American Olive Drab

[Ford Blitz]

Just on the off chance that someone might be able to point me in the right direction. I am looking for a paint source or even a formula for the American Olive Drab world war 2 vintage.
Any Ideas?

[WileE]

Gillespie 33070 seems to be the paint that the jeep restorers in the US reference all the time. I'm not sure where this is available in Australia but I notice that Marathon Spares sell a "Paint, Enamel" in their jeep parts catalogue which may be representative of "American Olive Drab".

When I was researching paint colours for my Willys MB a couple of years ago I found Protec had a colour called "Willeys-1942" (yes, spelt like that) but the local supplier said he contacted Protec but they didn't have a record of that paint or couldn't supply it or something. I ended up getting the Protec 342-1166 Camouflage Green Paint tinted to match a sample that I had, I think it was the inside of the glovebox door. It worked pretty well and I like the colour but the last batch I had tinted must have had a different guy adding the tint because it was slightly different in colour, barely noticable but just enough for me to know it was different. I'm up for a new batch soon to finish off the MB and MBT so will hopefully get it spot on to the original colour I had tinted.

Ian     

[Ford Blitz]

Thanks for the reply. I have a formula that the War memorial use to use but the paint supplier of the tints doesn't make them any more. the problem I have found is not too dissimilar to what you have found ie different paint matches . I have a lead and if it pans out I will let you know.
Tom

[Ford Blitz]

by the way I also have a jeep project underway. A MB. Diffs ,gearbox , transfer case rebuilt motor at the machine shop currently and the chassis repaired and at the sandblasters. Its a sickness and this is my last if I can remember how it all goes together. My aim it to largely reduce the jeep parts in my shipping container. How much is too much?
Anyway I will try and post some pics if I can work out how.
Tom

[WileE]

I'd be intersted to see pictures of your MB. I've been working on this one for a few years now amongst other things. The engine has been at the rebuilders for a while so will hopefully have it back soon then it should be able to move again under it's own power. This one is a Willys script body, early-pressed grill MB, early April 1942.

I have only just started on the MBT, the frame and axle are in the background of the MB picture, just sourcing parts for it now.

I also have a GPW, this one is a Ford script body, early June 1942, ARN 159950 and is recorded as being allocated to the Long Range Weapons Project at Woomera.

I'm happy to help with your jeep parts storage problem if I can... I don't need too much for the MB but chasing a couple of front MB springs for the MBT if you have any spares?
Ian

[mike_k]

Gentlemen,

Could I respectfully ask your reasoning behind discussion of these vehicles and paint colours on this particular forum?

I am aware of a number of more appropriate places to discuss these matters.

Would it be appropriate to discuss Land Rover paint schemes and vehicles on a J**p forum?

[Mick]

Hi Mike,

I agree, 2nd warning Ford Blitz. This is another level again after your lock down thread. 

Please think where you are

Cheers Mate,

Mick

[AGAS 5]

Gentlemen,

Could I respectfully ask your reasoning behind discussion of these vehicles and paint colours on this particular forum?

I am aware of a number of more appropriate places to discuss these matters.

Would it be appropriate to discuss Land Rover paint schemes and vehicles on a J**p forum?

Seriously ?

REMLR has a long and proud history of promoting all ex military vehicles. Have a look at the discussion categories ... it covers a wide range of topics and vehicle types.

REMLR is a repository of restoration data and collective experiences that is valued by a large ex military vehicle community and organisations like the AWM and Bandiana Museum. I can totally understand someone asking such questions here.

I learnt something from reading the thread.

Cheers.

[Mick]

Relax Pete,

were only taking the piss out of Tom.

Cheers,

Mick

[mike_k]

I agree Pete,

I’m a big supporter of all military vehicle restoration projects.

Reading my post again, I can see that it could be taken the wrong way, there was no offence meant here.

If any offence was taken, my apologies.

I was following along from a previous thread involving Ford Blitz, attempting a bit of humour, which was probably not very clear.

Cheers,

Mike.

[Ford Blitz]

Ian
firstly sorry no MB springs left. I also have a have a GPW in another shed restored years ago but need to be overhauled again. Too many moves and not enough time when I was working but kept me sane.
Now the land rover has taken over that role but the MB needed to be done if only to preserve a bit of military history. Its an original MB but I dont know its history can get the number off the tag to follow up. When I first got it tracking military history of a vehicle was not easy. Came with 6 bonnets with various numbers and it goes on. Will have a clean out when finished so will keep you in mind.
I am about to take possession of a sandblasting cabinet to clean up a lot of parts so stay tuned. Years ago I got hold of about 60 litres of a product that is the closest thing to tropical that I have ever seen and once it is painted/sprayed on a part it sets like wax but comes off with any spirit.
I will grab the name and post it in case some of the genuine military restores are interested.
As for you other rabble  remember payback is a bitch!!!
Tom

[Ravvin]

I just spoke to a few of the members down here from the Defence Transport Heritage Tasmania group who have restored jeeps and others still under restoration.
They are in the same boat, not having access to the tints that they used to use.
They suggested taking in a panel that has a good example of the colour and gloss level that you want and get a tint made up.
You may need to try a few different base paints to get one that cures to the same effect as the original stuff, but it should be doable.

Greg.

[Ford Blitz]

Good advice and thats what I have just done.
thanks
I mentioned tropical in my earlier post and its just dawned on me that not all people might know what I am referring to.
Tropical is a product that the American military contractors use to wrap/ treat spare parts with to preserve them in the harsh tropical weather conditions. It was very effective to the extent if you come across a surplus world war 2 part that was wrapped in tropical it will still be good to use today.
You cant buy tropical today but the material I referred to in my earlier post is Braycote 194. one of its many uses was to protect the control cables in aircraft. I have found it exceptional for preserving parts.
Anyway might be useful to someone.
Tom 

[STDDIVER]

Hi Tom , That's good information - and an interesting read!   Cheers  STDDIVER

[Ford Blitz]

Thanks for all the comments folks and for the record I did see the humor of the joke and was absolutely not offended.
Taking the piss is a long honored pass time.
Tom