I think I have finally nailed down the code for the red color used on early Norton Atlas fuel tanks. It is available from PPG as code 0227, AMP, BS - Monaco Red
I do not have an original painted specimen to compare, but from memory (very subjective I admit) it is spot on.
I have ruled out Norton Cardinal Red (too purple), PPG Code 71243 (basic red & explained below), and Signal Red (not enough orange).
View attachment 5671
The NOC colors page lists nothing for Atlas red, but lists best match for 'Norton Red' as Ford Monaco Red, or Berger Post Office Red. An internet search on Ford Monaco Red produced hundreds of autos using PPG Code 71243 and described as Rangoon Red, Carnival Red, Fiesta Red, etc, but not Monaco Red. PPG 71243 is basic bright pure red and is a match for Berger Post Office. I do not know if Nortons pre-Atlas used such a bright red, but this is not the red originally on my Atlas. Anyone searching for a pre-Atlas basic red might do well to research PPG 71243.
I turned up one link that listed a Ford Anglia color as 'Monaco Red', and was used on Anglias from 1961 to 1966.
Removed broken link
The color swatch (always to be regarded as suspect from web pages) indicated a good possibility, with the paint being in Gr. Britain at the same time as Atlas manufacture.
My PPG paint supplier found the code in the European database, and was able to produce a cross-over paint chip which I felt justified the expense of mixing up a quart and having the paint shop spray the tank. I believe the result is spot on...it has to be seen in the 'real', not 'virtual'
The complete paint specs are:
Brand Code: FOR0227
Main Layer: FOR0227
OEM Code: 0227, AMP, BS
Description: Monaco Red
Mixing Scheme: DELFLEET (FBC Leaded)
Variant: PRIME
SKU ..... Description ..... Inc. (g) .... Cum. (g)
F3544 ..... Red Oxide .....108.5 ...... 108.5
F3539 ..... Orange ........ 100.6 ..... 209.3
F3533 ..... Str White ...... 50.4 ....... 259.7
F3140 ..... Binder ......... 259.8 ...... 519.5
Makes 1 US Pint
Reducer: Delfleet F3330
Slick
I do not have an original painted specimen to compare, but from memory (very subjective I admit) it is spot on.
I have ruled out Norton Cardinal Red (too purple), PPG Code 71243 (basic red & explained below), and Signal Red (not enough orange).
View attachment 5671
The NOC colors page lists nothing for Atlas red, but lists best match for 'Norton Red' as Ford Monaco Red, or Berger Post Office Red. An internet search on Ford Monaco Red produced hundreds of autos using PPG Code 71243 and described as Rangoon Red, Carnival Red, Fiesta Red, etc, but not Monaco Red. PPG 71243 is basic bright pure red and is a match for Berger Post Office. I do not know if Nortons pre-Atlas used such a bright red, but this is not the red originally on my Atlas. Anyone searching for a pre-Atlas basic red might do well to research PPG 71243.
I turned up one link that listed a Ford Anglia color as 'Monaco Red', and was used on Anglias from 1961 to 1966.
Removed broken link
The color swatch (always to be regarded as suspect from web pages) indicated a good possibility, with the paint being in Gr. Britain at the same time as Atlas manufacture.
My PPG paint supplier found the code in the European database, and was able to produce a cross-over paint chip which I felt justified the expense of mixing up a quart and having the paint shop spray the tank. I believe the result is spot on...it has to be seen in the 'real', not 'virtual'
The complete paint specs are:
Brand Code: FOR0227
Main Layer: FOR0227
OEM Code: 0227, AMP, BS
Description: Monaco Red
Mixing Scheme: DELFLEET (FBC Leaded)
Variant: PRIME
SKU ..... Description ..... Inc. (g) .... Cum. (g)
F3544 ..... Red Oxide .....108.5 ...... 108.5
F3539 ..... Orange ........ 100.6 ..... 209.3
F3533 ..... Str White ...... 50.4 ....... 259.7
F3140 ..... Binder ......... 259.8 ...... 519.5
Makes 1 US Pint
Reducer: Delfleet F3330
Slick