others in the past with nothing else to go by have mistakenly used the much lighter Ford blue (including some machine shops)that used on the six cyl cars and it is obviously much lighter. It was just Ford blue regardless of light or dark for many who were not that concerned.

[E35Pilot]

Thanks all, I really appreciate all your expert advice.  Keep up the great support!
Lee