1937 Ford Engine Color

[Jim B]

I just picked up the Revell/Monogram 1937 Ford Delivery Truck, and it seems like a nice kit. The instructions say to paint the engine a "medium green", and a quick Yahoo! search has verified that Ford did indeed paint their engines green in 1937.

Now, my question is, what is a good match for the 1937 Ford Engine Green? The only reference pics I've really been able to find are either pics of engines that some has hot-rodded, or black & white photos. Neither of which are terribly helpful.

[Blown03SVT]

Pictures on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_flathead_V8_engine

[Ace-Garageguy]

Eric's exactly right...it's a slightly bluish, muddy gray-green.

[Jim B]

A "slightly-bluish-muddy-grey-green". Well, that sure is descriptive! Now I just have to figure out how to paint it.

[Ace-Garageguy]

This is pretty close to what it looks like fresh, but it tends to gray out a little over time.

[Jim B]

That's a nice looking engine. Are you rebuilding that one?

[Ace-Garageguy]

... Are you rebuilding that one?

Nope, it's not one of mine...just a shot I found on the web that's a good match for what we use. Easier to post that one than dig thru all of my photos right now.

[Jim B]

Ok, thanks. Is there an "off the shelf" color for this?

[Ace-Garageguy]

This is what I use for stock older flatheads, but it's a little pricey just for a model.

http://www.hirschauto.com/prodinfo.asp?number=EEA-SPRAY&variation=FORD%20GREEN

My notes say Duplicolor Detroit Diesel Alpine Green DE1618 is close (I think that's what they say), but I think it's actually a little lighter.

http://www.tcpglobal.com/SprayPaintDepot/ItemDetail.aspx?ItemNo=DUP+DE1618&gclid=CNLZ6pazjrYCFQzNnAod7xYAUg

If you have a decent hobby shop, I'm sure you can match up something about right.

[Jim B]

Thanks. I actually have some of that Detroit Diesel Alpine Green, but to me it looks a little too green. Here's a Detroit Diesel 8V71 that I painted with it:

See what I mean?

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yeah, needs a little graying down. Still, it's pretty close and could pass if there aren't any Ford fanatics looking. If you airbrush, you could decant some and mix in a little touch of black and white, mayhaps.