1973 Engine Color

Gents

Should a 1973 CJ5 304 be painted with the metallic blue, or the non-metallic turquoise blue? The engine that was in it when I bought it 12 yr ago was non-metallic. The grime and rust seemed period-correct and matching with rest of the Jeep but I have no idea if it was swapped for some reason.

Thanks
Byron

 

I'm suprised that no one has chimed in on this. I had to go back and find my old notes from 15+ years back to reply.
After finding my old notes on AMC stuff, here is the info you need.
AMC used several blues and blue/greens over the years.
From '67 to '72, it was Alamosa Blue, a metallic turquoise that is available as Seymour EN66. Also, under DQE13730 and DQE2005 in the Ditzler line.

1968 had a one year color, Caravelle Blue, DQE13416.

From '73 to '83, it was Seafoam Aqua or AMC Blue. This is a non-metallic color. Seymour used to have this as EN75, but they haven't carried this color for at least 10 years that I know of. The color also went by BM75 and AMC75 in other aftermarket brands. The Ditzler number is 13688/14688 depending on paint type. The AMC number is 73-R-87.
You will likely have to have this color custom mixed if you are trying to be absolutely correct.
Good Luck!-Donny
Quick edit; It looks like KBS Coatings carries the AMC Seafoam Aqua under #60333 available at eBay, Amazon, Summit, etc.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0088LVC1Y/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

EN66 is the earlier Alamosa Blue (metallic) used up though '72. Its still my favorite AMC engine color, used on my 360 in my Defender clone.
-Donny

 

My California '73 was metallic blue, not the solid color. California '72s (and maybe '71 AMCs) were red.

 

I have seen a '71 with a Dauntless painted red. It sure looked to be original paint, but I figured it was a replacement/swap from a marine application. Interesting to hear about red possibly being original. I too have seen '73s in the metallic Alamosa Blue, but most early intermediates are the Seafoam aqua.
-Donny

 

The 1972 technical service manual states engines for the California market are painted red rest of country blue