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Advice Needed

LauraS

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I posted originally in Spridgets but thought I'd open this question up for more input.

I own a 1969 Sprite (square body). It was my first car so lots of sentimental attachment. The car has been out of commission for the last 30 years or so as we restored a 3000 and that has served as the meetings and excursions car. Now that husband is retiring, he's ready to work on the Sprite.
The problem now is color choice. Original color was red with an amazing metalflake that glistened like a jewel in the sun. So the engine bay is red, albeit faded and weathered.
For obvious reasons, we won't be doing metalflake again.

Here's my original post in the Spridgets forum:

"OK, Guys, need help and advice on paint colors for my little Sprite. 1969 square body (first car) purchased in 1975. We were both young and pretty. However, red metalflake paint and a few years did not allow paint to hold up well to the elements. I, however, am a classic.
So controvery exists - paint it an original (read boring) red or go a little crazy and fun (which exemplifies driving this car in my opinion) like the Frankensprite (here) https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hs...2/3011821.html
Unfortunately, husband already bought replacement interior in black - red would have been my choice. I am considering Old English White or Wimbleton White but still on the fence about striping which would be red. I don't want her to look "cheap." Also, thinking maybe red piping added to the already purchased seat covers if she is striped."

Any suggestions?


2/07/17
I don't intend to choose a white that is as bright as the Sprite pictured. Plus that car is outfitted with a Jag bonnet which enhances the striping.

But I would love to find a red and white combo that will look great. Sporty but not outlandish.
I was thinking of using Old English White but after visiting several local owners of OEW Healeys the only definitive conclusion is that they all are definitely different colors. The OEW appears almost greenish gray on one car. So now I'm investigating Wimbleton White as I read somewhere it is a nice ivory without so much yellow, gray or green (depending on which OEW paint code was used) Also, a 2010 Mercedes Benz ML350 creamy white.

Does anyone have personal experience using a red and creamy white color combination?
This would be a great deal easier if i were color matching a red interior, top or panels (all of which are black)other red Healey parts, pieces or paraphernalia.
Or if I was painting a Big Healey where so many examples of color combinations are available both in person and online.
Planning to have the painter paint a piece of metal white with red striping once I can figure out acceptable codes.
Any and all comments, suggestions, photographs (especially helpful!) or remarks regarding color and/or striping are appreciated.
Thanks!

PS. Excuse my lack of knowledge of proper Healey terminology.
 
Hi Laura,

My '63 T-Bird is Corinthian White with a darkish red interior. That color is warm, and not nearly as bright (cold) as my white '90s Ford pick-up. A light ivory is a good description, I don't really see any yellow. The next year ('64), Ford changed to Wimbledon White, which might or might not, be a bit less of an ivory, but it's still a warm color.

I think it's a nice color, and, IMHO, it looks good with the red interior. Ford used those colors on a lot of their cars throughout the early/mid '60s, so you should be able to find many examples. I believe I read on this BB that Wimbledon White has been used as a "substitute" for O.E.W(?) Good luck! Jim

BTW, I also still have my first TR4 from '76 - but it needs a lot of help - maybe one of these days...
 
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Yes, I considered this John. And adding red piping to the black upholstery to support the exterior. However, we live in Louisville and I didn't want to identify quite so closely to the U of Louisville school colors and field the perpetual question. (anyway, we are fans of a different college basketball team!)
 
Red and OEW like this ?
 

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Yes, but the reverse. Cream body with red stripe. Do you know the name/code of that red?

Thanks for finding this photo.
 
Check my albums , theres more pics of the car and one of the paint can with colour code etc as I have been asked for it a few times .
 
Heres the red paint can pic
 
I used Wimbledon White on my BT7 and am very happy with it. Soft, creamy white looks very 60s. And you can find spray bombs for touch-up and miscellaneous parts at your local parts store.
 
Thanks, this is good to learn. Did you compare or consider other whites before going with WW? In particular, did you compare to OEW? Does your BT7 has a red interior or any red accents? Once white is decided I am needing a red that works with it.
 
I sort of stumbled on WW, as I was looking for a close match to spray some brackets. Turns out it was the closest match I could find to the original OEW paint found under the dash pad. I had my painter use it when painting the car and it is exactly what I was looking for. I am installing a deep red interior with cream piping, and it really pops.20161029_151706.jpg I don't know if a picture really shows how deep and rich the color is.
 
We painted our 100M WW/Black. WW was an old Ford--possibly others--color that my dad was familiar with from working at Ford years ago (we also have a '65 Mustang painted WW). I've always suspected it was a more-or-less direct copy of OEW, as hinted at by the name (but it appears to be the 'official' color of the tennis tournament as well):

https://tinyurl.com/hauctnu
 
Jack T,
Your car is beautiful!!! Do you have the WW paint codes? Not sure what other information I need to give the painter as I don't have an area on the car to match up.
Thanks
 
Bob,
Same question - besides telling the painter an old Ford color named Wimbleton White, what other information do I need to give him?
 
My painter uses PPG paints. I'll ask him tomorrow if there is a code that he can share. Assuming he'll be available, I'll post it tomorrow.
 
Paint name is Wimbeldon White (like the whites the tennis players wear at Wimbeldon). Your painter is going to want the code for the paint system he uses, but he can probably figure it out. Here's some popular codes and cross-references: https://paintref.com/cgi-bin/colorcodedisplay.cgi?color=Wimbledon White How about this for a red, Viper Adrenaline Red:

IMG_8417_Fotor-940x598.jpg
 
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