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Technical => Body/Appearance/Interior => Topic started by: thunderjet302 on June 13, 2017, 12:10:37 PM

Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 13, 2017, 12:10:37 PM
Does anyone happen to know the paint code for the gray trim around the window/mirror/seat controls on the full length center console? The ashtray lid on mine could use a repaint and I have no idea how to find the paint code for the color gray Ford used. I've circled the area I'm talking about in the attached picture.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: EricCoolCats on June 13, 2017, 12:33:43 PM
I have never found a paint code for the interior panels. There are lots of SEM greys available and one of them has to be close, I'd think. Or you could try a custom match if a paint shop can scan a panel with a digital eye.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 13, 2017, 01:02:17 PM
I'll call a couple local places and see if they have the ability to scan a part to color match it. I'm sure one of them does.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: jcassity on June 13, 2017, 08:03:18 PM
this would be a very handy thing to know because of the discoloration of some interior parts being behind others due to more or less light.

example shown where center console is a tad lghter in color than some of the vertial dash stuff
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: bodyman on June 13, 2017, 10:53:33 PM
I have a camera, one of these, http://www.axaltacs.com/us/en_US/products-services/liquid-coatings/cromax/color/find-color/acquirerx.html . It can come up with an axalta color formula in certain qualities depending on the color. Such as chroma premier single stage, chroma premier base coat, cromax pro water borne base coat and a few others, not sure about a vinyl for interiors.  Sometimes it comes up with a match that is very good, and by that I mean a blendable match on todays base coat colors, sometimes it takes a spray out to read and then adjust what it came up with.

I could try to read one, but then it's probably faded different than yours and wouldn't match anyway.

All that being said, I don't think it's going to read very well if it is a textured surface. I just looked at one of mine and it looked like it could possibly be flat or semi gloss black, but has a charcoal look because of the texture.  Here are my DuPont book interior colors for 87-88 and the usage chart. Not sure if any of these are intended to be codes for the parts you are looking to paint.

(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t456/bodymann/87%20interior_zpsxhafuhd0.jpg) (http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/bodymann/media/87%20interior_zpsxhafuhd0.jpg.html)

(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t456/bodymann/CCI06132017_zpseyzxwose.jpg) (http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/bodymann/media/CCI06132017_zpseyzxwose.jpg.html)

(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t456/bodymann/CCI06132017_0001_zpshxdgek21.jpg) (http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/bodymann/media/CCI06132017_0001_zpshxdgek21.jpg.html)

(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t456/bodymann/87%20interior%202_zpszdiiq11x.jpg) (http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/bodymann/media/87%20interior%202_zpszdiiq11x.jpg.html)
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: 85CougarCobra on June 14, 2017, 09:23:56 AM
I asked Eric this same question not too long ago.  My interior (aside from the front seats) is the '85 charcoal interior.  The top half of my dash and the "trim" around the dash panels through the top of the center console is this same darker gray.  I think most of the cats/birds from 85-88 used this color either on the dash itself (like mine) or throughout the trim (as seen on thunderjet302's) unless you had a brown/tan interior.  Unfortunately, I don't think it is shown in the above color samples ... if so, you should see the same color appear across multiple years.  Even though it looks to be a Lincoln color, the 1988 interior color "Dark Titanium" looks about the closest in my own opinion ... might be worth a try ... then again, "Dark Smoke" looks close to me as well.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 14, 2017, 01:32:28 PM
The interior of my Thunderbird isn't red, I just grabbed that picture from the internet. It's actually "smoke".
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/Thunderbird%20web/DSCN3429-Copy_zpsef70d7a2.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/thunderjet302/media/Thunderbird%20web/DSCN3429-Copy_zpsef70d7a2.jpg.html)

The upper part of the dash is what I assume to be "dark smoke". The trim around the wood grain dash pieces and center console seem to match it almost perfectly.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: 85CougarCobra on June 14, 2017, 08:02:23 PM
Ahhh ... my apologies on the red interior.  So your dash is the same set up as mine just Smoke for the lighter gray versus Charcoal.  I wonder how close Dark Smoke would be.  I have some 87/88 speaker grates and a center console that are both a gray that is darker than my charcoal ... I think they were all out of a Turbo Coupe and I would guess it had the Raven interior.  Your Smoke gray looks lighter than my Charcoal.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: EricCoolCats on June 15, 2017, 03:32:13 PM
Essentially any 1985-88 super dark interior color (like Shadow Blue or Raven) had solid colored dashes. Everything that was medium-to-lighter (such as Smoke, Sand Beige, and Scarlet) was painted a darker color on top to cut down on sun glare. What that top color was depended upon the model year. In 1986, for example, the Canyon Red dash had a dark grey top (likely Dark Smoke). In 1987 when the interior color switched over to Scarlet, the dash top was painted Dark Scarlet. There really seemed to be no rhyme or reason when/why any of this was done, or who determined the colors.

I have some of that color info, but not all of it, on my site: http://www.coolcats.net/modelyear/index.html
Ford was better at supplying the info in the dealer books in 1987-88. For earlier cars you're actually better off with the DuPont/PPG paint books supplying the information, as bodyman shows above.
However, I'll start going through the books and get the info for everyone as I find it.

So Matt, your 1985 Charcoal dash would likely have a Dark Charcoal top color for 1985 (just guessing by the naming conventions). Next time I'm at the paint shop I'll try to get a snapshot of the 1985 and 1986 colors for verification.

By the way, Titanium was a Mustang interior color from 1990-92. It's close to our Smoke but not exact. My buddy has that in his '92 LX.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 15, 2017, 05:19:09 PM
At some point over the next couple weeks I'll hit up the local paint supply shops and see what I can find. Some of them have a collection of old DuPont/PPG paint books.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: 85CougarCobra on June 15, 2017, 10:33:25 PM
The upper dash could be Dark Charcoal I suppose, but I think whatever this dark gray trim color is, it is was used from 85 to 88.  I've mixed and matched the dash trim panels (instrument surround, radio surround, lower switch covers) and the center console trim panels from any number of cars and they have all been this color ... again, outside of any brown interiors.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: EricCoolCats on June 15, 2017, 11:13:19 PM
Alright...I found some info in the dealer upholstery books.
 

1985:
(http://www.coolcats.net/modelyear/images/85interiorcomponents.png)

1986:
(http://www.coolcats.net/modelyear/images/86interiorcomponents.png)

1987:
(http://www.coolcats.net/modelyear/images/87interiorcomponents.png)

1988:
​(http://www.coolcats.net/modelyear/images/88interiorcomponents.png)

 
 
So according to all this...the 1985 colors aren't very descriptive (and really, neither are the 1983 and 1984 charts, which is why I didn't scan them).

HOWEVER...the 1986 one starts to get much better as far as describing the colors.

It looks like the top of Matt's dash is Raven. And that means the dark grey used throughout non-tan interior 1985-88 cars would therefore be Raven. The key is in the description of the steering wheel and steering column...it's consistently listed as Raven from 1986-88, but we know that color was unchanged for 1985, so that has to be it as far as I'm concerned.

Thoughts?
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: bodyman on June 15, 2017, 11:33:18 PM
Are they calling "instrument panel" the dash pad?  Being the upper is darker than the lower, fits the dark smoke/smoke look of his dash?
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: EricCoolCats on June 15, 2017, 11:40:36 PM
For 1983-85, the books just listed the overall interior color for the instrument panel. Beginning in 1986 there were actual color breakdowns for the top and bottom. So it's still a guess as to what Matt's 1985 dash top is called, but if it matches the steering wheel and column in color, then it's likely Raven.

On my '84, the interior is Academy Blue but the dash top pad is actually a very dark blue. It's the only dark blue component in the entire interior. And I don't have a color name for it because the book lists the instrument panel as "Blue". Thanks, Ford, that really helps. :rolleyes:
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: 85CougarCobra on June 16, 2017, 08:32:20 AM
Yeah, I think Raven is probably a pretty safe assumption.  My dash is original to the car save for the cluster and modified pieces.  Just to add a little more complexity to the situation ... several weeks ago, I ordered an NOS ashtray/light switch panel for the back of my full length center console.  This piece would have been 85/86 specific (83/84 uses a very similar panel but the panel is more "textured" if you will).  While having the part number researched, it was shown in two different colors ... black and brown.  I ordered the black assuming that would be correct when I received it ... and it was ... it is also not your traditional "black" by any stretch of the imagination.  This is the same color as the rest of the trim pieces in the car.  The leather covering on the thinner style armrest is also this same color, so perhaps a Raven leather?
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: EricCoolCats on June 16, 2017, 09:33:03 AM
That makes sense to me. The console lid would also be Raven to match the leather-wrapped steering wheel (and if so equipped, the leather-wrapped automatic floor shifter handle).

So I think we have a winner with Raven. I might go to the paint store over the weekend and get some mixed up and put into a spray can. Then dig out some NOS pieces and compare a painted piece to an original. Stay tuned for photos...


 
 
(And for those unfamiliar with the 'brown' trim option...for at least 1985-86, the pieces that would have been Raven—like the steering wheel, column cover, radio and instrument cluster bezel, etc.—were a brown color instead of Raven only on cars with the Sand Beige interior. Apparently Ford felt that the Raven clashed too much with the tan so they created a dark Clove Brown finish to soften the look. But then they switched to Raven in 1987 with Sand Beige so go figure. To this day, Clove Brown trim panels are very, very difficult to find so if you see them, pick them up and hold onto them.)
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 16, 2017, 11:40:04 AM
Well this worked out surprisingly well.

Eric if it works let us know the paint manufacture/paint code. Thanks!
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: bodyman on June 16, 2017, 12:29:03 PM
Quote
EricCoolCats

So I think we have a winner with Raven. I might go to the paint store over the weekend and get some mixed up and put into a spray can. Then dig out some NOS pieces and compare a painted piece to an original. Stay tuned for photos...


I was wishing I still had the tints and toners to mix DuPont vinyl to do this. I was thinking about spraying a dark smoke and a raven to see the difference in the two. I still think the darker color on top of those dashes is dark smoke, unless they are raven and just that faded.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: 85CougarCobra on June 16, 2017, 01:26:42 PM
The darker dash tops could all be a darker version of the lower color ... charcoal gets a dark charcoal top, smoke gets dark smoke, so on and so forth.  But you might be splitting hairs to tell the difference between dark charcoal, dark smoke, and raven ... especially once you throw in any amount of fade over the years ... could be very minute.  Regardless of the dash top though, I think all of the trim pieces used the same gray from 85-88.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: EricCoolCats on June 16, 2017, 01:30:33 PM
Quote from: bodyman;461412
I was wishing I still had the tints and toners to mix DuPont vinyl to do this. I was thinking about spraying a dark smoke and a raven to see the difference in the two. I still think the darker color on top of those dashes is dark smoke, unless they are raven and just that faded.


You might be correct about that. According to the charts, my '86 with Canyon Red interior had a Raven dash top. But it never seemed that dark. Unfortunately it's painted over now but it sure seemed more like a dark charcoal than anything. But I still have some original dash pieces that I can dig up and compare.

It does seem like DuPont had a lot more accurate information about everything. They give paint codes for things that I've never found through PPG. Maybe DuPont was the OEM supplier. Unfortunately I don't have the luxury of cross-shopping for paint where I live...it's PPG or nothing, and it's not like the paint sucks, it's awesome. But now we're looking at missing codes for one brand of paint. And I cannot easily verify DuPont paint codes or test samples. But hell, we've made progress just in this thread alone so maybe I'll just stop and be thankful for what we've got. ;)
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: bodyman on June 16, 2017, 05:15:10 PM
I will scan in the 83-86 interior DuPont charts I have next week sometime. Take the DuPont codes with you, they may be able to cross reference them to a PPG code.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: EricCoolCats on June 17, 2017, 12:18:53 PM
Alright, I had a semi-successful run to the auto paint store. They are mixing the interior paint at one location, then shipping it to another to have it put in an aerosol can. I'll get it early next week to actually spray it and see what we've got.

After taking the sample books out in the sun and comparing it to 3 random 1985-88 interior panels (one of which is NOS), I'm about 98% confident we have a winner with Raven.

PPG - 9520

This color is sometimes listed as a truck interior color (Raven), and sometimes listed as just Black amongst other black shades, but the 9520 and 9612 codes consistently came up from 1985-88. Also, the two numbers were for low gloss and semi gloss, but again, those switched around from year to year. Just like the dealer books, everything was chaos up until 1985, and once we got to 1986 things were a lot more informative and orderly.

So there we go. I'll get pix of the sprayed panel (before and after) along with a side-by-side comparison with the NOS piece for reference.

Assuming this is all correct, the next step is to try and find the same or equivalent color in a commercially-available spray can (SEM, Duplicolor, etc.) for ease of use and widespread availability. But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now I'm doing a very small, tightly-controlled victory dance. ;)
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 17, 2017, 12:59:19 PM
Awesome. The two local PPG guys mix spray cans on site so, if this is the correct color, it will be easy for me to get it made.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: 85CougarCobra on June 17, 2017, 01:45:27 PM
Awesome.  As you said, if we have a match, trying to find the closest SEM (or other) commercially available spray can would be great.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 23, 2017, 10:02:06 PM
Any update Eric?
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: EricCoolCats on June 26, 2017, 09:21:57 AM
Haven't had time to pick up the paint yet. Hopefully this week...
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 26, 2017, 03:39:31 PM
Cool.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: EricCoolCats on July 03, 2017, 11:11:16 PM
Got the paint. Results below.

I picked a nondescript, typical 1985-88 interior panel for an example. This is the rear ash tray for cars with consolettes. It's seen better days:

(http://www.coolcats.net/ximages/raven01.jpg)

 
After prepping, two coats of the new Raven interior paint:
 
(http://www.coolcats.net/ximages/raven02.jpg)
 
 
So far so good.
Comparison with other, stock interior panels. One is the column cover, the other is an NOS floor shifter bezel:
 
(http://www.coolcats.net/ximages/raven03.jpg)

 
Another view:
 
(http://www.coolcats.net/ximages/raven04.jpg)

 
These photos were taken at high noon on July 3rd so there's no mistaking the high sun angle.

I'm led to believe that this is indeed the correct interior color and finish. We have a winner with Raven.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 05, 2017, 12:21:23 AM
Thanks Eric!

I'll get the local paint shop to mix me up PPG-9520 in a spray can.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: 85CougarCobra on July 05, 2017, 08:31:59 AM
Sweet!  Thanks for leg work on this one, problem solved.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: EricCoolCats on July 05, 2017, 02:59:30 PM
That's why this community works—nothing but good input from everyone to arrive at the solution. Kudos to all.

So for those tuning in late:

1985-88 interior panels are Raven in color (non-Sand Beige interiors).

Mix codes:
PPG - 9520
DuPont - D8501

If we get other aftermarket solutions we'll post that info here. I'mma make this thread sticky also.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 06, 2017, 11:54:19 AM
I'm going to pick up the paint tomorrow and I'll try and spray it in the next week or so. That way we'll have double confirmation.
Title: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: CougarGal on July 07, 2017, 09:06:32 AM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;461771
That's why this community works—nothing but good input from everyone to arrive at the solution. Kudos to all.

So for those tuning in late:

1985-88 interior panels are Raven in color (non-Sand Beige interiors).

Mix codes:
PPG - 9520
DuPont - D8501

If we get other aftermarket solutions we'll post that info here. I'mma make this thread sticky also.

GREAT to know and thank you all for your diligence in finding the correct solution!!
Title: Re: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: Tbird232ci on September 30, 2019, 06:15:18 AM
Has there been any luck with finding a matching color from off-the-shelf paints?

Finding a paint shop willing to help and that will fit my schedule is not proving to be easy.
Title: Re: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: thunderjet302 on September 30, 2019, 11:24:22 PM
Has there been any luck with finding a matching color from off-the-shelf paints?

Finding a paint shop willing to help and that will fit my schedule is not proving to be easy.

I haven't found one yet.

But yeah most paint shops here are M-F 9-5. Not really convenient for me either, as I work during those hours. Unfortunately they are the only option so far.
Title: Re: Center console trim gray, what is the paint code?
Post by: EricCoolCats on June 09, 2023, 02:15:09 PM
Guy over at the NATO board (vegas_ss) used LMR spray paint in black for a Fox Mustang (code FV7) and says it matches perfectly.

Thread:
https://turbotbird.com/thread-raven-interior-paint?pid=261814#pid261814

Looks pretty close. I think it's worth trying if someone wants to verify.