"Inspirations" for my ERA 289

[jeffy]

Originally Posted by Jim Holden

jeffy:

Just a reminder that my current (and your proposed) Weber setup does not have a provision for a thermostat.

Hi Jim-

I just spoke to Dan on this issue, and he says that the 48 IDA's are now available with a built-in thermostat, which the original racing Webers did not have. We're good here.

Jeff

[Jim Holden]

Jeff:

There is a 48IDA intake for the small block Ford that does incorporate a standard thermostat (single water outlet) setup. I am not aware of any two outlet style that has a thermostat. If there is one out there I sure would like to know about it.

Jim

[jeffy]

Guess I'm getting the single outlet...Dan knows best!

[jeffy]

Another detail from the Sebring cars I'm going to copy is the early MK1 Cobra badge: it has a blue background rather than the usual white. This is the hood of CSX 2127:



I just recently found this badge available from Cobra Spares in the UK:

[jeffy]

I was talking to Chuck at Cobra Restorers about some original spec Stewart-Warner gauges, when I asked him if he knew what red AC used on the 289s, in particular CSX 2129, the red 1963 Sebring car, #98, raced by Ken Miles. He thinks that AC used British Leyland colors, rather then their own blends, and that the red was most likely Signal Red, popular on Triumphs, Jaguars and Austins. Here is a nice looking TR4A in Signal Red:



And another:



And a nice little TR2 (that someone added a TR3 front panel and grill to):



I'm going to ask Tony to work up a sample when the time comes. It reminds me of the red that the NY Giants use for the numerals on their white "away" jerseys, and the body of what they call their "alternate" jerseys, which inspired me to choose red in the first place:

[PDUB]

Jeffy,

Have you found the paint code for the Signal Red yet? Looks really nice!

Thanks

[jeffy]

Originally Posted by PDUB

Jeffy,

Have you found the paint code for the Signal Red yet? Looks really nice!

Thanks

I've found it listed under the Austin-Healey codes as I.C.I. code 6200:

http://www.coloramic.com/articles/hlyclrs.htm

http://healey.hyperboards.com/index....c&topic_id=582

I.C.I. was acquired by PPG a few years ago so, hopefully, they can produce a match.

I also found the AC Cars paint codes in another thread here, also I.C.I. codes:

AC1 Guardsman Blue 4424m Single stage urethane, c262b Base/Clear
AC2 Dark Blue fg47 single stage
AC3 Mist Silver 6182m single stage
AC4 Ruby Red 6192m single stage
AC5 Canary Yellow fg38
AC6 Lt. Green 5302m single stage, 5vf9b Base/Clear
AC8 Rosso Chiaro fg39 single stage
AC9 Pure White fg46 single stage
AC11 Mushroom 6189m single stage
AC12 Vineyard Green ej29 single stage
AC13 Live Oak 6188m single stage
AC14 Sand 6190m single stage
AC15 Princess Blue 6191m single stage

As you can see, a simple "Red" isn't listed: just "Ruby Red" and "Rosso Chiaro". My guess is that "Ruby Red" is what has sometimes been called "Svecia Red", or "Swiss" red, the color of a Swiss Army knife. This shade would have some blue in it. "Rosso Chiaro" translates into "Light Red". I'm going to research this code: it may be the AC equivalent of British Leyland Signal Red.

Older Ferraris also have a shade called "Rosso Chiaro", which looks similar to "Signal Red". Here is a 1954 500 Mondial Spyder in Ferrari Rosso Chiaro:



This may be my new favorite: gotta look up this color! Also, without any bumpers or quick jacks, the 289 bears a passing resemblance to this beast. Here is a link to more pictures:

http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z...al-Spyder.aspx