Paint colours for body parts and inside the engine bay

[IanC]

I have searched the Forums and Technical manual to try and find a comprehensive listing of what parts of my 67 Mercedes 250SL California Coupe should be painted what colours. My colour code for the body is 180, silver.
A summary of what I have been able to determine so far is the trunk and inside of the trunk lid are a very dark grey (code 000 98667 33-7164). I gather this should be semi-gloss. My trunk side panels are in decent shape and I wonder if they can also be painted, and if yes, are they the same colour? Is this the only part of the car using this dark grey colour?
As far as parts that are painted black, I understand these include the rocker cover panels (over Stutz). I gather this is satin black. I also understand that the piece behind the rocker panel covers is also black and wonder if anyone has the specifics on this.
In addition, I understand the splash guard in front of the battery, the battery tray, air filter housing, coolant expansion tank, fuel filter protector, fuel pump protector, brake booster and radiator are black. Also I understand the front grille behind the chrome grille, radiator support panels, frame member beneath the front bumper, torsion spring for the hood, and hood torsion bar, are also black. I have read that the front splash panels are the body colour, although I have also read they are black on some cars. Are there other parts in the engine bay that are black? Is this a satin black? Is there a specific colour code for these parts and degree of gloss?
As far as the underbody, I believe this should be body colour although have read it was beige in some cars. I understand the wheel wells are body colour over Stutz, but not the high gloss of the body.
Thanks for any specifics you can help me with. Is there a comprehensive summary of this in the Technical Manual or one of the Forums that I may have missed?
Thanks, Ian

[col320ce]

Under car is really overspray on the beige primer. Some cars seems to have more than others.
I'm sure you've checked out the motoring Investments 280sl buyers guide... I think there is a picture there of under the rocker panel... If not I have one on my computer I can post later.
I'm still unsure about the battery tray... Have we got any picture evidence this was black?

[johnk]

Ianc

Most people paint the underbody the body color, which I think looks better although it not original. In the factory the underbody was first sprayed with a grey green primer, then certain areas were sprayed with shutz,  and then a cozmoline wax which was yellow/orange in color. Then when the body was being painted they sprayed the rocker panels (under the doors) and got the body color overspray on the edges of the underbody. Many people from this site recommend DP40LF from PPG to match the original but it will run close to $100 a quart and its not that green. Attached is my attempt to recreate the underbody as it came out of the factory.

The dark grey in the trunk is different when compared to black. It DB164 Dunkelgrau DCC low gloss from PPG. The stuff is super expensive at $90 a pint with the hardener. Use it on the soft top compartment as well as the backside of the trunk lid. I also used it for my steering column and emergency brake handle. The black used in the engine compartment should be a low gloss. probably a satin if you can find it.

I am not aware of the frame member behind the front bumper being black. It would be sprayed body color when the rest of the body was sprayed.

Good luck:

John

[Peter]

Some years ago, when I restored my Pagode, we have had an extension discussion on the forum about colors.

The conclusion at that time you find below.

^Peter

[autoshop302]

wow thanks for the color chart,, I don't seem to see what color the underside of the hood should be.. black? or same color of the car.. mine is black and would like to know if this correct..

1967 250 sl

[mrfatboy]

wow thanks for the color chart,, I don't seem to see what color the underside of the hood should be.. black? or same color of the car.. mine is black and would like to know if this correct..

1967 250 sl

Car color

[dirkbalter]

The underside of the front hood is in body color.

[col320ce]

With paint runs!

[Garry]

Just like the boot/trunk but body colour like Col said.

[demichae]

I removed my air filter housing and the area around it was painted black. Is this how it left the factory? See pic- I’m removing the paint, exposing the body color. Wondering if I should repaint it black.  1964 230SL

[Leester]

Area around and under air filter housing is body color, except for the visible area behind the bug screens which is painted flat black. The idea is that if you look into the engine bay through the grille, you will see black.  Agree with JohnK that the frame behind the front bumper is body color.  I'm not sure about the hood torsion bar being black. Mine doesn't look like it was ever painted, maybe someone who is sure of the color for that item can weigh in.
If you haven't already, you should check out the Motoring Investments website. There are numerous photos there. Not saying they are all 100% correct but they do provide good guidance. Lee

[Neil Thompson]

Early 230sl is black inside air filter housing and lower inner wing with paint runs through mounting holes

[demichae]

I knew it!  Thank you so much.  I'm trying to make it 100% original and it's a early 1964, #1660.  It's obvious where all the old black paint was, so I'm going to clean it up and then repaint it.  If you know, can you tell me:  Was this area painted with a brush?  Was it satin black or dark gray?  The paint on mine is rather thick in the seams; do you know what type of paint was used? Any photos of an early W113 with this area painted black?  Thank you
Seems like there are a lot of fully restored early W113's that are incorrect, as they do not have this area painted black.

[Neil Thompson]

here are some air box area photos pre resto that may be useful. I have loads more but too many to post but could wattsapp if interested

regards Neil

[Jonny B]

For full members, go to Pagoda Notes Issue 4 Volume 1. I have some pictures of an original owner 250 SL with the blacked out areas shown, during the restoration of the car.

[Duncan200]

Some pics of mine pre restoration.

Don’t forget it’s black across the top of the dash where the demister vents and speaker are right along to the lower corners of the windscreen frame.

I’ll try and find some pics of that area for you.

[pauloe]

does anyone have a recommendation for a paint that matches the satin black for the engine compartment items.  either in a quart can, or perhaps a spray can. 

[dirkbalter]

Paul,
I used below for some of the satin black components.
 https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-original-chassis-black-satin-gloss-paint.html

[lreppond]

I used the same Eastwood paint for the overflow (expansion) tank as well as the power steering fluid reservoir.  The satin finish comes very close to the original.  My only reservation about this paint is that it is very slow to cure, but once it is, it’s quite durable. 

I stripped the old paint, and then used the Eastwood cleaner, primer and finally their paint.

[rwmastel]

here are some air box area photos pre resto that may be useful.

My 230SL (#018381) looks like the 280SL above.