Author Topic: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint  (Read 10232 times)

johnk

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Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« on: August 21, 2018, 01:54:30 »
The most recent post I could find regarding our trunk paint was from December 2016 covering how the paint was no longer available from the MB dealers and nobody seemed to know where to get the correct formula to have it mixed. I tried the paint code 56 listed in the tech manual but the jobber I am working with couldnt find the formula for that code.

Has anyone since then discoved a source for the correct trunk paint?
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS For sale
2008 E350
2007 GL 450
2019 BMW 540

mrfatboy

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #1 on: August 21, 2018, 03:14:53 »
A couple a weeks ago I was dealing with this.  I called my local ppg auto paint shop. I gave them the code:

DB 164 Dunkelgrau (Dark Gray).

They had it in their database.  It was a low luster very dark gray.  Supposedly the correct trunk color for our cars. 👍

Atomizer spay can was ~$35. He could mix it immediately.

I still have not bought so cannot give any further info.
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

johnk

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #2 on: August 21, 2018, 03:36:29 »
Thanks this is a big help!  I will try a PPG store. I did give the store I was dealing with DB 164 rather than the code I noted above by memory. They had no problems pulling up and mixing the other 4 MB colors I gave them as I am trying to decide on a final color for my car.
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS For sale
2008 E350
2007 GL 450
2019 BMW 540

Shvegel

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2018, 13:13:31 »
I had some mixed at William Wolf.  Brand escapes me but it is correct in color and gloss(satin).  I am out if town until Friday.  I will post brand then.

johnk

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #4 on: August 22, 2018, 02:10:35 »
Thanks Pat
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS For sale
2008 E350
2007 GL 450
2019 BMW 540

mBdrvr

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #5 on: August 22, 2018, 20:29:13 »
Would this be the same on W111? I thought it was black.

Paul
Paul Greenblatt
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'66 250 SE Cabrio
'60 190 SL

wwheeler

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2018, 00:37:58 »
Yes, same on a W111. Because what is in there now, doesn’t mean that is what came from the factory. It is without a doubt a very dark grey and close to satin.
FYI, getting the color right isn’t much of a problem. But getting the correct gloss is. I might suggest using an enamel paint mixed to the correct color. Then apply a PPG pre-mixed satin clear on top. You can easily adjust exactly what gloss level you want with this line. I do not have the number in front of me, but is what they use for the AMG low gloss body paint.
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

Shvegel

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #7 on: August 25, 2018, 23:03:43 »
Here it is.  Correct color and gloss and it is catalysed.  The downside is the cost.  If memory serves it was $160 for a quart with the catalyst etc.

mrfatboy

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #8 on: August 25, 2018, 23:41:33 »
The special spray can from my local ppg paint store was $35 and I guess it contained the catalyst also.  He said you must press a button to release the catalyst in the can.

It's a one shot deal.  You have a short time to use it. 

He also said it goes on really nice.
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

johnk

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #9 on: August 26, 2018, 03:41:02 »
Thanks
Is there a reason that its an expensive catalyzed paint rather a regular single stage?
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS For sale
2008 E350
2007 GL 450
2019 BMW 540

Shvegel

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #10 on: August 26, 2018, 09:33:56 »
It is just what they supplied.  The nice thing about catalysed paint is you can wipe it down with thinner if you ever spill anything in the trunk.  Also impervious to gasoline.

wwheeler

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #11 on: August 26, 2018, 20:33:54 »
You would want a catalyzed paint especially in the trunk. Without it, it would take weeks to dry completely. Even then, the paint smell would take even longer to dissipate. I used an enamel without a hardener once in a trunk, and it did just like above. The catalyst, as was said, makes it far more durable.

Interesting label and thanks for sending. The DCC line of PPG is typically a high gloss paint. As part of the formula, they must have added a flattener to make it the low gloss. Also interesting it uses the same catalyst as the DCU line of PPG clears.
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

johnk

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #12 on: August 27, 2018, 02:02:09 »
thanks gents
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS For sale
2008 E350
2007 GL 450
2019 BMW 540

Shvegel

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #13 on: August 27, 2018, 16:08:11 »
Wallace, As you assumed the flatening agent is part of the formula.  I  did not have them add it.

Tomnistuff

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #14 on: August 29, 2018, 21:34:38 »
Here's an old scan of the Glasso DB164 formula card.  I gave the formula to my body restorer/painter.  I'm not sure how he got the paint mixed or by whom, but as far as I'm concerned, it looks perfect - a really, really dark gray.  I know he works with PPG to get his paints mixed for his restorations and custom cars.  He used the same paint for the trunk and inside the lid, the rocker panels and the inside of the convertible top compartment as well as the inside of the soft top compartment lid.

For sure, don't trust the color on the card.  The color does not stand a chance of being representative on the monitor.  I also dont know why the two different formulae are listed.  Maybe someone here or a paint shop will know.

Tom Kizer
Levis, Quebec, Canada

« Last Edit: August 29, 2018, 21:43:59 by Tomnistuff »
Apparently late 1966 230SL 4-spd manual (Italian Version)
Owned since 1987 and wrapping up a full rotisserie restoration/modernization.
Was: Papyrus White 717G with Turquoise MBtex 112 and Kinderseat
Is: Dark Blue 332G with Dark Blue Leather (5300, I think)

mrfatboy

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #15 on: August 29, 2018, 21:43:56 »
Correct.  Another member posted the same card on this forum several years ago.
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

johnk

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #16 on: August 30, 2018, 03:43:13 »
Isn't the soft top compartment suppose to be the body color though? Mine appeared to be the original body color before I primed it. Just want to make sure I get it right.
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS For sale
2008 E350
2007 GL 450
2019 BMW 540

mrfatboy

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #17 on: August 30, 2018, 03:51:55 »
From what I understand. the inside of the soft top color is suppose to be the above color db 164 dunkelgrau.  That's how I have anyways seen them.
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

johnk

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #18 on: August 30, 2018, 10:54:27 »
Thanks
I need to re check whats under my primer. It makes sense that it would be the same as the trunk.

























John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS For sale
2008 E350
2007 GL 450
2019 BMW 540

wwheeler

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #19 on: August 30, 2018, 15:09:46 »
I also dont know why the two different formulae are listed.  Maybe someone here or a paint shop will know.

The second formula has an additional pigment - Ocker and is Ocher in English and a yellow pigment. All the amounts of pigment are adjusted when they added the Ocher. It would be a different shade for sure, but with that dark of a grey, not sure any would notice the difference. No mention of a gloss adjustment. So that was probably left up to the end user to add what flattener they felt was appropriate.
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

Shvegel

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #20 on: September 01, 2018, 21:31:51 »
I think the to compartment is supposed to be semi gloss black.

114015

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #21 on: September 04, 2018, 19:02:51 »
Quote
A couple a weeks ago I was dealing with this.  I called my local ppg auto paint shop. I gave them the code:

DB 164 Dunkelgrau (Dark Gray).



Gentlemen..., :o

Please be aware that all 230ies and 250ies and also the early 280ies (until when?) did not have a dark grey trunk (and softtop compartment) but black! :o
Nothing but simply black. Don't know the color code. It's not outside DB 040, for sure.


Quote
I think the to compartment is supposed to be semi gloss black.


Yes, that's correct too.

Regards,
Achim[/size]
(with partly original untouched black trunk color)
« Last Edit: September 04, 2018, 19:24:16 by 114015 »
Achim
(Germany)

Iconic

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #22 on: September 05, 2018, 20:22:29 »
Please be aware that all 230ies and 250ies and also the early 280ies (until when?) did not have a dark grey trunk (and softtop compartment) but black! :o
Nothing but simply black. Regards,
Achim[/size]
(with partly original untouched black trunk color)
Achim,
Can you tell me/us how you know this?
Mark
(always curious about dark grey vs. black  ;D  )
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

Mike Hughes

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #23 on: September 05, 2018, 22:00:53 »
Let's just say that, whatever it is called, it looks like a dull black!  If the paint is original to the car it will even have some runs in it!
- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havana Brown (408)
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johnk

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Re: Any update on finding formula for trunk paint
« Reply #24 on: September 06, 2018, 02:49:38 »
I'm very good at duplicating runs when I paint!
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS For sale
2008 E350
2007 GL 450
2019 BMW 540