Interior paint color

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Paint and Body
1

I’m getting ready to purchase paint for my restoration. Going with the closest match I could find to the original cardinal red (Ford #2008-A)

However, I just noticed that the visible painted portions of the dash board and steering column are painted a darker maroon color. My guess is to more closely match the interior vinyl and plastic (1D-Dark red crinkle).

Does anyone know the paint code colors used on the dash boards and steering columns? Or do these parts just appear maroon from age and wear?

2

I don’t have an exact answer to your color question, but I can tell you that the interior metals (dash, column, etc) were not painted body color; they were in fact painted to match the upholstery in Standard / Decor models, or Charcoal Black Metallic in XR-7’s (assuming we’re talking about 67-68). WCCC does carry the charcoal black paint, but otherwise in your case you’ll probably have to take a piece off that still has original paint in good condition (glovebox door, ashtray door), maybe try some rubbing compound on it to freshen it up if needed to reveal the true color, and take it to your automotive paint supply store and have them scan the color and mix you some custom paint. They can usually put it in aerosol cans, or liquid form. Hope that helps!

3

There are color charts out there for FoMoCo interior paints…http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-FORD-MUSTANG-GALAXIE-MERCURY-COUGAR-LINCOLN-INTERIOR-PAINT-CHIPS-DITZLER-2-/371878216571?hash=item5695ab437b:g:HbgAAMXQdx5RFgbr&vxp=mtr.

4

That’s awesome, hadn’t seen that before. Image saved for posterity, here it is:

1236×1600 233 KB

There are two versions listed for many of the colors - flat and semi-gloss. Wonder which are correct for Cougar?

5

Andrew:

The two color “finishes” were used on different parts – i.e., the flatter finish on parts that could reflect, such as the A pillars and package tray. The lower dash, steering coluimn, etc. would be painted with the poly finish, which has a very slight metallic content. (Check out an original dash and you’'ll note the difference – to me, it’s especially noticeable in black.)

6

Thanks for the info Dennis, I had no idea. Very interesting

7

I came across this webpage the other day. It seems like you should be able to get the exact original exterior color with these codes.
http://paintref.com/cgi-bin/colorcodedisplay.cgi?manuf=Ford&model=Cougar&year=1968

8

I’ll keep that link. Thanks. +2 on having your local paint shop scan a piece once you’ve cleaned it. The paint shop in IL where Dad lives just scanned his LTD and have him a quart of paint as well as some aerosol cans for rock chips. And it looks great. On a side note, he wants to put a little more gear behind it since he sort of “warmed over” the replacement engine that got put in by the shop that left rags inside the original. I just thought that was kind of funny.

By the way, when are we gonna see some pics of your work in progress? I love to see these cars come together.