GS550E bodywork/color questions

[Guest]

I'm working on a 1980 GS550E project (with a Katana 750 engine swap...build thread in the projects section).
I recently found a VERY nice 1978 tank on eBay. From the pics, it looked black. When I opened the box, it looked black. As I was clay barring and waxing it, I noticed a blue tint. When I put the tail section next to it (also from a '78), it was obvious that one was blue and one was black.

The tank is a very dark, midnight blue. I believe it to be original paint. What was this color called? Is there a paint code or modern equivalent? I paid too much money for the nicest tail cowl I could find, thinking I would just run O.G. paint parts. But now I need to have the cowl painted to match the tank. Pinstripes, too, but that should be relatively easy as the're just red and gold.

 

[Nessism]

Even if you find the color code it won't do you any good because no paint manufacturers have a formula for that color. You're best bet is to take the tank to an auto paint store and ask them to color match it.

 

[Guest]

I've already lined that up. I'd still like to know what colors were offered in '78 and what this color was called. Just for curiosity sake.
And if possibly someone else has already found a modern match.

 

[Nessism]

Paint info is in the OEM parts fishe. Look up the fuel tank or in the "optional" tab.

 

[Nessism]

Paint info is in the OEM parts fishe. Look up the fuel tank or in the "optional" tab.

550E colors by nessism, on Flickr

 

[Guest]

Pearl Black Bluing....that's an interesting name!

 

[dorkburger]

That color is listed for the 78 GS1000 as well. In the past couple of years Chuck Hahn and Busa1300 did some work with that color if I recall.
Maybe they can shed some light.

That tank does look beautiful.

 

[Guest]

My painter got a really, really close match using a Fiat color that he tinted. Flake size is slightly different but you won't be able to tell when the tank and cowl are separated by the seat.

Does anyone have a pic of how the pin stripes would have been on the cowl?

 

[wyly]

I've already lined that up. I'd still like to know what colors were offered in '78 and what this color was called. Just for curiosity sake.
And if possibly someone else has already found a modern match.

I wouldn't give up on finding the formula for the paint, do more research it's surprising whats still out there. Paint companies steal each others colours and will have copy of it, I was a commercial/industrial spray painter for a number of years colour theft common.

When I restored my '76 AW440 Maico I needed to replace some plastic and repaint some of the metal. The new plastic came in the correct colour but I needed to match the frame colour to the plastic. It took some digging but found Maico red was actually the same colour as on period Porsche and VW, Marsrot(Mars Red). Knowing that and I went to the auto paint supplier they looked up their formula for mid 70's Marsrot and I had my period correct paint. They made up a sample then did a slight alteration and nailed it. Suzuki has been making cars since the '50s it's quite possible that you'll find that colour there.

If you don't find the formula bring the part you want matched the more experienced guys can match it up pretty good.

Be aware the paint you're matching may not be it's original colour as all paint fades over time. The faded look may not be want you want, unless you're deliberately trying to match the patina of time.