The International Cessna^® 170 Association

My 55 still has the original interior trim paint looking pretty rough. Id like to redo it in the original color. Its sort of a goldish khaki color. Either autumn rust or trooper tan according to the IPC color code. Anybody know of a modern equivalent? The factory was no help. Would a satin finish be better than gloss? Anyone been down this road?

I found a spot that had not seen the sun (underneath the door-post trim if I remember correctly) and took it to an auto body and paint supply store. They made me a quart to match. Lot's of them have computer color matching now and can make any color you want. They can even put some in a spray can for touch-up's. Look in the phone book under Auto body shop equipment and supply's

I went through this with my refurb. (before I ultimately decided to forego factory colors). There is no chart or other cross reference that will give you a modern equivalent to the factory colors. Your best bet is to find a section that hasn't been to faded by sun and use it as a sample to get a paint shop to match it. If you can get a good sample, then today's technology should be able to get you a darn good match.

Good luck.

When you get the formula you sshould post it

Thanks for the info guys. Ive finished my panel refurb, hope to begin my partial interior redo [trim paint, assist straps, carpet, ash trays, etc.] as the weather and budget allows.

What is the difference between "interior" and "interior trim" in the attached clip from the parts catalog? My '52 project is a compilation of two different aircraft. I'm going with the original Serge Blue for the exterior and instrument panel. I believe some of my parts pictured below no longer have the original colors. Was there anything in the interior painted black originally? My flap handle, rudder pedal attach tubes, trim wheel mount, instrument panel cover, control column "T", and control column "T" cover were all black. I'm guessing they should all be the Lima Tan as pictured below in the fuel valve mount. Correct? How about the glareshield area between the panel and the bottom of the windshield? Was that originally Serge Blue? The front door trim, air vent trim, and ash tray mount areas--Serge Blue or Lima Tan? Any original interior pictures would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

All the items you pictured should be Lima Tan. (At least that's what I believe, and that's how my airplane was prepared per the original Cessna specs.)

I have some of the documentation on this subject for certain models. It is contained in the "Commercial Specifications for Cessna Aircraft", a factory document which accompanied my airplane from the former owner/restorer. I'll try to locate that doc and scan/post it next week when I get back home.

Thanks George. I think you are referring to the document you copied to the MX Library titled "Original paint/interior info". The part which applies to the '53 model says:

C-2a. All interior parts here designated shall be painted Cessna Lima Tan, equivalent to K 9337, Shade K 8642. These parts include all interior molding, window trim, door posts, glove compartment door, stationary instrument panel, instrument panel cover, radio face panels, blank instrument hole covers, microphone bracket, rudder pedal assemblies, flap handle, selector valve plate, exposed metal portion of seats, tab wheel housing, ash tray housings, and baggage shelf. Those parts not painted include the seat rails, scuff plates, plated parts, fasteners, buffed aluminum parts, or parts painted other specified colors.

So on my '52 what "interior trim" parts besides the main instrument panel should be Serge Blue?

This is one of those goofy things that is occasionally encountered. I've never seen interior parts that were painted the same as the exterior colors on any original airplanes, although fabric (trim?) was color coordinated.

I've assumed my upholstery was originally brown/tan like yours George. Here's a picture of my panel. It must be the original Serge Blue as the original decals are still there. Maybe this was the only part of the "interior trim" that was Serge Blue??? They had different tastes when it came to color choices back in 1952. The rose colored knobs and control yokes, tan trim, and blue panel don't compliment each other to well--to me at least. Which brings up another question. Any documentation/proof that a '52 model had rose colored yokes?

Well, I know what I meant anyways. I'm getting dyslexic I guess... sorry for the confusion. The panel, panel cover, etc. were done in the "trim" color, but the fabric was usually standardized interiors. I agree, their color-coordination is dated to the art-deco of the 50's, but that's what lends the classic look.
Steve Jacobsen had his interior trim computer matched and sent me a small square of metal so painted for the library in "French Silver". If you get your serge blue matched, would you send a piece of aluminum about 3" X 3" painted with it?
My address is 993 Flying X Rd., Spicewood, TX 78669

By the way, I found that Dupli-Color has a Ford paint that resembles (slightly richer in my opinion) the lima tan and certainly makes it easy to do touch-ups. I'll try to get the exact Dupli-Color paint number/color and post it.

George,
When I get the Serge Blue matched I'll send you a sample. I also have a computer-matched sample of the rose and Lima Tan I'll send. Sorry I don't know who to credit for the great looking interior pictured below. Anyway, should the three instrument cover pieces be tan as pictured or blue? And in the picture the control column cover is red (Matador Red?). Is that correct or should it be tan as well?

That IS a beautiful interior. According to the comercial specs sheet quoted earlier they should be tan. I've seen that color yoke in several 52 models. That yoke cover seems tan to me.

I left my panel with a paint store in Fresno to custom match the Serge Blue. $260 prepaid for a qt. of Imron. The main cost was for the activator. A polished exterior is starting to look good. How much paint should I plan on for just the blue trim?