View Full Version : Guardsman Blue
I'm starting to put more thought into color selection, and Guardsman Blue is on the list of considerations because it just looks right on these cars, IMO.
However, I see some GB cars that are stunning with some "pop" and others that seem to be quite muted. Are there different Guardsman variations? I'm guessing the line of paint could make a difference, and maybe some have added more pearl to the formula. Lighting always plays into it too.
Jeff Kleiner
07-11-2025, 11:30 AM
I'm starting to put more thought into color selection, and Guardsman Blue is on the list of considerations because it just looks right on these cars, IMO.
However, I see some GB cars that are stunning with some "pop" and others that seem to be quite muted. Are there different Guardsman variations? I'm guessing the line of paint could make a difference, and maybe some have added more pearl to the formula. Lighting always plays into it too.
The original 1960s formulas for colors like Guardsman, Viking, etc. were much simpler and less "exotic" than today's modern colors but even with that in mind the paint line can make a big difference. I've done a bunch of Guardsman Blue/Wimbledon White cars and always use PPG's high end Deltron for the blue. The Deltron color toners are richer than even their mid line and the the high end formula uses 2 sizes of metal whereas the lower line mix uses only a single size flake (just like Ford did back in the 1960s). There is no pearl in Guardsman Blue. Here are a few pics of one of the roadsters I've done on a nice sunny day.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216203&d=1542313635
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216204&d=1752250940
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216205&d=1752251200
:cool:
Jeff
Bingo! That's it Jeff! Very nice, and thanks for the detail. It's definitely on my short list. It would look great with no stripes and a glassed-in scoop.
Shamilton289
07-11-2025, 03:37 PM
The original 1960s formulas for colors like Guardsman, Viking, etc. were much simpler and less "exotic" than today's modern colors but even with that in mind the paint line can make a big difference. I've done a bunch of Guardsman Blue/Wimbledon White cars and always use PPG's high end Deltron for the blue. The Deltron color toners are richer than even their mid line and the the high end formula uses 2 sizes of metal whereas the lower line mix uses only a single size flake (just like Ford did back in the 1960s). There is no pearl in Guardsman Blue. Here are a few pics of one of the roadsters I've done on a nice sunny day.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216203&d=1542313635
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216204&d=1752250940
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216205&d=1752251200
:cool:
Jeff
Jeff,
I’m considering painting my 289 USRRC in Viking Blue. Do you have a PPG formula handy for that color? My wife really likes the look of the car in the FFR brochure.
Thanks,
Scott H in Plainfield, IN
gbranham
07-11-2025, 03:51 PM
Could Jeff's work be any more perfect? Sheesh. That's purty! :)
Greg
Lidodrip
07-11-2025, 06:14 PM
Jeff,
I’m considering painting my 289 USRRC in Viking Blue. Do you have a PPG formula handy for that color? My wife really likes the look of the car in the FFR brochure.
Thanks,
Scott H in Plainfield, IN
From one of Jeff's earlier posts:
Viking Blue code "E"
Ford Alphanumeric M1448
PPG 12494
Jeff Kleiner
07-12-2025, 09:20 AM
From one of Jeff's earlier posts:
Viking Blue code "E"
Ford Alphanumeric M1448
PPG 12494
Yep. And if you like Viking you might also want to take a look at Ford's Brittany Blue from the mid 1960s. Similar, but a bit different.
Brittany Blue code "Q"
Ford Alphanumeric M1624
PPG 12843
I did this one 3 or 4 years ago and it's still one of my favorites:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216244&d=1692105878
Jeff
216244
cnutting
07-12-2025, 11:29 AM
Jeff,
I’m considering painting my 289 USRRC in Viking Blue. Do you have a PPG formula handy for that color? My wife really likes the look of the car in the FFR brochure.
Thanks,
Scott H in Plainfield, IN
IIRC, the brochure car (#14) is a Mazda blue and not Viking Blue. Mine is painted in Viking (see link below). If your wife really likes the brochure car, she might not like Viking since it doesn't have the same pop.
Derald Rice
07-13-2025, 04:50 PM
Yep. And if you like Viking you might also want to take a look at Ford's Brittany Blue from the mid 1960s. Similar, but a bit different.
Brittany Blue code "Q"
Ford Alphanumeric M1624
PPG 12843
I did this one 3 or 4 years ago and it's still one of my favorites:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=216244&d=1692105878
Jeff
216244
FWIW.........Ford has revived Brittany Blue paint for its 60th anniversary Mustang..
It might be interesting to see if the color shifts compared to the original BB.
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1144156_ford-revives-brittany-blue-paint-for-mustang-60th-anniversary
Jeff Kleiner
07-14-2025, 07:55 AM
FWIW.........Ford has revived Brittany Blue paint for its 60th anniversary Mustang..
It might be interesting to see if the color shifts compared to the original BB.
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1144156_ford-revives-brittany-blue-paint-for-mustang-60th-anniversary
They are the same in name only. The actual colors are similar but different.
Jeff/