Grabber Blues?

[MdMustang1971]

So there appears to be a difference in the 71-73 Grabber Blues. The 73 version (PPG 3N,P 2611) seems like the slightly lighter version. I prefer the slightly darker 72 version (PPG 3F 2230). From what it looks like on the old paint code charts anyway. Is that the case or do my color shade challenged eyes deceive me? Any recommendations on a high quality base coat clear coat product in the darker Grabber Blue? Below is the shade/color I am looking to find. Thanks in advance!
P.S. Sorry I guess this should have went in the Body Work/Paint Thread.

 

[Paul M]

Yep, I found that out when I painted mine. I personally went the earlier 71-2 mix. I personally love it against flat black.

 

[kcmash]

Interesting on Grabber Blue. Mine is an original Grabber Blue/Argent 71 Mach 1. Paint code is J. The same Paint color code of J was used in the 1970 model year, but those had a black accent color. For 72, the color code was 3F for Grabber Blue, and for 73, there were no "Grabber" colors listed. The only blue for 73 were paint codes 3K, Blue Glow, and paint code 3B Light Blue.

My 71 Grabber blue is PPG DBU2230

 

[MdMustang1971]

Yep, I found that out when I painted mine. I personally went the earlier 71-2 mix. I personally love it against flat black.

Yes Paul, I agree, looks much better compared to the lighter Grabber Blue to me. I think I have it figured out. Thanks!

 

[MdMustang1971]

Interesting on Grabber Blue. Mine is an original Grabber Blue/Argent 71 Mach 1. Paint code is J. The same Paint color code of J was used in the 1970 model year, but those had a black accent color. For 72, the color code was 3F for Grabber Blue, and for 73, there were no "Grabber" colors listed. The only blue for 73 were paint codes 3K, Blue Glow, and paint code 3B Light Blue.

My 71 Grabber blue is PPG DBU2230

Looks like they listed a Light Grabber Blue 3N,P 2611.

 

[Bill73Ragtop]

"The only blue for 73 were paint codes 3K, Blue Glow, and paint code 3B Light Blue."

My 71 Grabber blue is PPG DBU2230

You missed 3D - Medium Blue Poly which was a bit lighter than Blue Glow & without the metal flake. Also, 4N & 3Q.

 

[rcadd1ct]

On a budget rust oleum sail blue is real close to grabber blue.

Used rattle cans to cover the primer as I figured a shop would go back to bare metal if I decided to have it go to paint jail.

Following the don’t get it right just get it running.

 

[Hemikiller]

On a budget rust oleum sail blue is real close to grabber blue.

Used rattle cans to cover the primer as I figured a shop would go back to bare metal if I decided to have it go to paint jail.

Following the don’t get it right just get it running.

Couldn't agree more. Have used several rattle can products with "good enuf" results. I used Duplicolor Perfect Match paint on my long-gone 72 T-bird. Appliance Almond was a perfect match for the Light Gold paint on a 71 XR7. I found letting the paint cure for a couple days and then buffing it yielded great results.


The 3N Light Grabber Blue wasn't available as a stock color on the 73 Mustang. TBH, I don't even see it listed for any vehicle in the 73 color and trim book - attached below.

 

[Paul M]

Yes Paul, I agree, looks much better compared to the lighter Grabber Blue to me. I think I have it figured out. Thanks!

I believe I have a 71 paint code. I have no clue if the later grabber blue they were comparing it to were even Mustangs and how late the models were. I don't recall a 73 mentioned though. This is according to a stranger working at a paint store, who knows what the next one will look up. I've had to fix and repair numerous problems on this since it was painted and have swapped one hinge out and removed the hood and repositioned it numerous times. I now have some small chips & will tape everything off one more time. I'll touch it up and go PPG for the clear this round or equivalent. It lays down nicer less finish work like the medium-priced clears I've been using.

 

[Paul M]

On a budget rust oleum sail blue is real close to grabber blue.

Used rattle cans to cover the primer as I figured a shop would go back to bare metal if I decided to have it go to paint jail.

Following the don’t get it right just get it running.

I've used spray cans for a lot of things. People forget their rattle can basics like keeping it shaken and mixed. There's still a spray pattern and a flash time.

 

[revsitup]

So there appears to be a difference in the 71-73 Grabber Blues. The 73 version (PPG 3N,P 2611) seems like the slightly lighter version. I prefer the slightly darker 72 version (PPG 3F 2230). From what it looks like on the old paint code charts anyway. Is that the case or do my color shade challenged eyes deceive me? Any recommendations on a high quality base coat clear coat product in the darker Grabber Blue? Below is the shade/color I am looking to find. Thanks in advance!
P.S. Sorry I guess this should have went in the Body Work/Paint Thread.
View attachment 82939

Here is a couple pics of my 71 that I painted in code j Ppg 2230 concept. This was done in 2021. There seems to be a couple slight variances of the j code grabber blue depending on the paint co./ newer tints used etc.
Ive owned mine since 1983 and I Painted it in Ppg lacquer back in 1986 and it was a slightly differant cast than what it is now using the Ppg concept . Paint manufactures are constantly changing the formulas on these older colors as the tints are always being upgraded it seems.
Anyways I’ve seen this with multiple colors on these older cars especially metallic colors as the pearls used for the flake have changed so much since the original formulas were made. Just my 2 cents