Dear fans of "green" V-8 Buick engines . . . . . and I'm not talking about environmentally friendly! :Brow: I'm confused about what is the actual color of Nailhead green and a recent thread really perked my curiosity: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?279253-Color-for-65-riviera-401-engine When Jim Wiese painted my assertive but fuel-thrifty big-block, he choose this particular shade of green: However, I've also seen a clearly darker shade of green used. It appears to be corresponding to what has been called Onan Generator green from Cummins in the thread above. Here is an example again from that thread I mentioned by Bob Slusser (BobbyBuick) . However, as best as I can remember the original color of the 300 cid in my trusty wagon (last seen when I was 17) it was closer to what Jim selected. Also, T/A-Performance uses a lighter shade of green. There is an example of a Nailhead green engine on the back cover of their catalog and it looks very similar to the color Jim used. So what is going on here? I have a faint recollection of seeing a reference to two shades of Buick green engine engine paint - but of course I can't find it now. Does anybody know if there were two different greens used? Was the Riviera assembly line perhaps using something different from the Buick A-body lines? A curious mind would like to know! :idea2: Cheers, Edouard :beer
That Onan green looks really right. If it were mine, I'd say "right enough" to make that old nastalgic feeling come over me. I really miss my nailheads: 54 Special stick, 57 Special stick, 58 Special stick, 53 Mercury 401 stick, 63 Riviera and 65 GS 401.
There was an "Early" green which was used in the 40's. Our "Nails" use the "Late" Green as referenced to by Bill Hirsh. I myself like & use the "Late" Buick Green sold by Bill Hirsch. Late Buick Green is used from '53-'66. I really like the Hirsch green as they have been supplying it for many, many years & supposedly have the original formulation.
I've been using Plastkote Aspen Green, I like it. Might not be pitch perfect, but it's close and a very nice color.
You also cannot judge a color by what it looks like in the photo. My Roadmaster is the same color as the Nailhead photo you posted from BobbyBuick...but check out what it does with a flash:
Color is VERY subjective, nobody "sees" the same color the same way. If your happy with your particular color choice, great:TU:
Good enough for me! (Re: REAL Nailhead green) Dear Adam, Mark, and V-8 Buick engine bay interior decorators, Good comments everybody! Yes, that could be a factor. The photo of my trusty wagon's engine was with a flash. I guess that says it all! To top it off, I'm color-blind in green anyway, so I definitely cannot be an expert on this one! Thanks gang! Cheers, Edouard :beer
