Original Paint

TrmptBlues · Post by **TrmptBlues** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 12:05 am

My parents bought me an '88 about six months ago and we are ready to start restoring it back to what it was 16 years ago. I was wondering how to trace specifics such as origional paint throught the vin # or the limited edition serial number. Any information will help.

Post by **negusm** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 12:46 am

Contact Sandy with the last six digits of your VIN or post it here. He should be able to tell you just about anything you need to know on your 88.

-Mike

TrmptBlues · Post by **TrmptBlues** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 1:02 am

Thanks

85McLaren · Post by **85McLaren** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 9:34 pm

Did all the silver mclarens come originally come as white mustangs? My 88 silver mclaren has a white engine bay. I want to make sure silver was the original color. I thought Ford had a silver paint that year. If so, why did mclaren not paint my car white. I believe this to be the original mclaren color on the car, but need to make sure before I get it repainted....

Thanks,
Jason

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 11:03 pm

CLASS IN SESSION, LISTEN UP

ALL 1987 through 1990 ascMcLarens rolled off the FoMoCo Dearborn assembly line as "Raven Black" Mustang "LX" 2-Door SEDANS (Notchback), with either Scarlet, Medium Grey, Sand Beige or Ebony (1990 Only) interior. Cars that were ordered with Regatta Blue interior were different. They were built originally by FoMoCo in "Oxford White" ! The reason for this was because Ford deemed the combination of a car with blue interior and a black exterior as "Non Acceptible" ~ in other words, it didn't look good. Therefore, their computers were set up to reject any order inserted with a black exterior and a blue interior, and the order immdiately poped out. So...to circumvent this situation, cars ordered by dealers requesting blue interiors were ordered in Oxford White. I am therefore pretty sure that your "Sterling Silver Metallic" example originally came with Regatta Blue interior and an Atlantic Blue Roof. Right ?

When they were not backed up with orders, they actually painted the engine bay BLACK, so you WILL find blue interiored cars with black painted engine bays. BUT, in 1988 when they were backed up with tons of orders (1,015 to be exact) many - if not most - blue interiored cars left the plant with white engine bays. Not all....but most. It would therefore be fine if you desired to paint your firewall, inner fenders, radiator support and of small items in a flat black.

85McLaren · Post by **85McLaren** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 11:11 pm

Thanks for the lesson Sandy. There is ALWAYS one more thing to be learned from you about these cars. Yes, my car is Blue Int/Blue Top. Just wanted to make sure before I had the silver repainted.... Many people at car shows have asked me if I had repainted the car, since the engine bay is white. You know - that is always the "tell tale" sign of a pro paint job from a person who doesn't want to spend the money. Of course, I told people that this car came white originally and was painted silver by mclaren. Didn't know the reason, but at least I told them correct..

Thanks again,
Jason

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 1:26 am

Jason, if you are looking to paint your car in the correct color, AND save money, you do not have to use SIKKENS. You can use DuPont/Ditzler, or any other automotive paint. If you want the correct color, it's 1983 Ford Escort "Silver Clearcoat Metallic" code 1Q. I'll be back with more info in addition to the 1Q.
EDIT:-
The PPG Code for the color is: 3590, while the Ford Motor Company Code for the Color is: M5909A
Good Luck!