Paint Codes

[RoddyMac]

I'm slowly approaching the paint stage of my build and I'm trying to sort out what colour and what the current paint codes (PPG, Dupont etc) are.  The car was originally L01 which I'm now considering, but I was planning to paint it Cirrus White (L04).  The BRG I'm not too concerned about finding the correct shade (of the many), but I've never seen a Cirrus White car in person and the photo's I've found on the net seem to differ.  Is there a comparable white that other manufacturers have used (eg.  is BL Snowberry White close) ? 

The other option is paint it the same colour as the Eleven I had as I still have half a gallon left (I know it's not enough but I at least know the colour). 

Also, what is the general consensus on keeping a Europa the stock colour?  I know my car is heavily modified, so originality isn't that big of a deal for me (at least for this car).  I'm just curious to know what others think.


Rod

[BDA]

I've always been partial to white cars - they are cooler, a little easier to keep clean compared to a dark car, and white cars are the most visible, on average, across all weather conditions. When I had mine painted, the paint shop wouldn't take "white" as a color so I had to find a white car and give them the year and model for my white - I didn't have any expectation that they would be able to recreate Lotus's white even if I knew the paint code (which I didn't).

I found a white '95 Corvette and had it painted that color and it looks fine to me, but I'm not sure that I'd know the difference between that and '85 VW white, '65 Ford white, or Lotus's white.

Here's a picture of my car that shows the white under partial sunlight.

[Paul_71]

Slightly off topic, but how are you managing the exterior lower rockers before painting? Are you removing the rivets before paint, or painting over them? Mine does not have any trim and so exposed.

I'm also looking to go white and interested in this discussion. 

[RoddyMac]

Paul,
I had to remove them to gain access to the seat belt mounting plates, but I have replaced them and will be painting over them.  From all the photo's I've seen they were painted from new. 

Rod

[Rosco5000]

There is a white twin cam out of White Rock that shows up at that ABFM occasionally.  That has always been a nice looking car.  I like the white he is the original owner, it was repainted in the last few years but it always looks sharp

[Grumblebuns]

I also like white as a car color. Personally, I would find the brightest white currently available and go with that. I doubt that there are that many people who can recognize the original cirrus white.

[4129R]

What is the general consensus of opinion over the colour of the pin-stripes?

I am re-painting 4688R in its original Lagoon Blue, but I think silver pin stripes, to match the sills below the doors, would look better than gold.

What do owners think?

Alex in Norfolk

[Paul_71]

I like the thick red stripe on the white body, off center. Not sure if this is stock.

Does anyone have a resource to what was available back in the day? or were these aftermarket additions?

[BDA]

Cars with pinstripes from the factory (maybe from the dealer?) were 3/8" bright gold.

But then, it's your car. Make yourself happy! 

[jbcollier]

Not stock but not unusual, even back in the day.  Do not just paint it any old white.  White comes in many, many different variations: some look good, others less so and some are hideous.

[StrawberryCheesecake]

I'd have thought that half a gallon of paint would do a Europa. Maybe not if you're doing the inside as well, if you're talking puny little American gallons :-)

[StrawberryCheesecake]

While we're on the subject of paint codes, does anyone know the correct codes for the red, white and gold on a Gold Leaf colour scheme?

Nothing in the guides that I can see.

[4129R]

Try this:-

http://www.lotuselansprint.com/index.asp?pageid=41827

[jbcollier]

Paint codes and years used:

http://lotus-europa.com/colors.html

Note: These codes may not work, or be crossable, in jurisdictions that have switched to water based paint.

[StrawberryCheesecake]

Gents... thanks. The Elan colours will do nicely I think. I was thinking I'd just use the nearest Lotus colours if I couldn't find the proper spec.