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[58er]

hi all,
doing a ground-up restore and wanted to find out what colors everyone painted things; for instance, engine blocks, brake calipers and drums, dynamo, pulleys... pretty much any engine, tranny or suspension part that can be painted.  i'm curious if most painted all similar items one color, if they matched the car color, etc.  when you look through various books, one sees every color under the rainbow, and i wondered what "real folk" did?
 

[Brooklands]

I think if you are painting to factory specs, you will have either body color or black. Piccott's books may be your best resource there. But many people also like to upgrade their cars by painting parts that were not originally painted. Then it should be done in the colors you like as nothing is really correct or incorrect. Let us know what you decide, and be sure to post photos along the way.

[none]

It is a very personal question. Some want to preserve their car as close to original as is practical. Others want to personalize their car.

I am working on my car to suit my own taste which is a combination of restoring, "improving", and yet maintaining the look and feel of the car. If that sounds confusing, it should be because it is in my vision of how I want it.

One example is that in mid July I finished an engine rebuild and engine bay restoration. I tried to keep the original colors and finishes while increasing the performance considerably. Somebody that is familiar with a TR6 would notice some changes immediately and others after some careful inspection and some would be suspected from the sound of the engine and the obvious performance change.

I have also seen more painting individual parts with colors that draw attention to them. Red brake calipers, red or blue springs, and other suspension parts similarly painted.

In the end my car needs to please me and yours needs to please you. If by chance we impress each other it is nice, but secondary. I, for one, will appreciate and enjoy what ever you do.

So, original, like a rainbow, or anywhere in between is really up to your taste.

One final thought, could you imagine how boring our cars would be if they all were clones of each other?

[58er]

wow.
seriously, i'm not trying to pry into anyone's private life here, nor do i see the connection.  when one looks at any picture of a car, they see whats been painted what color, etc.-  same when the car's on the line at a show.  i'm not asking to copy anyone or to pass judgement on their choices- there are just not that many books (that i have access to, anyway), and haven't been to any shows yet, and i thought it would be interesting to see what others have done. 

i'm happy your car pleases you, and if you never intend to show anyone under the hood, that's fine by me.  mine will certainly please me, and i'm not aspiring to impress anyone.

it is a very simple question.

[Brooklands]

And the simple answer is do what you like. There is no 'formula' of colors to paint the items. It is either as original as a restoration, or look at photos of other cars and choose your favorite looks. I am not planning to paint any parts that would not have been painted by the factory, and in most cases, I would only consider painting the sheet metal. I recently heard that there is a red TR6 that the owner is considering magenta for the firewall. It would not be my choice, but it is still appropriate for him.

And when you make your choices, please post photos so we can see what you have done and for us to admire.

[helicfii]

I'll be painting my 67 TR-4A the same silver that was found on the XKE's- because the TR looks absolutely stunning in silver. 

Other than that, the car will be restored to stock specs.

[Brooklands]

As per normal for me, I guess I am confused. I saw elsewhere that you are considering a plus 1 wheel/tire set up, and yet you say you are keeping it to stock specs. Nothing wrong with your choices, they sound cool. I just am confused. My wife thinks that is normal for me anyway. The color sounds great. I am not going for show restoration, so I am considering green stripes eventually on my white TR3.

[none]

wow.
seriously, i'm not trying to pry into anyone's private life here, nor do i see the connection.  when one looks at any picture of a car, they see whats been painted what color, etc.-  same when the car's on the line at a show.  i'm not asking to copy anyone or to pass judgement on their choices- there are just not that many books (that i have access to, anyway), and haven't been to any shows yet, and i thought it would be interesting to see what others have done. 

i'm happy your car pleases you, and if you never intend to show anyone under the hood, that's fine by me.  mine will certainly please me, and i'm not aspiring to impress anyone.

it is a very simple question.

I meant to say it is a personal "choice" not question. And point out a some of what I have seen. Sorry you were offended!

At least it generated some activity on the forum!

[helicfii]

As per normal for me, I guess I am confused. I saw elsewhere that you are considering a plus 1 wheel/tire set up, and yet you say you are keeping it to stock specs. Nothing wrong with your choices, they sound cool. I just am confused. My wife thinks that is normal for me anyway. The color sounds great. I am not going for show restoration, so I am considering green stripes eventually on my white TR3.

Well, I guess what I should have said was, "I'm restoring it without making any significant modifications" (engine, trans, sheetmetal, chassis, etc..).   

I think the use to the word "specs" might have been misleading! 

[Brooklands]

Okay, now I am following your plan. I appreciate the help making it clear to my old brain. Please post photos of your progress. Sometimes a photo is much clearer to me than a description.

[Chahles]

Well...getting back to "'58er's" original questiong:
"What do 'real folk' paint their cars?"
I'm also in the middle of a 'frame off' and have done a little investigation and here's what I found out so far. Believe me, I'm no authority. All I can tell you is what I've found out so far.

1. The original TR3 frame wasn't painted at all. Great steel back in those days as very few of them need to be replaced. I'm planning on painting mine chassis black.

2. The under bonnet area was originally the same color as the body. Many times now, I've seen some areas there painted black for contrast, ie, battery box, master cylinder box. Also, instead of 'same color' bolts, I've seen natural steel....looks sharp. Now I'm getting back to the comments on some of those other replies...and I do agree...sometimes different looks sharp.

3. Engine block seems to have been originally dark grey. I'm doing mine gloss black.

4. Oil filter canister was originally light blue...closer to teal. Go figure....don't ask. I'm trying to find that color as we speak. Why? It seems lots of people check that canister out when looking. I'm planning on that exact color just to put a smile on their faces. LOL

5. Generator was black.

6. Starter? As far as I can find out...body color. At least mine was. I did mine black.

7. Exhaust manifold. Dark grey....maybe that was also natural.
 That's about all I've found out while asking here and there. Maybe we'll get more input on original colors.

Some people told me that Triumph, years ago, painted the under bonnet area whatever was left in the spray gun from when they painting the previous car. I later found out that wasn't true. The tub was always painted all at once.

Good luck..and have fun. It's sort of like a good book. We hate to finish it. But then...one can't drive a book.
Charlie Costa
Boston
'57 TR3 Small mouth
 

[Lou Metelko]

Sorry that I am so far behind on this thread but the simple solution is to go to TRA's web site (www.triumphregister.com) and download their Concours and Restoration Guide.  The guide will tell all that you need to know about a side screen car. Another guide from those folk is the same for the TR4 & 4A.  The detail from both manuals will stun you.

Lou Metelko
Auburn, Indiana
54 TR2
65 TR4A