Mark II Paint Colors

[Chuck Lutz]

I'm getting ready to order a reproduction steering wheel since mine over 54 years hasn't held up that well :). It's all cracked and faded to a funny green.
I need to supply a color chip to them to match for the wheel and matching shift knob, turn signal and door handles. Of course I understand that adage about horseshoes and hand grenades but I'm sure close would be good in this case.
I'm probably going match the leather on the dash which has been re-done. The car color is a #15 - Medium Blue (some places called a Fairmont Blue). While I'm pretty sure the paint outside is original with all the patina, it has been touched up in places some of the interior painted colors have a deeper tint, probably from the lack of sun fade.
Ok, I'll get to the point of the post. Where can we get the correct paint colors and associated chips that go with the original Mark II colors. My "blue" is referenced in Buddy's book as having a GM cross reference to a 70's car. I'd love to see the "really" correct color #15 medium blue was.

[depmike38]

Chuck, there are several people on ebay that sell individual sheets out of the old body shop color books. I've been meaning to get one myself so I can get a formula number and spray out a larger color chip. Doesn't seem like they were very expensive.

[naifmakol]

Hi, unfortunately no exterior color chips were ever produced by paint companies for the Continental MK II except for the large showroom/dealer manuals.
Naif Makol

[Chuck Lutz]

I think you're probably correct. I mistakenly bought a color chart advertised on Ebay as 1955 Merc / Continental colors for $9. Continental wasn't even on the sheet. I don't think it was deceptive just what the person thought at the time.
In the Authenticity Manual there are cross-references to various color matching system (such as Pantone) and references to later years where the color was used on other car and called something else. There are also crosses for the leather colors as well.
Interestingly, the original Mark II colors never had fancy names in 1956. Just Black, White, Light Blue, Med Blue etc. Later, toward the beginning of the 57 model year there were 3 colors that were dropped and for the "iridescent" colors.

[Barry Wolk]

I believe there are paint samples in the Mark II Authenticity Manual offered by the LCOC. I'll have to check when I get home.

[Mad Scientist]

Go to local paint store grab a bunch of color chips that are close to the color, then place then on the car and pick the one that is the closest match. :)

[Chuck Lutz]

Barry, I have the Manual but the color chip, for my color at least looks off. I wondered if the age or printing changes it. The more I look at my car the more I think that somewhere along the line it was re-painted to more of a Light Blue. (Mad, that's why I don't try to match it with chips) There are parts on the interior like the cowl metal on the tunnel and the glove box that are darker than the outside but not as dark as what is shown in the Manual. In fact the manual has a disclaimer about print vs. true color. The Pantone color referenced in the manual is also not a number my friend can find in his Pantone charts. Bottom line... I like the color as is and I'll probably spend some money touching it up here and there. I, for one, like the patina of a 50 some driver that still looks damn good. Not a 100pt car by any drug induced stretch but it's fun to own.

[Huffstutler]

Not sure if this will help? 1956 and 1957 colors are basically the same. No chips that I have found, just this list.

http://www.tcpglobal.com/autocolorlibrary/chips/1956-lincoln-pg03.jpg

http://www.tcpglobal.com/autocolorlibrary/chips/1957-lincoln-pg03.jpg

[Shawn Newcomb]

The carpet looks to be replacement, but I'll buy the interior as original. Any thoughts on the originality of the paint? If so what would the paint and trim code read for this car? I'm not sure what to call these two colors.

http://www.myclassiccarcollection.com/LNC-1956-001.html

[AU_MK2]

Hi Guys
Just a thought you can shoot it down in flames if you wish

Is there a place for a picture reference of original Mark II colors (LOOK Barry I can spell in American :D) so anyone who is repainting their car of changing color can reference what the car will look like?
Also pictures of original interior colour (couldn't keep it up too long) combination's.

I'm a member of Squaredbirds forum and it is a good reference, well to me it is and I'm sure others as well

[Don Keller]

Richard,

Now you need to work on "colour". Just kidding. You have my vote since I need to repaint my hood and I can't get the paint info from the previous owner. In addition to being able to see the colors, a listing of any paints still made that match it (like in Lowell's book), and, if possible, the formulaes would be great IMO. I think it's a good idea, maybe one of the professional restorers/painters already has the info and it could be posted??

Don Keller
C56R3838
Jackson, TN

[AU_MK2]

That's all well and good Gary but it's not a true representation of the colour, I think pictures are better in this case

[Doc]

it's not a true representation of the colour, I think pictures are better in this case

The older LCOC authenticity books have a page or two of Mark II color chips, but due to the inherent limitations of printed colors in that format, they're not really all that useful for more than a general guide. I think you're right, if every member with an original color were to post a photo of their car taken in good light, we'd probably have a more definitive representation of what the cars look like in the various colors.

I can't be much help, but here's a start. This what they look like in black.:D
http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz238/markii1956/IMG_3246.jpg

[crystal59]

All right then. Here is dark blue with medium blue interior. Garyhttp://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab251/crystal5959/d6a02e6c.jpghttp://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab251/crystal5959/c62c5b58.jpghttp://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab251/crystal5959/1656c1d5.jpghttp://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab251/crystal5959/5c1873db.jpghttp://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab251/crystal5959/e90f496c.jpg

[AU_MK2]

Now that's what I had in mind
Think I'm gonna get crucified now can we have the colour and interior codes for completeness......Please

Thought I better add something seeing as I started it
Colour 08 Deep Bronze
Interior 1B6H White biscuits, white bolsters, med beige welts

[crystal59]

That is a beautiful car. Even more beautiful without the skirts. This is one car that does not need to be jazzed up. It is regal on its own. Just my opinion. Gary

[Rick Payton]

White with White and Med. Beige

[Don Keller]

Okay, now how are members to use the picture of Richard's beautiful Deep Bronze Mark II? If just to know what the color should look like in a picture, fine. But how is another member to have his car re-painted the correct Deep Bronze Mark II color as represented in the picture? I really don't believe that the man at the counter would be able to look it up by name and mix it up by a stated formula and compare it to Richard's picture with accuracy. From my limited experience, I don't think the paint shop can use their color reader to replicate the color from a picture. If so, great, or if there's a paint company that sells Deep Bronze Mark II with the original formula and ingrediants, knowing what company would certainly help. I'll ask them for a copy of the formulas for the other Mark II colors while I'm at it and post them.

My '57 was originally black, but the only place you'll find that black on the car is under the window chrome. It was repainted to what I believe is Medium Gray Irredescent. Every picture I see of a gray/silver Mark II looks different. I know that just the way it's mixed and sprayed can make a significant difference. If I knew that Dupont Lucite #........ in acrylic or XYZ may be substituted, is the correct mix for Medium Gray Irredescent as originally produced, great. I wouldn't be too concerned about the shade if it was repainted by a top notch lacquor painter, and that I hadn't spent thousands of dollars for a "similar color" and with enamel that's far superior, in their opinion.

This may not be what Richard has in mind or maybe most of you have original paint that's in excellent shape. I just wonder what the person who is professionally restoring a Mark II does to order the paint. For fifty thousand or so, I would want it correct. How does the painter find out? How do you guys know when you buy the paint?

Don Keller
C56R3838
Jackson, TN

[Doc]

Don is correct, of course, that this type of "catalog" of Mark II colors won't be of much use to a painter, but I think part of Richard's interest was simply to see what the car looks like in its various stock colors so that he and others might decide what color they would prefer--whether they're repainting or simply considering the purchase of another Mark II. For that purpose, these types of photos might be helpful.

Hopefully someone with some experience in paint and body can help with the issue of identifying correct formulas for repaints for those who are seeking authenticity.

[AU_MK2]

Thanks for the input guys

Pete your right on the money with that one
As someone who has yet to get a Mark II .... Ummm yes Don that's not my car as the $$ were too high..... I'm trying to establish what other colours interest me as I'm very particular on that point.

There was a previous post re paint colours with code numbers
http://www.markiiforum.com/showthread.php?t=300&highlight=paint+color

Whether these are still relevant in this day and age I don't know
I have to agree with Don on the difference in paints and application as that can vary an incredible amount

[AU_MK2]

Can't dispute that dark colours do look great. I have 2 black cars at the moment and most seem to have red interior and that's something I can't deal with...just a personal thing... red with black looks stunning I just couldn't be in the drivers seat

[Pat Marshall]

Previously I had mentioned that I was going to change my 3610 from 10 - Medium Brown (aka Beige) to 14 - White. Well, after looking at the pictures of the beautiful 08 - Deep Brown (aka Bronze) Iridescent cars, I'm changing direction.

Now, I need to come up with a source for the paint. I don't think the chips in the Authenticity Manual are accurate. I have the original sample book and I'm not sure that chip is sufficient, either.

In 1985 Buddy Holiday reported that Dupont #4271, which was a match for 08, was used on the "1962 Chrysler #S". However I haven't found anything that's more current.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Milsteads Garage]

I am also changing my car to Bronze as well. How I intend to do it is take a sample down to an automotive paint store and let them match it accordingly. They also have samples on hand of current paint colors you can go by to get a close match. In Tucson, there are several dealers selling different brands of paint. Believe it or not, I buy all of my paint from NAPA auto parts. They have the crossfire brand by Martin-Senoiur in either a solid or a base/clear option and so far I have had great results in matching and durability. Another paint brand I absolutely love using is Chromabase by Dupont. Great top of the line paint but highly expensive, usually about $1000 to $1500 for an entire system from primer to clear as Napa runs half of that. Keep in mind, if you use a base/clear on a dead original color, it will wake a color up adding depth and sheen to it and it will no longer appear as original as the case with car #2990.

[Pat Marshall]

I am also changing my car to Bronze as well. How I intend to do it is take a sample down to an automotive paint store and let them match it accordingly.

Yes, but where are you getting your reliable sample from? I don't trust the chips and don't have a hood to take in. :D

[Joseph Stebbins]

Yes, but where are you getting your reliable sample from? I don't trust the chips and don't have a hood to take in. :D

Have you tried contacting you paint manufacturer?

For my 39 I gave PPE the Dupont Code for Zephyr Maroon and the Intermix code from Ford and they gave my painter the code for their paint. He made up a stock mix and 2 "tweeked" colors shot on to 4x8 sheetmetal samples. We chose the stock color and the car came out great. I hope to get it back in a few weeks to start assembly.

[Pat Marshall]

I (carefully) took my Details Book to our local paint expert. He took several pictures of the color sample in the book, but they didn't come out looking quite the same as the color sample. He ran a computer search for cars that used that color and found a couple matches. But we both feel that the color isn't an exact match.

[Milsteads Garage]

With my experiences in metallic paints, it is damn near impossible to get a 100% match. Even if you have a production color, two different batches can be a shade off from one another even though they are supposed to be mixed the same. I have had cases to where I have painted a car with the fenders and doors removed, painted them using the contents out of the same can and had them be slightly off a shade when re-assembled. Another factor might be the paint becoming lighter or darker when it dries. Even the spray pattern of your paint gun can make a metallic look lighter or darker depending on how wide you set your fan pattern. Whether this is done in a single stage or a base/clear system, pick a result that best suits you and make sure you buy enough to keep some for touch up repairs. Also, make sure all of the panels are on your car so that way the metallic flows well when painting.

What I intend to do with my car is do the same thing that was done to C56E2990. The car seems to be based off of the original Bronze but I believe something was added to make it change between Bronze and Burgundy. This might be the effect of doing an original metallic color in a base/clear system or there might be pearl or a flop agent in the color because it really wakes it up according to the photographs.

[Roger Zimmermann]

With my experiences in metallic paints, it is damn near impossible to get a 100% match. Even if you have a production color, two different batches can be a shade off from one another even though they are supposed to be mixed the same.
The first time I did vacation in the US (1979), I rented a Buick Regal. As you probably know, the body was painted in one factory and the front clip in another. The car was gold/bronze in color. The fact is that the front clip had not the same color as the rest of the car. It can be that it was previously involved in an accident or that the front was repainted after delivery, I don't know...

[Dan]

That Bronze is a terrific color.
These colors are not only difficult to match, but begin to age and fade as soon as you expose the car to sunlight.
My t-bird has a fickle color to match.
After several tries, we finally came up with a match that was acceptable.
When it came to accident repair, I had the same problem all over again.
I suggest you find a mix that pleases you and not worry too much about how accurate it might be. Accuracy is in the eye of the beholder, and a temporal thing at that!
Good luck and I hope you post pictures.

[Bob Barger]

Back in the 80's, Buddy Holiday put together a list of paint colors (colours?) crossed to current (at the time) DuPont codes. That is where I got the color code for my car. I'll look through my stuff and see if I can find it.

[Pat Marshall]

Is this it?

MATCHING EXTERIOR COLORS
The following is a partial list of the colors used on the Mark II and a cross reference of colors from current automobiles that come close, or in some cases an exact match, to the original Mark II colors. Some of the original Mark II colors are still available from DuPont (DuPont's Lucite·was the original Lucite colors used on the four irridescent colors) so check with DuPont first. The lacquers used on the Mark II were provided by Rinshed-Mason (RM), see page for details on the making of the lacquer. Ed Spagnblo,editor of the L.C.O.C. pUblication "The Lincoln Continental Observer" of the Mid-Atlantic Region, provided most of the following information. The code numbers are those of DuPont.

01 Black*****Black #99L, Lucite
02 Light Blue*****1972 Ford Dark blue Metallic #5379LM
04 Deep Blue*****1975 International Harvester Glacier Blue #78711
05 Deep Green*****1971 American Motors, Raven Green Metallic #52211
07 Light Green*****1975 American Motors, Ivory Green #4353L
08 Deep Bronze*****1962 Chrysler Corp. Cordovan Metallic #427lLH
10 Beige*****1974 Chevrolet &G.M. truck, Desert Sand #55011
11 Deep Grey*****1971 American Motors, Charcoal Gray metallic #52251 AND 1968 General Motors, Charcoal #V #4898L
13 Deep Red*****1975 Chevrolet & G.M. truck, Rosedale Red #42870LH
14 Staimist white*****1973 Ford Wimbledon white #4775L. Avail. as #14
15 Medium Blue*****1966 General Motors, Cobalt Firemist #4725LH
16 Meium Green*****1973 G.M. Viridian Firemist Metallic #55611
17 Medium Bronze*****1971 General Motors, Briar Metallic #5286L
18 Medium Grey*****1971 Ford, Light grey Metallic #5096L
19 Medium Blue Irri.*****Still available as #19. 2635L
20 Medium Green Irri.*****Still available as #20 26371
21 Medium Tan Irri.*****Still available as #21 2634L
22 Medium Grey Irri.*****Still available as #22 2636L

[Bob Barger]

I can confirm that the code 11 deep grey is what I used for my car. That looks like Buddy's list.

[Dan]

don't know if this link helps, or not:
http://www.tcpglobal.com/autocolorlibrary/aclchip.aspx?image=1956-lincoln-pg03.jpg

[Pat Marshall]

At Lowell Domholdt's suggestion I called Al Davenport. Al owns #1735 a multiple award winning car. When he restored #1735 he found a color match with BASF #19166. This paint was used on 1989 Fords and was called GARNET METALLIC. My local paint shop mixed a few ounces of it up for me. I sprayed some on my car and it looked darn pretty good. I also painted a card with it and I'm sending it to Al to cross-check it against his car.

[Bob Barger]

I found the sheet and it has the same information Pat listed. The title is "The Continental Mark II Restorers Guide II". I recently tried the code listed for Deep Grey 11, it is now obsolete but the paint shop crossed it to PPG 43773.

[AU_MK2]

Pat I'll be interested to hear the outcome of the 08 colour match as I intend to repaint mine at some time in the future

[Ralf Nygard]

I have the beautiful 08 colour also and I have noticed it won`t be
easy to get the right colour.Luckily the spare wheel was there with
bag and everything and after some light sanding and polishing it really
shines.I think it might be quite close since it hasn`t been exposed to
sunshine.I am not ready mixing yet but I have decided that I will get
it from a mix of BMW 259 and FIAT 881A 2-k colours.Trial and error
is the game here,mix and spray and try again.Since there is no hurry
I will let the different versions sit for a while before I decide which is the
winner.I think nobody on this planet can say for sure what is right or
wrong here since the aging of paint is unevitable.

[Barry Wolk]

Do what pleases you. That's all that's important.

[Don Henschel]

Has anybody used that cross over for
16 Meium Green*****1973 G.M. Viridian Firemist Metallic #55611

I will need that color (16) in the not too distant future. I can't remember how extensive the repaint was almost twent years ago, but I might be able to find the original paint somewhere in the trunk, perhaps in the A/C evaporator area.
As for
05 Deep Green*****1971 American Motors, Raven Green Metallic #52211
I found the very dark Green used by GM (new vehicles in the early to mid 90's) was very close and other than just looking at both side by side they looked exact, and then using a bright light to compare, a very slight hint of blue was noticed in the GM color compared to the original.

[AU_MK2]

1885 had been repainted in the early 80's and still wears the same paint.
The colour is lightly different to the 08 but I like the colour. I found that there is a colour produced on our local Fords in '82/3 (Satellite Brown metallic) that is nearly identical. I had some mixed and clean up the inner fenders and firewall, also in the door and trunk opening as it had a "closed door" respray .
It looks so much better already

[Milsteads Garage]

Pat, I picked up a sample of Garnet Metallic from NAPA paint store. The sample costed me under $5.00. I priced out the complete system from Primer to clearcoat and it is going to run me $380 priced with my commercial discount. This is for primer, color, and clear in 1 gallon amounts. I am going to buy 2 extra quarts of everything since I am painting the car in and out. I am going to spray it on my car to test it and I will keep everyone informed on how it turns out.

[Richard Gray]

I am following this conversation with interest. We recently finished a comprehensive restoration of 2466 which we have owned for nearly 25 years. The original color is light green (some references call it Niaid green or sea foam). Interestingly the (completely undisturbed original) door jam data plate says color 01 which is black. There is/was never a speck of black paint anywhere on the car. The original owners had it repainted a darker green ('56Olds color) at some point because they really didn't like the light green. We know from conversation with the original owners that it was completely original; I have also spoken to the orignal dealer in Lodi California (a semi- retired 93 y/o Dentist!) who recalls that it was green. This was a rare car for a dealer in a small town like Lodi, so he remembered it.
We had plenty of original paint color to match, but after looking at various very close shades we selected a shade that had the most "pop" and matched better with the green dash and wheel.
On a related issue, I couldn't quite bear to remove the decent original leather upholstery and carpet, so now these are the weakest points on a sensational car. Does anyone know of really good very high quality leather that closely matches the original leather for the seats? The color is (off) white with green piping. I understand that Bridge of Weir is available but the quality may be poorer.

[Richard Gray]

PS just forgot to mention that 2466 is featured on our website at CRclassic.com so you can see how the light green turned out. It has been a popular color whenever we show it. :)
Richard Gray

[Dan]

Nice job!
(Thats my favorite color)
You might consider re-dying the original leather, it looks to be in pretty good shape.

[Keith W Colonna]

Hello Pat,
Your message in Jan listed paint code 02 as light blue and 04 as deep blue.
Page 132 of the MKII encyclopedia has those codes and colors reversed. I'm not being a knat...just confused.
I am trying to pin point a correct code on my originally light blue car 56D2636 which has 04 in the code. Is your chart correct and/or the encyclopedia wrong?
Thanks,
Keith

[Roger Zimmermann]

In the parts book, the code 02 is Cobalt blue metallic (therefore dark) and 04 is Pastorial Blue.

[Pat Marshall]

Hello Pat,
Your message in Jan listed paint code 02 as light blue and 04 as deep blue.
Page 132 of the MKII encyclopedia has those codes and colors reversed. I'm not being a knat...just confused.
I am trying to pin point a correct code on my originally light blue car 56D2636 which has 04 in the code. Is your chart correct and/or the encyclopedia wrong?
Thanks,
Keith

Attached are the Mark II colors. I'll check my January posting out, but these are the correct colors. As an aside Continental did used the words light, medium or deep to describe a color. Terms like Wimbleton, Star Mist, Naiad, Cobolt, etc., etc. were not used by Continental. They were used by Lincoln.

[Matt Cashion]

Morgan-- In your post back on 2/22 you said you were going with a NAPA paint system. I've used Martin Senour for years and been very pleased with their products. Which system are you going with? I know that a garnet met., price code V, in tec/base would run aprox. $498 for a gal. of color alone. Primer, color, and clear for $380 must be a system I've not come across.

[Pat Marshall]

We recently finished a comprehensive restoration of 2466 which we have owned for nearly 25 years. The original color is light green (some references call it Niaid green or sea foam). Interestingly the (completely undisturbed original) door jam data plate says color 01 which is black. There is/was never a speck of black paint anywhere on the car. The original owners had it repainted a darker green ('56Olds color) at some point because they really didn't like the light green. We know from conversation with the original owners that it was completely original; I have also spoken to the orignal dealer in Lodi California (a semi- retired 93 y/o Dentist!) who recalls that it was green. This was a rare car for a dealer in a small town like Lodi, so he remembered it.

The original color of this car was 07 Medium Green. The SPECS on the dataplate were not correct. This was documented years ago by Lowell Domholdt and is included in the OTHER INFORMATION section of 2466's History in our Registry. Also Niaid Green or Sea Foram Green were never used by Continental. I believe those were Lincoln color names that people have incorrectly attributed to Continental Colors.