51 kaiser engine paint

[ken taplin]

Is there a "rattle can" paint out there that would approximate the proper color for my engine?

[Fabian 51K]

Go to www.hirschauto.com they have engine enamels in both brush on and aerosol cans. I used Packard Green 1915-47 it is a dark green virtually identical to the color on 1951-53 Kaiser engines. They also have Kaiser Frazer green, but this is the lighter color used on the 1949-50 engines.

[AZ_HJ]

Are any of these close to the color used on a Henry J engine? If so, which color from Bill-Hirsch Auto would it be?

[Logan]

I didn't realize that 49-50 KF had a lighter color of green.  What about 47-48, is it the same as 49-50?  I know that 54-55 used red paint.  So, does any supplier have the "correct" dark green?  I've heard that John Deer is "close."

[joefrazer]

Here's a rundown of KF engine colors: 47-48 K&F all used a medium grey, 49K with the 1bbl carb used the same grey. 49-50 K & F with the 2bbl carb used a light green...almost a mint green color. All remaining K & F, including HJ and Darrin used a dark green paint. The exception is the 54-5 cars. They used a dark red...almost a maroon.
The green that's closest is either the Packard green or a 60s MG green. The John Deere green is a bit lighter but fools most judges. The closest red for the 54-5 cars is Duplicolor's Dark Canyon Red.

[Logan]

Wow, thanks.  Never knew.

[Lisa P]

If I can jump in here, I have a '48 Kaiser and was wondering aside from the head, what other engine components were painted and what colors do I need?  I have a shop manual for it but no other reference materials.  Any help is appreciated, thanks.

[joefrazer]

On 48 Kaisers, the entire engine block, head, water pump, oil pan, oil filler tube, generator mount brackets (both), harmonic balancer, clutch bell housing and transmission was painted a medium grey. The generator, starter, fan blade and oil filter bracket were all painted a semi gloss black. The gloss is more than a flat but definitely not a high gloss black (I think it's a 60% gloss). The distributor mount (the part that attaches to the head) was usually left unpainted but I've seen some originals that are the same grey as the engine. The distributor body was painted the same semi gloss black. The vacuum advance should be unpainted.

The air cleaner, oil filler cap and any brackets that hold the heater hoses should also be semi gloss black.

Hope this helps!

[Lisa P]

Joe, thank you that helps me immensely!

[Terry T]

If you want the correct color paint, call Garry Micanek, 636-227-7046.  He has been making paints for decades.  His paints don't have to "fool" the judges 'cause they're correct!