Paint matching

[micks2]

I need some spray paint for '89 S2 to spray up some "new" door mirrors (from Audi TT as they looked good on Kentish's). Paint code on the body plate is P420KV52. Halfords has TVR on their computer for paint mixing but couldn't find that code. Unfortunately they don't have a set of swatches (is that the right name for those colour card things?) for TVR so it would mean going through three books to try and find another car maker's colour that matches.
It is best described as a bright Post Office red (Monza red?) I would post a picture on my profile if I knew how.
Anybody got a suggestion for a good match from another manufacturer or another way to track down the actual colour?

[bugsy]

The easiest way is to speak to the paintshop at the factory, they will give you a reference number that your paint mixer will understand.

[gefopsman]

Failing that,

If you take it to an automotive paint supplier. They will have a full set of swatches and will find you a suitable match. Mant of them also have the facility to mix this and supply in an aerosol.

[mowog]

The paint code P420KV52 is be the standard ICI code (for TVR Monza Red) that can be mixed by any local autopaint supplier direct from the scheme.

My S3 (also Monza Red!) had some paint last year and the bodyshop mixed from this paint code - they got a great match too.

Hope that helps
Darren

[NickP_S2]

Its worth noting that using the paint code is a good place to start but unless the rest of the car still looks like it did when it left the factory then you are better off taking a sample to the paint factors.

Sunlight, bird crap, polishes, waxes and all sorts of other stuff will effect the colour of the paintwork.