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MG TD TF 1500 - Paint Colors

As I have posted, I am working to restore TD 4139, built Nov 1 1950, back as much as I can to what it was when it left the factory.

Because I hot dipped all the steel body parts and stripped the tub with chemical stripper during the original restoration in 1973, I had little to go on for the original color. When I got the TD in 1973, it was a very dark green but also had silver and primer.

Chris Cooper came over and we took the inner dash out. Under the cowl, we found green. We also found green on edges of the tub where there would have been overspray.

According to Clausager and Chris's information, the only green for a 1950/51 TD would have been Almond Green. Almond Green is one color that the PPG formula we have listed is still available. I had some mixed up and put a spot on the green under the cowl. As you can see. They are not the same.

So, the question is, what other green could it be? Clausager talks about an MG Green. On the left bottom of page 100 he says he is not sure MG Green and Almond Green are the same color. Page 100 is the only place where MG Green is discussed.

Does anyone have any other information on what Green might have been available for the TD in late 1950?

I am going to have woodland green mixed up and try it under the cowl, but this MG Green has thrown a new item into the mix.


Bruce Cunha

As I have said repeatedly in recent paint discussions “just because there is a paint name or code used it is only relevant to the particular year and it’s formula for that year”. Formulas change but the name or code may be a carryover from earlier usage and mean absolutely nothing especially when former pigments are no longer available. Case in point. GR25 Silver Streak Gray is not the same as GR25 Rover Silver. Though there are those that use it and equate it as being the same it is in fact no even close to the correct tint or metallic content. This is exactly why I had procured the 1949-50 Nuffield paint chip book to verify early TD colors and get modern equivalents established.

The original paint found on your timbers and scuttle were also no longer an accurate representation of what was actually on your car after wiping and rubbing down the finish with lacquer thinner.

The sample Almond Green color you had mixed from info given on “The Original MGTD” site was clearly not the same as the Nuffield ICI color chip. It was neither dark enough nor did it have a metallic. element

Also it looks like you dabbed paint onto your body for comparison. That dab is much thicker than what would be sprayed and it is not over a black primer. It is over saturated. This all will change the end shade. Even so, it would not correct the inevitable issues.

Bill Chasser
TD-4834
W A Chasser

Bruce,
My TD is green. I have no idea where the color came from except that it was on my car when I purchased it eight years ago.
I have given the PPG formula to a couple of other owners and they are pleased with the color.
If you would like more information please contact me via email at mortres at pobox dot com

Mort
Mort Resnicoff

The green on Mort's TD is a very attractive shade of British Racing Green.
Be well,
David
D. Sander

I just had my car painted in "Mort's Green" and have received some very nice comments on it and more importantly I love it.

James Neel

Mobius and spouse

Mort Resnicoff

Early 2000s Range Rover Belize Green, still current paint code. We sprayed out a few, and that was it. I have received numerous comments about the pretty British Racing Green color! I have an original "Woodlawn Green" running board in my attic, will get down and take a comparison shot one day. Of course that is 60 year old paint by now....George

George Butz III

James. Do you have the paint code and manufacturer?
Bruce Cunha

Bruce,

Yes, send me your e-mail address.
jneel43 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
James Neel

This thread was discussed between 22/03/2018 and 24/03/2018

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