1982 300 Six engine colors
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
No, just regular Ford Blue.
There are three shades of blue Ford Used on these engines.
Ford Blue which is the one you want.
Ford Dark blue is darker and Used 1972 and earlier into the 60's.
Old Ford Blue is lighter than Ford Blue.
It depends really on who manufactures the paint on what it's called though.
Rustolium Engine enamel #248945 Ford Blue is a perfect match.
I suggest to match the engine color with the distributor cap adapter. If the distributor cap adapter is original to the truck, that is a good indicator what the color of the block was when new.
There are exceptions. 1982-1983 were the years they changed color.
What is the build date for you truck may I ask? Also does it have a 300-6?
1982 year models were built 7/81 to 6/82. The 1983 model started in August of 1982. If your truck was a late 1982 that could explain the reason why yours is gray. Some 1983s had blue engines due to the back stock of engines built before the color change.
Why it's a general rule of thumb. 1973-1982 blue, 1983-up gray. It's not exact because it wasn't exact when the trucks were built.
There are three shades of blue Ford Used on these engines.
Ford Blue which is the one you want.
Ford Dark blue is darker and Used 1972 and earlier into the 60's.
Old Ford Blue is lighter than Ford Blue.
It depends really on who manufactures the paint on what it's called though.
Rustolium Engine enamel #248945 Ford Blue is a perfect match.
I suggest to match the engine color with the distributor cap adapter. If the distributor cap adapter is original to the truck, that is a good indicator what the color of the block was when new.
Originally Posted by Labhound
The motor in my '82 was gray from the factory.
What is the build date for you truck may I ask? Also does it have a 300-6?
1982 year models were built 7/81 to 6/82. The 1983 model started in August of 1982. If your truck was a late 1982 that could explain the reason why yours is gray. Some 1983s had blue engines due to the back stock of engines built before the color change.
Why it's a general rule of thumb. 1973-1982 blue, 1983-up gray. It's not exact because it wasn't exact when the trucks were built.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
I found that the Duplicolor DE1606 shade I used on my own engine is an exact match to the blue in the "Ford" oval found on the grille of the 1982- 1986 Ford trucks. Which is odd, considering Ford started painting their engines Ford Gray starting in 1982. 
I chose to paint my 1985 engine block Blue instead, as it looks more "Ford like", in my opinion.
Page 5 and 6 of
http://cometeastcarclub.org/PDF_Files/enginecolor.pdf
If it is blue, it is power by Ford.
"For many years prior to 1966, as we have seen, Ford engines were color-keyed to specific applications and carlines. Starting in 1966, this practice changed. All engine now were painted Ford Corporate Blue. Instead of color-keyed valve covers and air cleaners, the entire engine would be Ford Corporate Blue, like the Ford Blue Oval and the Ford Blue offset dealer signs popping up in 1966 at Ford dealerships. Ford's message for 1966 and beyond was simple--if it is blue, it is power by Ford.
As in earlier years, Ford continued to paint the valve covers separate from the engines. Engine long-blocks, which included block, intake manifold, heads, and oil pan, were all painted Ford Blue. Valve covers were installed toward the end of engine assembly using natural metal bolts with integral lock washers. We've learned through observation and conversation with restorers that Duplicolor's Dark Ford Blue (1606) is an accepted color for '66 and later Ford engine restorations. An alternative, when Duplicolor isn't available, is Krylon's Dark FordBlue, which is also the correct shade of dark blue. Plastikote is another paint brand, Royal Blue (1134) an acceptable color for '66 and later."
I chose to paint my 1985 engine block Blue instead, as it looks more "Ford like", in my opinion.Page 5 and 6 of
http://cometeastcarclub.org/PDF_Files/enginecolor.pdf
"For many years prior to 1966, as we have seen, Ford engines were color-keyed to specific applications and carlines. Starting in 1966, this practice changed. All engine now were painted Ford Corporate Blue. Instead of color-keyed valve covers and air cleaners, the entire engine would be Ford Corporate Blue, like the Ford Blue Oval and the Ford Blue offset dealer signs popping up in 1966 at Ford dealerships. Ford's message for 1966 and beyond was simple--if it is blue, it is power by Ford.
As in earlier years, Ford continued to paint the valve covers separate from the engines. Engine long-blocks, which included block, intake manifold, heads, and oil pan, were all painted Ford Blue. Valve covers were installed toward the end of engine assembly using natural metal bolts with integral lock washers. We've learned through observation and conversation with restorers that Duplicolor's Dark Ford Blue (1606) is an accepted color for '66 and later Ford engine restorations. An alternative, when Duplicolor isn't available, is Krylon's Dark FordBlue, which is also the correct shade of dark blue. Plastikote is another paint brand, Royal Blue (1134) an acceptable color for '66 and later."
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
I found that the Duplicolor DE1606 shade I used on my own engine is an exact match to the blue in the "Ford" oval found on the grille of the 1982- 1986 Ford trucks. Which is odd, considering Ford started painting their engines Ford Gray starting in 1982. I chose to paint my 1985 engine block Blue instead, as it looks more "Ford like", in my opinion.
I chose to paint my 1985 engine block Blue instead, as it looks more "Ford like", in my opinion.Old Ford blue is lighter than Ford Blue.
Ford Dark Blue was used before Motorcraft. When Ford was forced to liquidate Autolite back in 1972, and founded motorcraft is when I saw the change from Ford Dark Blue to Ford Blue. My 1972 F-250 was Ford Dark Blue. The 1973 F-100 was Ford Blue, just like the 1981 I have. This is from real world observation.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 4
From: Harrisburg, NE
"For many years prior to 1966, as we have seen, Ford engines were color-keyed to specific applications and carlines. Starting in 1966, this practice changed. All engine now were painted Ford Corporate Blue. Instead of color-keyed valve covers and air cleaners, the entire engine would be Ford Corporate Blue, like the Ford Blue Oval and the Ford Blue offset dealer signs popping up in 1966 at Ford dealerships. Ford's message for 1966 and beyond was simple--if it is blue, it is power by Ford.
"
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Saw a 1958 in the wrecker the other day.
Prettiest Cream valve covers with Ford Red engine block I've seen in a long time. Made me mad that a great restorable 58 F-100 was being junked.
But that's for another thread...
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