What primer color

[B. Kirk]

 I am going to paint my 1980 T/A back to the factory Montreaux Maroon. Factory primer was red. Will a different color primer affect the final color, or do I need to go back with the red primer. I am 7 years int a projected 3 year restoration so I do not want to make any mistakes now with so much time in this project.

[tinpusher]

Get a spray out card from your paint supplier and do a spray out. The cards have different primer coats and you can see how it will effect the color. I didn’t see any spray out cards that have a red base....so..Ask the paint rep, sometimes the manufacturer of the paint will give you the recommendation.

[Wallington]

Don't confuse the red base as the primer once the clear wears off.

[roadking77]

I have been wrong a hundred times before, but I thought that 78? was the last of the red oxide primer. Pretty sure at least 79 was black primer, I would surmise 80 and 81 was black as well. Dont know a whole lot about painting either but If your primer coat is showing through the finish coat you may need more paint. I cant imagine the primer colour has anything to do with the finish coat.

[FormTA]

That's odd. I never thought about it but when my original black sun burned away, it was gray underneath. Original 1979 TA from Van Nuys.

[Wallington]

The oxide dip isn't the same as the paint primer.

[NOT A TA]

These are spray out cards. Light goes through the topcoat clear (if any) and color and gives the topcoat a lighter or darker appearance depending on the primer (or sealer) color. Primer/sealer color can change the topcoat appearance dramatically depending on the color.

[roadking77]

 

[B. Kirk]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will either go back with red or black primer for a deep color.

[firebirdforrest]

My 80 Formula is Montreaux Maroon and the factory primer is gray.

Forrest