1962 engine bay color is different

[sports roadster]

i have a 1962 thunderbird sports roadster, it is Diamond blue ( n ) but the engine bay is white, why is that?

 

[biddle]

Is this a trick question?

 

[sports roadster]

Is this a trick question?

Is there a trick answer

 

[sports roadster]

I have original window sticker, build sheet, and trim tag that say this an n car. Engine bay is not the same

 

[Ward 57]

I have original window sticker, build sheet, and trim tag that say this an n car. Engine bay is not the same

Almost any car the engine bay is car color as they are all painted at the same time. It's possible the engine was pulled for a re-build or replacement the previous owner thought that it would dress it up and show off the engine better.

 

[biddle]

I have original window sticker, build sheet, and trim tag that say this an n car. Engine bay is not the same

In the past 60 years, the car has likely been painted.

 

[Ward 57]

In the past 60 years, the car has likely been painted.

I think he did mention the color code on the build sheet was correct for the color currently on the car but I'm not that familiar with the color codes other than the baby birds.

 

[74 Harley]

In the past 60 years, the car has likely been painted.

My bet is painted several times!

 

[DannyInNJ]

I've seen white engine bays painted another "cleaner" color, but never white. It's the most unforgiving color. Even driving through a mud puddle can ruin a presentation. Since Sports Roadster has documentation of the current Diamond Blue, someone must have made her white at some point, then every repaint since - including it's return to the original - left the bay that same white. Probably didn't want to pull the motor.
Only reason I can think of.

 

[sports roadster]

Here is the mystery Mr Holmes. My father bought this car new in October of 62, I don’t remember it ever being painted but there are signs of a total repaint. My mother sold the car in 1997. She regretted selling the car the day it left. I have recently bought the car back, and in the process of somewhat restoring the vehicle. I know for a fact that the gentleman we sold it to did not have it painted. It must have been painted under my dad’s care but can’t think he would say let’s paint the car and and the engine bay white ( cream ). The reason I ask is because if I paint the car n than I am more or less obligated to take the motor out with everything else, which I probably would do anyway.I don’t want to get too extensive but I do want it to look factor, but the bay and hood plus the trunk do not look ( n ). I will try to send pictures. ???

 

[74 Harley]

At some point in time, a really nice white paint job was done on this car.
If you're going for complete correctness on this car than a full disassembly is in your future.
Just for kicks you may want to check the warranty tag on the door against the serial number stamped under the hood.

 

[sports roadster]

Tag in door jam seems to be original with no paint on it, where can I find other serial numbers?

 

[Ward 57]

Tag in door jam seems to be original with no paint on it, where can I find other serial numbers?

That does not look like a repainted door jamb unless somebody is incredibly good with painters' tape and the chip next to it looks only one coat deep.

 

[74 Harley]

Look up near the headlights, left side if I remember correctly...

 

[Ward 57]

It now looks like there may have been a repaint in white, but just a cover coat including the engine compt.. and trunk. When I bought my car the trunk was painted the new color, navy blue to cover the lass desirable coral sand. they left the engine compartment the original color.
A fairly complete repaint until it was returned to the original color.
It's interesting Some investigation poking around at places that a spray gun would not naturally go. Unless you want to show it at just local non judging show and keep it as a working driver no one would care about the color difference and a good talking point at local shows with the lids open but on the road nobody would know the difference.
Pick your battles as my wife tells me. and she as she puts up with me.