Page 1 of 1
1952 M38 CDN Correct Engine Colour
Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2018 8:55 am
by L84dinner
I have followed an earlier thread that states the M38CDNs were delivered with engines painted gray. The thread stated that the colour should be Ford 9N Gray and that this paint was available from New Holland. I secured 9N Gray paint from New Holland (39/62 or M1J-957-SE5DS) but it is very light - almost cream colour.
I thought this has to be a mistake as I was expecting a battleship gray colour but noted a small section of old paint on the dipstick that closely matches this colour.
Can anyone confirm that the New Holland paint referenced is correct?
Also I believe the paint covered both engine and bell housing. Is that correct?
Many thanks,
John
![Image]()
![Image]()
Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 3:30 pm
by wesk
Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 6:53 pm
by L84dinner
Yes contacted Hawkshadow and M38CDN Bill. Appears this is the correct colour.
Thanks,
John
Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 11:35 pm
by wesk
Did Hawkshadow say why he went with the battleship gray instead?
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 8:34 am
by ROBCDN3
Hi John and Wes. My 1971 M38A1 CDN3 has the battleship grey on the rebuilt engine. The engine was rebuilt by Bennett and Hanson the rebuild shop for the Canadian Army. If your motor is a rebuild go with the darker grey.
Cheers Rob
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 4:06 pm
by L84dinner
Hawkshadow found the grey engine enamel he used to be very close in colour. He thinks I have a Ford 8N colour but also notes that you can't be sure what Ford might have used. M38CDN Bill thinks my colour is correct for new and its a close match to the little bit of paint on the dipstick tube.
The rebuild colour which I think was RCME was a light blue.
Wish there was a more definitive resource on this.
Thanks,
John
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 4:38 pm
by Hawkshadow
hey all,
Yes I went with the plastikote in colour 202 - universal grey on top of the primer made for their engine enamel. I wanted an engine enamel that would be durable for the long run and also matched the ford 9N colour samples that I found at the time.
It’s been several years now and I’ve been happy with the choice. It gave a good colour and nice finish which has held up well and cleans up nicely. Using the lighter colour not only cleans up and stands out nicely at shows, but it makes it easier to work in the engine compartment.
As I sent to John, I think he can be satisfied which whichever of the colours he chooses as neither appears to be incorrect from my experience and research.
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 4:48 pm
by wesk
Jordan, can you post a recent photo of your engine here?
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 6:44 pm
by Hawkshadow
Here is the most recent that I have of it. Anything more detailed will take a little bit as it's tucked away for the winter right now.

Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:53 pm
by wesk
That does look a bit like the tanish gray listed above in that light.
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 11:28 am
by L84dinner
The lighter engine colour does pull up the detail of the accessories.
Beautiful job Jordan.
John