While peering into the engine bay at the mechanic today I (once again) noticed the engine bay paint is a different and flatter green color than the Aspen Green Mica on the body.

Is this normal?

Thanks in advance.

 

The green in my engine bays is different on both cars. It's seen less sun, less weather, less stuff brushing against it, hitting it, chipping it etc.

 

. . . and Jaguar did a p...s poor job of painting the engine compartment. If you were to inspect a silver XK8/R or XJ8/R engine compartment you would swear that the front end had been replaced.

 

It IS a different paint, less expensive. At some point along the way many manufacturers started using a less expensive paint and painting process on the interior areas. Just when it occured varies, of course, by manufacturer and model.

A common "points-off" error in top level restorations is using a glossy finish in the engine bay when it should be a matte or satin finish...

My friend the 'Vette judge even takes points off for overspray that isn't present when it's supposed to be there.

 

Yes a dull matte or satin finish is correct.

 

The platinum (silver) cars the engine bay is a off white or whitish grey, I've noticed even the channels that run along the fenders are not completely clear coated. I believe the robotic paint system may be at fault for that.

 

Would you beleive they even have a paint code for it too

 

Does anyone know what the code is for platinum (silver) engine bay paint?

 

...................... Primer.

 

I thought it was the same as the exterior paint but without clearcoat. Very interesting.

 

I'll give Jag a call in the morning and get a code from them.

I have cleaned up this area and want to give it a blow over, you can see it looks like primer but it must be a topcoat of some kind.

 

The paint code is JUC10

I just called my local parts store (Halfords), they said they would make up a spray can that I can pick up in 15 mins.

 

Guys you may have the answer I have been hunting all over the place for. My car is Zircon blue, a 2003 XKR, but try as I might I cannot find a code for the engine bay paint. I have even emailed Jaguar but have had no reply.

Is it a matt Zircon blue? I have tried actual Zircon paint used on the exterior but it just looks plain wrong.

Can anyone help?

Thanks!

 

Have you tried using a cutting compound for the rusted coloured area, just looks like its a coating of rust colour. Or you could try covering it with coca cola, one of my mechanic's swears by it.
Good luck.

 

I assume your not talking about my paint request.

If you want to get rid of rust there is a product from Hammerite I think they call it curerust? I tried it on my XKR and left it overnight and by the next morning it had converted it back into a more solid black metal ready to be painted over. Usually I do not promote such products but if they work well..

Still awaiting a reply regarding my paint. Is it possible to get a silk or matte finish Zircon Blue? If so does anyone have the paint code? I have it for Jag Zircon Blub but not the matte finish one.

 

Surely the matt finish is achieved with 'normal' body paint followed by a satin (matt) lacquer?

On the videos I've watched of Jaguar production, the entire bodyshell is painted the same colour in one operation so the engine bay finish has to be an additional process to give the final matt appearance.

Graham

 

Just had a lot of paintwork done on my car. See Franks XKR Story. - Page 7 for details. Martin, my friendly car sprayer, always gives me left over paint. This paint has the metalic bits and shiny stuff all-in-one. He sprays stuff on top of that to protect it. I tried this paint on my engine bay and whilst it does blend in if you do individual bits. On the engine bay itself it does not look right at all. I tried dabbing some on and it did not blend in at all.

I am going to try contacting Jaguar on Monday to see if they can help. The dealership cant help me, I did ask.

 

Frank,

I've sent this question to our contact in Jaguar UK CRC (Customer Relationship Centre).

Graham

 

Thanks Graham. I did send them an email about a week or so ago. Never got a reply. I suspect its a satin finish Zircon Blue like the exterior,but will see what your contact has to say.

 

Frank,

The solution is simpler than we were all thinking. Here's the reply from Jaguar Land Rover Ltd in Coventry:




It isn't a special paint or an additional process, just leaving the guide coat without applying the clear gloss.

Graham