Paint code for the Silver on lower half

[missfixit70]

Clearcoat = lacquer coat? ie not coloured? Just trying to get across to the OP that the paint codes in no way refer to silent silver or highlight silver being used as a primer or under coat with the "colour" coat (eg neat green) being sprayed over the top of a silver coat.
Arguing about technicalities is just confusing the issue when I think we agree on the basics of what I am saying?

[Jezza]

Right - I got a touch-up bottle of Silent Silver (4Z) - and it's not that one - the silver on the van has a browner tinge to it.

I still question the colour charts in the members area - as some have the reference to 2 colours, some don't.

Now our Bongo is definitely 14D as it is what's printed on the label in the door - however it is definitely 2-tone, and thus looks more like is should be 19R (Greece Green 14D over Highlight Silver 18G)

Looks like I'll have to try to get a touch-up bottle of Highlight Silver and see if that matches

Anyone want a touch-up bottle of silent silver - only about 2ml used

[missfixit70]

I still question the colour charts in the members area - as some have the reference to 2 colours, some don't.

That's because some aren't two tone - some are just one colour.

[missfixit70]

I suspect this is highly relevant too, I've seen a few like this, never checked the paint codes though

Is it actually paint on the bottom half? Mine appears neat green over silver, but the silver is not paint, it is a protective pvc coating like a thick decal.

I have only one paint code, the neat green, as this is the paint under the silver. This is a japanese original finish and does look very like a paint job as it is colour matched to the bumpers.

[Jezza]

Just as a matter of interest New Forest Terrier, just how did you determine the silver was a protective PVC coating - as I may have to try and determine if this is the case on ours

[New Forest Terrier]

I always thought mine was a textured paint finish, until Cabte showed me it was PVC. He spotted that when fitting my silver side decals.

It doesn't look like a decal and seems totally bonded on even after sixteen years. But you can feel the thickness of the coating at the edges with your fingers. The sills below are green, as are the wheel arches and there is a little bit of damage in one place where you can see the green paint underneath.

The brownish silver seems right, mine is slightly brown, either age or original. I have two tone silver, brownish silver at the bottom shading to a bright silver stripe at the top to fit the contours of the Bongo. It is an immensly tough finish apart from one little chip, there is not a mark on it.

[New Forest Terrier]

I always thought mine was a textured paint finish, until Cabte showed me it was PVC. He spotted that when fitting my silver side decals.

It dosn't look like a decal and seems totally bonded on even after sixteen years. But you can feel the thickness of the coating at the edges with your fingers. The sills below are green, as are the wheel arches and there is a little bit of damage in one place where you can see the green paint underneath.

The brownish silver seems right, mine is slightly brown, either age or original. I have two tone silver, brownish silver at the bottom shading to a bright silver stripe at the top to fit the contours of the Bongo. It is an immensly tough finish apart from one little chip, there is not a mark on it.

[Jezza]

Was the film just on the panels between the wheel arches - or do you know if it was on the bumbers as well?

I'm hoping the bumpers are just painted - it look like it to me, and there doesn't seem to be any green under the silver on the bumpers!!

[New Forest Terrier]

The silver panels are only on the sides. The bumpers back and front are a standard silver paint finish, same as most early Bongos. The side silver is matched to the bumpers rather than the other way round. No idea what the colour is, but it is easy to obtain. I just had some damage repaired on the back bumper and the paint was matched perfectly.

Hope this has helped.

[rapiddescent]

I think I've got the same - a browner-silver colour on the mazdaspeed bumpers and a big vinyl sticker down the side. If anyone knows the colour code for the bumpers and skirts; I'd be most grateful.

[helen&tony]

Hi
The only Bongo I've seen with plastic side protectors, was a Freda with plastic arches, and plastic side covers reminiscent of the Matra-Simca Rancho of 1977 ...absolutely stone-proof rust promoter allowing corrosion to prosper underneath
However...if the sticker referred to is a sticker, it could be a stone / scratch protector film...covering the original paint, and either clear, or coloured as per the original paint underneath.
As the clear vinyl /plastic will have been on for a considerable time, it may have "yellowed" with age...the more modern films are better.. Advice on "sticker"...if it's not coming off already, leave it...regarding the bumper and scratched paint:
Go to a local auto. paint factor, armed with the 2 possibilities of silver, ask to see the Mazda colour chips of your particular year, and select the right one....They will mix some paint for you, and may put some in an aerosol .
Yellow pages , as in the book, will provide you with a local paint firm, as t'internet is often not a lot of cop for very local stuff, as not every factor needs to pay for a listing. As already stated, the paint will be a base coat, which will need a quality laquer on top....and if you ask Mr. Paint Man nicely, he'll also supply that in an aerosol!...already in the spray tin.
Word to the Wise....It's too damned cold outside to spray at the mo. so go to a local body shop and bargain for a wee touch-up...they aren't that dear for a little bit of a touch-in in between jobs....
For those entirely clueless as to what a Matra-Simca Rancho is...or entirely dis-interested...Here's one they made earlier:
http://uk.ask.com/wiki/Matra_Rancho
Cheers
Helen

[dave_aber]

Hi
For those entirely clueless as to what a Matra-Simca Rancho is...or entirely dis-interested...Here's one they made earlier:
http://uk.ask.com/wiki/Matra_Rancho

I'd forgotten just how they looked. I remember that they looked ugly back when they were in production - they look extremely close to a Discovery now, looking back!

[helen&tony]

Hi Dave
They were a bit of a "Marmite" car, but I thought back then , that would be the "Shape of Things to Come"...as you say...rather "Discovery" like, and utilitarian...and we have gone towards the "useful" today...which is why a lot of us go for the Bongo. We were looking at a reasonable sized estate car this morning (not to buy, I hasten to add) and it wouldn't carry our months shopping....and with our single friend, we get hers in as well....To me that says plenty....PLUS there's the ability to go camping!!!!!...
Cheers
Helen