Datsun Grey rear panel

[Jhepb1]

Here's a pic of my car with the "correct" Datsun Grey paint added to the rear light panel.
I found it on ebay and while it's an aerosol and sent from the U.S., it got here without falling foul of the usual restrictions on sending pressurized containers by air freight.

See it here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-Niss...Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d5586bc80&vxp=mtr

BTW, the bumper is a Harrington stainless steel unit, also available on ebay. Nice quality though the front one is a bit tight where it wraps around the front wings.

 

[MaximG]

What makes you think it should be Grey?

 

[Dale]

Should the correct colour not be the same as the original hub caps? So that must be pretty close, although it seems quite light in the photo.

 

[richiep]

What makes you think it should be Grey?

That is the factory correct colour for the rear panels.

 

[MaximG]

That is the factory correct colour for the rear panels.

Now you see that's where I have to quibble. There is no sign what so ever that the rear panels on the back of my car were anything other than satin black.

 

[Dale]

From 'How To Restore Your Datsun Z-Car'...

Ditzler Duracryl DDL 2862 Argent with quite a bit of suede additive.
1 pint DDL
200 units DX265
300 units DX 264
Thin 100-150% and spray fairly dry.
Regulate air pressure to the high side
Make sure you keep the paint mixed in the cup
Don't expect any gloss as it shouldn't have any.

It doesn't say what colour it is like.

 

[richiep]

"Argent" is the clue there. I.e. Meaning silver, or in this context silver grey. The factory finish was a flat finish too, like how it has come out in the OP's picture.

Lots of discussions about this on Z forums around the web for many years, usually about what the code or formulation is. No one contesting the colour itself. If I remember correctly, there is supposedly a Volvo? colour that is a very good match too.

 

[MaximG]

Sorry not convinced. The publication Dale refers to is good old American. It just wouldn't look right to have a silver car with a different silver rear panel. They went to great lengths to get the asthetics right. Alan will probably shoot me down but I do wonder if there were colour variations depending on main body colour. After all they had different interia colours.

 

[status]

The nearest i know of as ive said this before is the old 2.8 capri,exact match as far as im aware,satin black,looks nice but not original but who cares about that anyway

 

[johnymd]

Most Z's were customised from new so you should paint this panel the colour you want. Be it original or a different colour of your choice. I chose a darker metalic grey as I think it goes better with the Nissan Bayside Blue I painted the car. If I had a silver car then I would also go a dark grey or satin black.

Just because Datsun did it in the 70's doesnt mean it looks good. How many of us drive our cars with the factory steel wheels? We all modify them with alloy's as the original poster has done.

 

[richiep]

Most Z's were customised from new so you should paint this panel the colour you want. Be it original or a different colour of your choice. I chose a darker metalic grey as I think it goes better with the Nissan Bayside Blue I painted the car. If I had a silver car then I would also go a dark grey or satin black.

Just because Datsun did it in the 70's doesnt mean it looks good. How many of us drive our cars with the factory steel wheels? We all modify them with alloy's as the original poster has done.

This. My car has them in satin black because I like them that way with the bright red. Someday I may change them to grey though, given it has gun metal wheels.

Incidentally, it's not just the Americans with the grey rear panels; here's a 432 on display in Japan:

I know someone here in Macc who had a 240z which he had owned long-term and was very original, albeit super scruffy (used as a daily driver) - it had flat grey rear panel and spoiler.

Anyway, paint them whatever looks best for the car colour.

 

[Paul Henley]

As far as I'm aware the grey should be the same for the wheel trims, rear panels and front grill. For me I'm planning on getting 2 sets of the rear panels panted, one set in the original grey and one set in the silver of the car and swop them over as I please

 

[RIDDLER]

My 260Z (1978) is original as far as I know and has a grey rear panel that matches the grey rear spoiler and grey front spoiler.

But I think at the end of the day it is all down to what you think looks best!

 

[zNathan]

Mine was grey too but had it repainted black I do like the grey though