1968 Correct "Ford Blue" engine color in a spray paint?

[admin]

This is for the engine paint on the 289-2V in my '68 HCS.

So there are a few past discussions on this, but they are from years and years ago, and paint manufacturers have changed since then.

From earlier threads here on the forums I've seen recommendations to use the following:

• Duplicolor DE1606 "Ford Dark Blue"
• Duplicolor DE1621 "Old Ford Blue"
• Plastikote 224 "Ford Blue"

Plastikote 224 was also recommended on several other web sites I found, but unfortunately I have not been able to find any cans of 224 to purchase. It looks like Plastikote got merged and converted to Duplicolor according to their web site.

However, I happened to have an old can of Plastikote 224 and Duplicolor DE1621 in the garage, so I sprayed some out to compare to my oil pan.

To me, the darker Plastikote 224 looks like a better match, especially if you consider that my oil plan has probably faded over the years (and with my recent cleaning job on it).

But, like I said, I can't find any 224 to buy.

Duplicolor makes (3) different "Ford Blue" engine paint colors. The DE1601 "Ford Blue" seems very light. The DE1621 "Old Ford Blue" (see my paint test above) is really pretty close, but still seems a bit light. The DE1606 "Ford Dark Blue" is darker still and based on some comments here on the forums, people thought it was too dark.

And yet another option is the POR-15 engine enamel in "Ford Corporate Blue". They at least got the name correct. Based on the photos I can find, this looks like a good color and close match to the Plastikote 224.

I've had good experience with other POR-15 paint, both spraying and brush painting, so I might give this a try.

 

[franklinair]

NPD lists the correct Ford Blue p/n AP-EB @ $18.75 per aerosol. Add sales tax + shipping and you're looking at $25 per can. You'll need 2 cans.
(NPD's AP-EB is SEM's #15993 listed on Amazon for $15.00)

Neil

 

[Bobsdad]

I am going to repaint my engine bay this month without pulling the engine and figured brush paint would be safest. The Por-15 Corporate Blue looks close to what I currently have so I'll go ahead and place an order with NPD and can take photos of the air cleaner in daylight before and after.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

 

[speedy02]

I have been researching this for a while. I am currently trying to match the color on my block so I can repaint valve covers and air cleaner. I have Duplicolor DE1606 "Ford Dark Blue" and it is darker and looks to have purple tint to it. I have tried Duplicolor DE1621 "Old Ford Blue" and it is to light. I know everyone talks about 224 being the correct color but since that is not available I have yet to find anything close. Like Neil stated NPD has an OMNI color that is based off of PPG DAR 13358. I have yet to purchase that to see if it is closer to the color I need. But after reviewing ADMIN Photos I think I have 224 on my block.

I did found this article based in 2018 about colors. They stated POR-15 was a little dark but had good information on other brands offering Ford Corporate Blue.

Get It Right! Ford Engine Paint

Like many hobbies, ours is subject to changes as the years go by. Parts available directly from Ford are mostly gone, products that were once available are not,

www.motortrend.com

 

[Mosesatm]

Here’s a list of paints I found.
I think Marty would be a great resource for this discussion. He’s the one with the pencil and clipboard.

 

[Ruppstang]

For rattle can jobs I use the Duplacolor Old Ford Blue. 1606 use to be the closest then they changed the formula now it is too dark. For the Concours cars I use a PPG gun mix it is accurate in color and far mor durable.

 

[Mosesatm]

I ordered this and will test it against the 224.

Motor Coater Engine Paint - Engine Paint - Caliper Paint

www.kbs-coatings.com

 

[Mosesatm]

I ordered this and will test it against the 224.

Motor Coater Engine Paint - Engine Paint - Caliper Paint

www.kbs-coatings.com

It's way too dark. Not even in the same ballpark.
It's on the left. Next to it, and on top, is Plasti-Kote 224. To the right of the 224 is NPD's product, and on the far right is Dupli-Color 1606.
The NPD paint is a great looking color as it seems much richer than the 224, but it also seems to have a little more green, so I'm not sure if it's "correct".

 

[speedy02]

It's way too dark. Not even in the same ballpark.
It's on the left. Next to it, and on top, is Plasti-Kote 224. To the right of the 224 is NPD's product, and on the far right is Dupli-Color 1606.
The NPD paint is a great looking color as it seems much richer than the 224, but it also seems to have a little more green, so I'm not sure if it's "correct".

@Mosesatm , Your Plasti-Kote 224 looks way lighter than @admin first photo of 224. I do like the NPD PPG13358 in your test.

 

[Mosesatm]

For rattle can jobs I use the Duplacolor Old Ford Blue. 1606 use to be the closest then they changed the formula now it is too dark. For the Concours cars I use a PPG gun mix it is accurate in color and far mor durable.

Marty,
Where do you get the PPG paint?

 

[Mosesatm]

@Mosesatm , Your Plasti-Kote 224 looks way lighter than @admin first photo of 224. I do like the NPD PPG13358 in your test.

I think the 224 looks light because it's surrounded by darker colors.

 

[franklinair]

I've used NPD's Ford Engine Blue, P/N AP-EBP, and was quite happy with the color & longevity.

 

[Ruppstang]

Marty,
Where do you get the PPG paint?

My painter has the formula, and he gets it. I do not have a gun.

 

[speedy02]

I've used NPD's Ford Engine Blue, P/N AP-EBP, and was quite happy with the color & longevity.

Neil that Part# appears to be Plasti-Kote 224 and is now Out of Stock

PAINT, ENGINE ENAMEL, FORD CORPORATE BLUE - #AP-EBP - National Parts Depot

Buy part #AP-EBP PAINT, ENGINE ENAMEL, FORD CORPORATE BLUE for your classic vehicle from National Parts Depot. Free shipping on orders over $300, fast delivery & everyday low pricing! Order now!

www.npdlink.com

Description
PAINT, Engine Enamel, Ford Corporate Blue, 12 ounce spray can, NPDs duplication of the original Plasti-Cote 224 mix preferred by some restorers, Hue is close to AP-EB PPG 13358, See also AP-EB, AP-EBD, some believe this color was used in 67-69 as an alternate to Dark Corporate Blue

NPD Part Number : AP-EBP
Manufacturer Reference #'s: National Parts Depot AP-EBP,

 

[Bobsdad]

I am going to repaint my engine bay this month without pulling the engine and figured brush paint would be safest. The Por-15 Corporate Blue looks close to what I currently have so I'll go ahead and place an order with NPD and can take photos of the air cleaner in daylight before and after.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

Unsurprisingly, other projects have popped up so I'm just getting to try the paint out now. I lightly wire wheeled and sanded the snorkel and repainted it. Here's the (original paint?) air cleaner lid for color comparison. Looks pretty close in the photo, in person they're more noticeably different.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

 

[speedy02]

Looks like NPD now has Plasti-Kote 224 in stock.

PAINT, ENGINE ENAMEL, FORD CORPORATE BLUE - #AP-EBP - National Parts Depot

Buy part #AP-EBP PAINT, ENGINE ENAMEL, FORD CORPORATE BLUE for your classic vehicle from National Parts Depot. Free shipping on orders over $300, fast delivery & everyday low pricing! Order now!

www.npdlink.com