Glasurit 55 Polaris paint coad

[Wobdog]

Does anyone know the best paint code match for 1971 2800CS Polaris. I have learned that Glasurit has 3 different Polaris metallics between 2 codes

Polaris Met 057 For years 63-77
Polaris Met 060 For years 69-81
New Polaris Met 60 For years 66-90

Any feedback would be appreciated

 

[jmackro]

I think the right answer is going to be "New Polaris Met 60 For years 66-90", but am looking forward to confirmation from those more knowledgeable.

 

[Stevehose]

I think you want the smallest metal flake you can get, a lot of these manufacturers aren't offering that anymore. For my engine bay I used Debeer Berobase, the auto supply place said it has the smallest flake. @wkohler turned me on to it. I'm very happy with it.

 

[Christoph]

You never know whether a new paint will be the same colour as the original. Even worse if the new paint is water-based, i.e. completely new recipe. Polaris had a long life, another difficulty, because it came in four or five shades over the decades. From old to new codes and names are: Polaris 057, Polaris Neu 060, Polaris 060. With each step the colour became a little less grey, roughly spoken. Polaris 057 is a pre-E3/E9 colour. The revised "new" Polaris Neu 060 ran until the end of 1971/beginning of 1972. Then Polaris 060 was not new anymore, so the "Neu" was dropped. Once more I think @HB Chris knows best.

 

[jmackro]

From old to new codes and names are: Polaris 057, Polaris Neu 060, Polaris 060. With each step the colour became a little less grey, roughly spoken. Polaris 057 is a pre-E3/E9 colour. The revised "new" Polaris Neu 060 ran until the end of 1971/beginning of 1972. Then Polaris 060 was not new anymore, so the "Neu" was dropped.

OK, so I think you're saying that Polaris Neu 060 would be the correct color for Wobdog's '71 e9. And that Polaris 060 is newer than Polaris Neu 060 (which is kind of funny), as well as more silver/less grey.

You are certainly right that the water-based paints available today will never match the oil-based paints available 53 years ago. There isn't a lot we can do about that, short of sourcing our paint in Mexico. And irrespective of the oil-water thing, newly-applied paint will never match sun-faded paint, even if both applications came from the same can. I guess Wobdog's question is simply that given these realities, what is the best thing to ask for at the paint store counter.

 

[Dick Steinkamp]

You are certainly right that the water-based paints available today will never match the oil-based paints available 53 years ago. There isn't a lot we can do about that, short of sourcing our paint in Mexico

Water based paints are only mandated in certain counties of California, New Jersey and Massachusetts. The solvent formulas have changed since the 1970's however, especially if you plan to clear coat (which I think you should with any metallic paint).

I think the best way to get a match to the original color is to find a patch of it that has been covered up since new. A good auto paint store will have a spectrophotometer to determine the color and proper mix from the patch of original paint. You can also borrow some of their color chip books to match against the original paint. The detail chip books will have several pages of Polaris looking chips. You have to have pretty sharp eyes to distinguish differences. In all cases, spray a test pad or sample piece of sheet metal with your choice before you commit.

 

[paul cain]

Wise advice from @Dick Steinkamp

 

[Dick Steinkamp]

BTW, no matter how much time you spend to get the exact color you believe to be "correct", there could be several Polaris E9s at a major vintage BMW show all slightly different shades and every owner will swear theirs is the one that is "correct".

 

[rsporsche]

there is some very good advice herein. what i can tell you is that Glasurit made the original formulas - but ... over the years all of their mixers have changed so the formulas turn out differently. for instance on ceylon, Glasurit tells you that their current ceylon is fine for a complete repaint but NOT for touch up. PPG water based is considered a #1 match. every color is different, we have seen the very different looks of fjord - and with some it is determined by the painter's actions. so get some sprayout samples and look at them in sunlight and make sure you are happy. @Dick Steinkamp advice about finding a bit of original paint on the car is excellent - such as around the gas tank (under the floor boards)