1979 Trans Am...engine paint color question

[Bigjfig]

I'm getting ready to paint the new water pump on my 1979 T/a (a 400 car), and
was wondering if the paint I got is going to be correct.

First, when I called the Local pep boys (shoulda known better, right?), they
said they only had GM corporate blue. I was all set to buy that.....doesn't
have to be dead on, but a close match would be nice...after all the motor is 20
years old. )When I went there yesterday, they DID have a Pontiac blue, which is
part #208 from them. I bought that.

I compared the cap color (yea, I know it's approximate) and I can't tell if
it's going to be right or not. It looks like the Pontiac blue I remember from
years ago (kinda a blue green if you will). The best way I can describe my 79's
engine (I just went to the garage to have a look....) is a powderish blue
color.

I called Plastikote and they said, Yes I did indeed get the closest match they
offer to the original Pontiac blue.I questioned the lady about "GM corporate
blue" and she said yes, but a bit darker. Wondering if I should go pick it up
for a giggle to have a look.... I know Ames and the rest of 'em offer the
right paint, but it's going to be like 25 bucks with shippping and all to paint
a water pump :). (lol it only cost 36 new from AC delco).

Was wondering if anyone had any comments or if they know of another brand that
works (duplicolor, etc). or maybe you've used this color and what you got.

Thanks all.....

Joe
1980 Carousel Red Turbo Trans Am, 26k original.
1979 10th Anniversary Y89 400 4 speed, 56k original
1984 Olds Delta 88, 131k and counting :o)...everyday weekday warrior

ASE Certified Parts Specialist

[Bigjfig]

I should mention I called the Dupli color people too, and they have part
#DE1610 for Pontiac Blue.....

[Dave]

Bigjfig wrote:
>
> I'm getting ready to paint the new water pump on my 1979 T/a (a 400 car), and
> was wondering if the paint I got is going to be correct.
>
> First, when I called the Local pep boys (shoulda known better, right?), they
> said they only had GM corporate blue. I was all set to buy that.....doesn't
> have to be dead on, but a close match would be nice...after all the motor is 20
> years old. )When I went there yesterday, they DID have a Pontiac blue, which is
> part #208 from them. I bought that.
>

IIRC, there were two Pontiac shades of blue. One is the
Plastikote 208 which is sort of a greenish blue. The other is
227, Pontiac Blue Metallic. I think the 227 is the paint used
on the earlier engines and the 208 was used in the 70s.

My engine was the 208 color when I bought the car but it had
just been rebuilt, so the color may have been wrong. During
some engine work, I repainted everything with the 227. I don't
know if it's correct, but it turned out pretty good.

Dave

[Bigjfig]

Yes.....this is correct. My coworker had a can of 208, so I painted an old
water outlet I had hanging around (to get an idea) and as you said, Dave, it's
a blue green. I need the metallic one, it's more of a "silver/blue" color.
I'll look for that plastikote # in the store. I seem to remember Ditzler and
Martin Seymour offer it too. I'll check it out....It's definitely NOT 208
Platikote!

Thanks everyone!