'83 F150 Short Box

[66gtk]

Repaired some broken tabs and such on the fragile map pockets.  Acetone is your friend!
Door panels have been repainted as there are scratch marks revealing the faded finish underneath.  Still, the back of the panels looks like they haven't been painted (why would they) and the color seems to match well.  The map pockets show no signs of painting except that they match the painted door panels perfectly -sheen and all.  The arm rest you can see wrapped underneath does not look painted as I see no tape line or paint line, yet the color still matches the rest.  Trying hard to find out what color this exactly is so I can get some spray dye for repairs and to dye the new dash when I get one.  It's an '83.  I figured since it's been repainted there is no telling if the original color is still represented or not.  Let alone where/how to get some in a spray can.





I thought I got lucky with this Duplicolor as the can's cap seems to match my color very very well!  However, I tested the contents on the cap and it's NOT EVEN CLOSE.  I tried another can from a different LOT # just to be sure and the results are the same.  Major Bummer!!



Part numbers from my map/door pockets



My front parking lenses were cloudy and faded and now looked a bit rough next to the newly painted and polished surrounds.  I cleaned them up good and then proceeded to compound them (not easy due to the textured finish) with the buffer and some Meguiars Ultimate Compound.  They turned out great, I think!  No pics of that, yet.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Most of us swear by SEM Color Coat.

I really don't know what your interior color is but you can post a pic of your door sticker.

Even if it is some really odd color many auto body suppliers can read the sample and match SEM, then put it in a spray can for you.

[ArdWrknTrk]

SEM's Shadow Blue is #15043.

[66gtk]

The color for my 83 truck is Dark Harbor Blue.  I spent 45 minutes at the only paint store in town who can make custom paint cans and brought in an entire door panel.  Complete waste of my time.  They could not help me.  Nobody in my area sells/mixes SEM interior paint.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Or they would not help you.  😐
Are you very rural, or is it just that all the body shops have gone to mixing their own, like around here?

I know the local chain close to me will mix to a colors formula.
Levine's are pretty good at it too.

[ArdWrknTrk]

This place in Georgia says it will mix Color Coat to a formula or 1/2" swatch, for $29.95

http://www.vinylprovinyl.com/page/1246158

Dark Harbor Blue was trim B for 1983.
The Sherwin Williams code for that is 34-32958 (B-R-TK)

[Gary Lewis]

There are places that will mix the SEM and ship it.  And the SEM code is shown here: http://www.garysgaragemahal.com/interior-paint.html.

[66gtk]

Thanks guys - trying to avoid repainting ALL the plastic in my cab.  It's all in good shape except the dash pad and a couple scratches here and there.  I have no way of verifying if the current color is Dark Harbor Blue vs how it came from the factory.  The easiest way would be to match what I have so I can make small spot repairs.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Well, first I'd try whatever SEM is close (since that's likely what was used)

Having it color matched by the vinyl place would pretty much assure a match for what you have.
But that means waiting, and paying $30 for a spray can.

[Gary Lewis]

There's a remote chance I can crossref the #'s on the back of your parts to a part # that would give the color.  Remote.  But I'd need good shots of those numbers, especially including the suffix info as that's where the color info will be.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Gary,. He says farther up the page that it's Dark Harbor Blue.
That's trim B for 1983.

I think the problem is that Duplicolor is not close enough, and SEM doesn't make it.

So, either mix to formula, or send a swatch to match.

[Gary Lewis]

I guess I have misunderstood all the way around.  First, I thought there was some concern that it might not be Dark Harbor Blue.  Second, I thought SEM's 3042 was the correct formula for that color.  

[ArdWrknTrk]

I see 3042 listed here:. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.semproducts.com/public/content/trim_codes/stcl_1983.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiY97DtqLjkAhXBmeAKHXqgBYYQFjABegQIAxAI&usg=AOvVaw0NaenC3e3UwpejErt8PKOP

In the lower left corner, but I don't find it for sale anywhere

[Gary Lewis]

That’s why the page we have on their 4-digit paints says “​But, note that these are not off-the-shelf paints.  You will have to have them mixed by a SEM dealer....”

[ArdWrknTrk]

So, mix to formula by an SEM dealer (like VinylProVinyl) ....

[Gary Lewis]

I don't know 'bout VinylProVinyl, but yes.

[ArdWrknTrk]

That was the first place with good reviews that I found while searching for someone to custom mix Color Coat in a rattle can.

[66gtk]

More progress. Removed both filler necks and re-worked / modified venting tubes (crossing fingers it will fill better now), installed door panels and pockets (decided I can touch them up later), installed front light and grille trim (waiting for emblem, still), still working on front suspension.  I'll do the fuel filler tube upgrade from '87-up if this doesn't do the trick as far as gas filling goes.  Any tips on proper tightening of the lower ball joint?  Seems to be adjustable?

[Gary Lewis]

Not sure what you mean by the lower ball joint being adjustable.  The top has an eccentric but I don't think the bottom usually does.

Anyway, Ford's factory shop manual section on the front suspension is at Suspension & Steering/Front Suspension and then the Instructions tab.

But this picture scares me!  I don't see a jack stand and you have your legs under the truck.     Please tell me there's a jack stand in use somewhere and I just can't see it?

[FuzzFace2]

Gary Lewis wrote

But this picture scares me!  I don't see a jack stand and you have your legs under the truck.     Please tell me there's a jack stand in use somewhere and I just can't see it?

I was thinking the same thing. Even if no stands throw the tires under the frame is better than nothing.
Dave ----