Correct Midget Engine Colors?

[nathandarby67]

I am getting ready to refurbish the engine in my '73 Midget, and I was wondering what color of the engine is supposed to be from the factory? I have heard both Healey green and semi-gloss black, so I don't know which is correct. Also, I don't think it was ever used on midgets, but I love the maroon color of early MGB engines, so I can't decide what color to go with. I am not treating this car as a factory original project' instead incorporating some subtle upgrades, mostly in the engine, suspension, and interior departments. I'd love to hear what the correct color is, as well as any thoughts on doing it in a non-original, but still LBC-esque color. (As in not ford blue or hyper yellow or some other such color)

 

[Bugeye58]

Nathan, if you want to be correct, the proper color is black. But, since you already said that it isn't intended to be a restoration, what difference does it make?
Paint it any color you want. I think they switched from the MOWOG green to the black about the same time as the emissions standards went into effect. My '72 is black, but my '70 is green.
IMHO the MGB Maroon is ugly, no matter what it is on!
Jeff

 

[Dave Russell]

Black makes the leaked oil hard to see. I don't know if this is good or bad.

D

 

[aeronca65t]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dave Russell:
Black makes the leaked oil hard to see....<hr></blockquote>

No worries there, Dave. These aren't big Healeys!

I'd choose BMC green.

[edit: Nah, I'd probably *really* choose whatever was sitting around in my garage at that moment]

 

[nathandarby67]

I guess I have just always thought that the black engines just sort of look dull and dirty. I think colored engines look a lot cleaner and lend the engine bay a brighter, cleaner appearance. Especially the way my engine bay is now, being painted flat black with a black (and dirty!)engine, it just doesn't look good. I am going to repaint the engine bay to match the body, and am still debating on what to do with the engine itself. I think I am leaning towards the Healey green.

Which begs another question...the car itself is painted a dark green/aqua color. It looks like dark green with a hint of blue mixed in I guess. I love the color, and I was wondering if anyone knows where I can find the factory paint codes so I can get some paint mixed in the correct color. I am assuming it is the original color, because everything (under carpets, behind dash, under door panels, etc) is the same color. ANyone know what this color is called and what the codes for it are?

 

[bugimike]

my favorite color that works well for oil leak detection, looks clean and kinda original is Cummins Beige if you want to try something non-factory.

 

[nathandarby67]

The beige sounds nice! I just want something that looks as if it could have been what the factory intended, so thats why I was leaning towards the "other" MG/Healey colors like maroon or green. I am just not going to paint it nulear bananna yellow or atomic fizz purple with bass boat-sized metal flakes or anything like that. Although those oil leaks might look kind of cool cascading over dime-sized metal flake!

 

[regularman]

I'm going to do the motor in my 71 before I put it back in. I think I like the looks of the Healy green, but I don't want to spend a lot of money and will likely use the spray can method

I wonder what color is close to Healy green off the shelf?

 

[wrenchinhand]

In Ohio we use Rust Olean on everything. Probably lawn chair green. I think.

 

[regularman]

I'm fond of rustoleum (I think thats what you are saying)myselfwrenchinhand , i will check their shades of lawn furniture paint next time I'm at Wal-mart. Thanks!

 

[Dave Russell]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by regularman:
I think I like the looks of the Healy green, but I don't want to spend a lot of money and will likely use the spray can method

I wonder what color is close to Healy green off the shelf?<hr></blockquote>

Check here;
https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29573&SortOrder=1
D

 

[regularman]

Cool, I didn't know moss had paint. LBCARCO has it for $11.01. I will get a can of this on my next order. I still have to finsh making my list of stuff to buy