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Torque Boxes, interesting?

Scott, what are your thoughts on the correct engine paint color?
Is there really such a thing as race hemi orange?

It's a convertible (torque boxes) something most people have never seen on a pre 1966 car.

There is no specific paint code for Race Hemi Orange than I'm aware of but Frank Badelson sells a correct shade of orange for your engine. It is a much paler pumpkin orange as compared to the reddish orange of Street Hemi Orange.

Race Hemi Orange:

1962-64 413/426 Max Wedge
1965, 1967, 1968 Race Hemi
1966-1968 Street Hemi (and possible some early 69's)

Street Hemi Orange:
1969-1971 Street Hemi

Frank has a few color matches he's done off of original engines he's had, he came up with 3 shades, Race Hemi Orange, "Early" Hemi Orange, and Street Hemi Orange. You need his Race Hemi Orange. I believe the only difference between Frank's Race Hemi and Early Hemi Orange is a slight shade difference simply due to paint lot variables.

Scott, as always your input is appreciated. I will contact Frank when I get to that point and order up some engine paint. I know that mopar performance used to sell race hemi orange paint, but was a crap shoot if it would spray properly!

It is pathetic that a company bearing the Mopar name has such poor quality control.

Same here as one time I bought like 4 cans of MP Hemi orange and not one can would work right. I have a dumb question but what did they call the orange they used on the Max Wedge engines from 62 to 64 since the 426 Hemi was not out yet ?? I dont think it was called Hemi orange in 62 or 63 ? I am enjoying following this just to be sure some things are about right on my 63 even if its a original 383 car I still like to have as much right as I can. So I hope you dont mind me following this post also ? Ron

See my post a couple above yours. They didn't have a particular color code that I know of but Max Wedges were the same pale pumpkin orange that was used on all 64-68 Race Hemis, as well as all 1966-1968 (and some 69) Street Hemis. Today most refer to it as "Race Hemi Orange". All other big blocks in B-bodies of the early 60's era were turquoise blue

I might be wrong but I thought some 383's in 68 or 69 were the Hemi orange ? I know my buddies was in his 68 four speed Cuda but I dont know if it was the original 383 in it when he got the car in 1973. Ron

Sorry, speaking of Hemi's and Max Wedges only, 383's and 440's past 1967 were a different deal but yes, 69 383's were Street Hemi Orange, same year it was first used on Street Hemis.

wasn't that just the 335hp 4bbl engine only ? wasn't the 300[?] 4bbl engine still turquoise ?

moparx, no, not all 1969 383's were orange, it varied with application and HP ratings. This is why I said that 383's and 440's were a different deal, there were variables. I believe the HP difference you are referring to is the 330hp vs the 335hp versions. Here's an original 69 383 330hp (383 Four Barrel) version (N code Coronet Station Wagon) which was not orange.

just wondering scott. my charger had the 335hp engine, but it was turquoise. i still have the valve covers and the intake, but no pics of the engine compartment. "n" code was the 330 and "g" code the 335hp ?

clone car. I know my wiring harness isn't perfectalong with brake lines. But I used Mopar Engine paint and had great results. The cans all sprayed very well.

Hood bracing did not need to be cut out either. Decided to leave it in for strength. Hood clears air cleaners just fine

I had the PPG paint code for race hemi orange but most suppliers don't have the right pigments anymore to make it..now I cant find where I posted it. Tim

Interesting that this post still has some life. I have not yet reached the stage for engine paint, but moving toward that end. Front suspension is just about done, and rear getting there. Kept the factory leafs unpainted as well as the 3rd member center section. Started cleaning the front drums yesterday and see traces of black paint. These appear to be the originals, so going to shoot them black. I need to learn how to post some pictures.

lets see if I can post a couple shots?