Greetings everyone,
I’ve done a forum search and can’t seem to find a definitive wrinkle red paint part number or something that I could get to redo my cam cover. Although I did find many debates on the red/blue/black color that it should be! I know that mine needs to be red, but I’m having a hard time finding the right paint.
Anyone have any leads on where to get it? Manufacturer / color / part number / application guide?
Oh, and I might also add that I’m looking for the engine-block grey color that would be correct also. Obviously not the crinkle version though…
The red is know as Poppy red supplied by Trimite Ltd and is a stove enamel finish. QED can supply the engine paint.
I saved the link for reference from a previous post:
frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp? … h%20(310ml
It may help.
Brian Clarke
(1972 Sprint)
Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think that the red cam covers were wrinkle finish. I found that red Sperex VHT was a perfect match for mine.
I painted the block in a grey tractor enamel because it looked right and was subsequently told that it was the correct colour though I can’t remember which tractor was grey. Fordson, Massey Ferguson?
Massey Ferguson, I believe. 
Matthew
According to the Twin-cam guru, Miles Wilkins, the nearest paint to Lotus Grey is Massey Ferguson Stoneleigh Grey with a touch of blue added. Can’t tell you what blue though 
I found a local supplier at:
store.summitracing.com/egnsearch … 4294863504
(in case someone in the US finds this thread in the future)
Thanks for the help! Now to find the grey…
I had the cam covers powder coated bright yellow to match the car. Not original, but it sure liiks great!
Steve Becker
I bought the red wrinkle from Frosts for the cover. Haven’t used it yet but have seen a cover done in it and it liiks great.
As for the grey there seems to be no definitive answer to this one The concencus always seems to be MF grey with a hint of blue/black.
My Local Lotus man has said forget that and to buy oil based “Shark Grey” from local paint shop.
Would like thoughts on this one as I need to paint the block shortly for rebuild.
Kenny
Not very precise I guess…
DH
Whatever colour you paint the block it’ll eventually end up multgrade black (or am I just being cynical!)
Actually I painted my block last night with QED grey block paint, looks great…
Question now is what to do with the other 400mls left over, anyone want some?
Tim
One further point. As well as the block do you paint the head and timing cover and sump in the grey?
Kenny
PS is that 400ml enough to do a complete engine?
Lotus painted the head,block,timing cover & sump in grey but I only paint the block and sump.
It would seem the oil filter canister (if you have the old cartridge type) is also painted the same grey.
At least on mine…
I always kind of assumed that the block was in Ford Gray since it was a Ford block. Perhaps all the grays are similar enough that nobody could tell the difference anyway…
I may leave the head then, seems a shame painting a nice clean casting but still undecided.
Kenny
Try VHT Wrinkle Plus Coating made for PJH Brands, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. The paint code for red is SP-204. Check it out at:
72.10.43.141/wrinklefinish.htm
I picked mine up at a local auto parts store for around $6. Was very pleased with the results.
Hegg, I’ve owned my 1970 S.4 for 27 years. I replaced the oil pump many years ago but still have the original filter housing and it is black. And I still maintain that the red cam cover wasn’t wrinkle finish!
Regards
Tim
I also have a 1970 Elan, SE variety and, whilst I have only owned it 23 years, the cam cover is wrinkle or crackle red. I have no reason to suspect it has been resprayed before my ownership.
Other than looking worn, the cover looks identical to that on the front cover of Miles Wilkins Twin-Cam book (2nd edition).
That is what mine looks like as well. I have only had my car a short time in comparison, but I bought it from the original owner who had not restored it.
