Engine paint on 692/3

[Dick Roth]

Some readers may recall my 1959 Carrera GS-GT coupe from the 1990 Monterey Parade which was subsequently totaled in the tragic and disastrous explosion and fire at Road Scholars. You’ll be happy to know that the car is nearing completion of a total restoration at Porsche Classic in Gelderland Netherlands. I’ve been assisting the present owner with information and details to aid in this challenging project. He has inquired of me regarding the proper paint for the engine tin as well as the fan shroud itself, which seems to vary slightly in terms of the level of gloss.
I’m sure this has been discussed many times and that there is someone who can provide information regarding the paint used and any guidance on achieving the appropriate semi gloss finish.
As mentioned earlier, the car is in Europe, and American brands might not be available, although I would not be surprised if someone has information relating to brands available there.
Many thanks.
PS John Paterek, who restored the car for me, has graciously provided some information, but I’m looking to round out additional detail.

[Chuck House]

The paint is what I call industrial gloss. It was gloss black but applied directly over the metal without primer. It doesn't quite have the luster of finish paint but it is definitely not satin. Here is a photo of the engine from my 16k mile '56 Carrera. The only items/finish in the photo not done at the factory are the plug wires, fuel hose and fan belt.

[Joris Koning]

Chuck is right as usual. I will add that most of the original 4-cam tin I have seen appears to have been dipped. The cheap and very thin paint, dipped on an unprimed surface look is very hard to duplicate.

[Greg Bryan]

There's a power coat business in the Los Angeles area that is used by several of the businesses and individuals in the area. He has a finish he calls "60% Gloss". Not sure how he accomplishes this, whether it's a single product or if he mixes two products. The end result is somewhere between satin and gloss and looks good on the tin. Of course, powder coating is not at all original but is sure more durable. And for that matter, whatever paint formulation that was used back in the day is no longer available.