Paint the car like it was in the 1960s

[Ben]

This month I'm taking the 40 to the painter. I'll fix the fiberglass, adjust the panels, and repaint it.

I've decided on a metallic color, and I'd like to know how that type of color was painted back then to make it as true to the original as possible.

Did they use a single coat or a double coat? Lacquer? Gloss? Satin?

Thanks a lot

 

[Randy Folsom]

These are the Ford factory colors as of Spring 1965

 

[Rick Muck- Mark IV]

Ben,
The 40s were painted in single-stage paint. My understanding is that both enamel and lacquer were used depending on the color and the end use of the car and possibly what subcontractor painted the car. The color palate was open to most any paint color used on UK cars thus cars were painted in colors other than "Ford colors". This is why the Gulf cars were painted in Standard-Triumph colors and several cars got Rover colors. The paint was "gloss" however the finish was not as bright as the clear coat used today.

 

[Ben]

Thanks, @Randy.

I know the colors, and the decision is already made.

What I'd really like to know is how the paint was applied and what type of material they used 60 years ago.

Perhaps a painting expert can help us

 

[Ben]

Ben,
The 40s were painted in single-stage paint. My understanding is that both enamel and lacquer were used depending on the color and the end use of the car and possibly what subcontractor painted the car. The color palate was open to most any paint color used on UK cars thus cars were painted in colors other than "Ford colors". This is why the Gulf cars were painted in Standard-Triumph colors and several cars got Rover colors. The paint was "gloss" however the finish was not as bright as the clear coat used today.

This is what I need to know to tell the painter.
Thanks a lot, Rick.

 

[Lee Patterson]

It's doubtful your painter will use enamel or lacquer as neither are readily available and in many states illegal to use if you could even find it. Rick's point is they were single stage meaning there was no Base coat followed by layers of Clear coat on top of it. Most shops will only use a modern Urethane product. Your best bet is a single state urethane.

 

[Ian Anderson]

It's doubtful your painter will use enamel or lacquer as neither are readily available and in many states illegal to use if you could even find it. Rick's point is they were single stage meaning there was no Base coat followed by layers of Clear coat on top of it. Most shops will only use a modern Urethane product. Your best bet is a single state urethane.

Shin I got my car painted in the UK I was told the same thing re a base then clear coat.
I found a commercial vehicle painter and they were still using enamel and lacquer

Perhaps try a commercial vehicle paint shop they may have more flexibility on the paint choice