Info needed: correct colours for WWII Aust vehicles

[Mike K]

I recall opening parts wrapped in the waxy preservative material back in the 1970's . At the time, Auto Surplus had many WW2 era US vehicle parts, unopened and sealed .

As far as WW2 US olive drab goes , going by the parts I opened up, there was not a standard OD that each manufacturer adhered to, I found at least 4 very different greens on different parts. The trico vacuum wiper motors ( 10 bucks a pair in the sealed box ) and the arms , some were a glossy dark green, the blades a different green again. The US blackout driving inserts from Camberwell , completely sealed in the wax , 50 cents each, again at least 3 very different greens , some light and olivey, some were a green with a slight blueish hue.

I think Lang's thoughts are pretty much on the mark. Turps as a solvent for starters , a can of worms is opened.

I recall rubbing down the 41 slat grill Jeep, must have been 6 coats of army green , each green a different shade .

My father was a automotive spray painter for over 40 years, I used to get him to match the matt OD Blackout inserts , he said it's a nightmare job to do using the modern formula paints. Its all a compromise and we have to accept that .