Question about paint color for the heater parts under the engine Options

[rick 918-S]

Not exactly concours. I have a 1973 2.0 with 1.7 SS HE's but don't have the SS elbows and J tubes. Eventually I would like to move to 2.0 SS HE's. When I do I hope to get the SS connections but who knows when that will be. But for now I would like to at least make the parts I have look correct. Here's the issue.

It's clear all J tubes were black to match the tin. But I have a set of the elbows that connect the J tubes to the HE's and then to the flapper doors. They appear to be grey. Were these just painted wrong?

Q) What color should they be painted?

Anyone have an under the car photo?

[tod914]

Rick, grey is correct for both the elbows and those funky "S" shaped attachments that go onto the exchanger and fan housing. They should match the color of the muffler and exchangers, if you want to be "correct". Only high temp paints I found, are in light grey. The VHT's should be fine. The original parts are more of a darker blueish grey. More along the lines of a battleship or slate grey. PC might be an option those, but then your muffler won't match. Signal Grey seems to come real close to the factory color, in PC. The Dove Grey in PC is close too. Although abit too blueish in tone. The rattle can version of Dove Grey from Wolfsburg West is way too green. Would not suggest using it. I'm hoping to find a high temp PC that matches the factory color this winter. I'll keep you posted if I do. One member, posted shots of a high temp rustoleum 600 degree primer? paint? he used. Seems to be an excellent match. Can't recall his name, or locate the thread. Hope that helps, sorry no shots.