Paint Code Question on 1980 Suzuki GS1000G- faded side covers

[Mickeymoe]

Hello all,

I've been busy for a lot of the summer working on projects (one of them being the GS1000G I bought and posted on this forum the beginning of this season), and am wondering if anyone can help me with a paint code question.

The bike is all original but the side covers have faded at a different rate than the tank and fenders. (see pic) I'd like to paint them to match the tank this week but I'm not sure what color the bike is. I THINK it's "Marble LeMans Blue" code "08D" according to this link:

http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

However, I can't tell for sure if the code is 08D, or OHD, or whatever. Does anyone have more conclusive info on the color? There weren't that many colors that year. A few paint stores are willing to match the color by eye but I'd like to have the factory color mixed if possible.

Any help would be appreciated.


Thanks, Mark

[nvr2old]

Most auto paint stores don't carry the actual mixing codes for bikes this old. They should, however, be able to scan your tank and come up with the formula to match your color. I had it done many times with great results. You just need to find one that is reputable and will do it for you.

[Nessism]

That Marble LeMan's Blue color must be popular because this is at least the fifth thread I've seen about it.

I believe the color code is 08D, but that in itself won't help unless someone has created a formula to match that color. Formula's are specific to the paint brand and paint system too so there is always that complication too.

Your best bet is to find a good auto paint supply store and ask them to patch off a sample.

[Mickeymoe]

Thanks guys. Today I went to an auto paint store that services new car dealers etc. and had them analyze the color with their fancy camera. They got an 80% match by sampling the tank paint which is factory. The guy I bought the bike from told me the side covers faded because they're plastic, but upon closer examination it turns out they are replacements that were painted the wrong shade. Either way, I'll be able to mask the factory stripe, remove the GS1000G emblem, paint them with this new basecoat and clear over everything. It will look much better in that the provided paint "chip" shows the side covers are many shades lighter than the tank. Must have been some backyard DIY guy who matched the paint by eye. The seller told me he had a side-car on the bike for a while so likely it broke/ cracked the side covers and he bought new ones and had them painted. I'll post a before and after in a few days. Makes me wonder what else he didn't tell me or was not honest about.

Mark