Old English White

[savetheminis]

I have been doing some research on the paint codes for Old English White, because I want to paint my Countryman OEW.

I have found a lot of information about old paint codes, but I have called around and I can't find anyone who has any of these codes in their computer. Were the old paint codes ever translated into what is used now?

Otherwise, is it just a matter of picking a shade you like, or is there a consensus on what the modern paint code should be?
I'm looking for a more cream than stark white shade. Interested to hear if anyone has used a shade that they like.

This is what I have found so far, unsure of accuracy:

Original paint code: WT3
Two different shades had this code, changing sometime in the mid 60s.
WT3 has also been called Ivory on other cars (Austin Healey), this was the earlier more cream version (?).

PPG 8177 or ICI 2379 are the older (up to mid 60s?) more cream variation.

ICI 2122 was the later (whiter) shade of WT3.

NNZ/LRC753 is a late 90s shade of OEW that does show up on the computer (MPi models?)

References:
http://www.restorationmini.com/misc/paint.htm
http://forum.minicooper.org/archive/ind ... -7974.html

[mk1]

Paint codes are always a bit tricky. Modern codes are available for all original shades used, but what you have to remember is that these rarely match original paint, due to fading over the years.

Most painters guard their codes like gold dust. At one time I managed to get myself onto one of the big paint companies databases & had access to all their codes. Unfortunately after a few months they changed their system & as I had't bought any paint I had my password deleted.

If you are in the UK you can usually with a bit of persuasion get a paint man to find out the correct code & do you a mix, it often comes dowmn to whether they can be bothered or not.

For what its worth, I use Brown Brothers in Leeds who are very good,

8 Whitehouse St
Leeds LS10 1AD
0113 243 0481

there is also this firm viewtopic.php?f=9&t=27 listed in the recommended suppliers section who I assume will be able to help.

I hope that some of the above is of some use.

[savetheminis]

Thanks for that. I am in New Zealand, but I have been talking to suppliers who probably don't get asked to search for old paint codes very often. They did a search for Old English White and came up with the late-90s mini code and an old Jaguar code. The drew a blank on all the old codes.
What with all the variables, including two different kinds of WT3, I could just order a few spraycans and see what I like.

But it would be nice to get it 'right' if there is any consensus on what that might be.

For engine paint, they are suggesting LRC001 land rover bronze green.

Thanks again

[Mini4Ever]

Some info from my side on OEW:

Old English White/Off White P030-2122 (used between 1958 and 1965)

White P030-9929: 96%
Yellow Oxide P030-9911: 1%
Reduced Black P062-9901: 3%
A trace of Reduced Turkey Red Oxide P062-9915 may be required.
BLMC WT 3

Old English White/Ivory P030-2379 (used between 1965 and 1968)

White P030-9929: 88%
Reduced Yellow Oxide P062-9911: 9%
Reduced Black P062-9901: 3%
BLMC WT 3

[mk1]

The above mixing formula is using original 1960's tint names. I doubt that formula would be any use to a modern paint shop.

Original formulas for all BMC Mini colours can be found here;

http://mk1-performance-conversions.co.uk/pdf/paint.pdf

More a curiosity than a useful guide to mixing paint I am afraid.

[savetheminis]

Thanks for the info. I might go for a custom shade and see if I can get a painter to make it look a little bit aged. I have had my wood frames restored and they look aged as well.

Next finish question, are the suspension trumpets meant to be bare alloy? anodised or painted?

Thanks

[mk1]

Bare alloy or painted black. Some were one, some were the other.

[mike owen]

I used the new bmw mini color called pepper white for my mk1 racer. It was easy to get and looks very close to OEW.
Mike

[Matty]

Pepper white is VERY close. My mini used to be painted OEW and up against a freinds car painted in pepper white you couldn't see any difference. Ive got the tin at home for my OEW, I'll see what the paint code is.

[savetheminis]

Thanks everyone, I have ordered a spraycan of BMW Mini Pepper White to try out.
I've got some LRC001 Landrover Bronze Green and some VHT British Leyland Green engine paint to try out as well.

[1071 S]

The trick is to find a sample of the correct paint (back of the rego plate holder?) and then have more made to match. Any decent paint factor will do this - these days its done by computer...

Cheers, Ian

[savetheminis]

I have tried out a spray can of BMW/Mini Pepper White. I don't have anything original to compare it to but it looks good.
I have also tried Land Rover Bronze Green (code LRC001) and VHT brand British Leyland Green engine enamel.
I couldn't find anything with paint in decent condition to compare them to.
The VHT paint is more like olive drab but looks about the same from 3+ feet away.
Thanks everyone.