Touchup paint

[Iconic Ride]

My local Lotus dealer claims that they cannot get Calypso Red touchup paint from Lotus. Is this a common problem for other colors as well? Is there anyone out there with the same color who has found a "generic" at Autozone, etc. that is a close match? Would like to attend to just a couple of stone chips (REALLY tiny, but would still like to fill them in).

Thanks,

John

[kyliesmith.com]

Hi your colour code for your car assuming its original colour is located in the front boot compartment near the VIN. Any paint colour shop will be able to make this colour code up for you

[Iconic Ride]

Thanks, Kylie. I have in fact seen the code previously, but it never occurred to me that "any" paintshop could use it to produce a match. In my ignorance I assumed that the code would only have meaning to Lotus itself. I'm about 99.9% certain that the paint is original.

John

P.S., Tony, Bibs, etc., please note this "historic moment". I have actually "replied" without including the "quote". Even "colonials" can learn!

Edited April 12, 2008 by Iconic Ride

[bigsi]

i had a can made for me at my local halfords, its eh7 but their chip detailed two different calypso reds, mine was the first one.

Edited April 12, 2008 by bigsi

[andydclements]

I had the reverse problem, I told them the blue colour by name and said it's the later one, they only found one on the system for that name, so just made it, and sold it. It was only when I used it I realised it was the earlier one.

I'd suggest going to a professional paint supplier if you can. They make paint up all day long to supply body shops so get more skilled at the measurements and have great knowledge.

Andy

[scuba1099]

Go to your local NAPA. If they have a mixing system they can make a 1/4 pint for you.

[Iconic Ride]

Just went outside (any excuse to look at the car again) to recheck the code, Simon. It's B03, so that would seem to verify that there is, in fact, more than one Calypso Red. Who knew?

Thanks for the input, Andy.

Thanks, Steve. I'll give them a ring.

John

[Iconic Ride]

Are you ready for this? The Lotus dealer service manager called me today to say that he can now get (and has, in fact, ordered) Calypso Red touchup paint from Lotus. Here's hoping he receives the correct one.

John

Edited April 15, 2008 by Iconic Ride

[2003 V8 TT]

What's the difference between Calypso Red and Ardent Red? Which one is darker? Brighter? More orange-ish, etc.?

[Iconic Ride]

Have never seen an Ardent Red Esprit, Will. Fact is, I can probably count the entire number of Esprits I have seen in the last couple of decades on one hand, and that's including mine! The "rarity" (at least here in the States) is part of the attraction I suppose, certainly for me. Ironically, as I went to the dealer to pick up my touchup paint, I was first handed a container of Ardent Red. I pointed this out and was quickly provided my Calypso Red. Never got to see what the Ardent would have looked like.

Regards,

John

[sanj]

What's the difference between Calypso Red and Ardent Red? Which one is darker? Brighter? More orange-ish, etc.?

Calypso is more pinkish, Ardent is more bluish. In my view, Ardent is a much purer red. It is very common on Elises, and was introduced rather late in the Esprit life cycle. (MY2002, perhaps?)

[Iconic Ride]

Sanj! Are you implying that my Calypso Red is an "impure" color?! Just kidding...

Cheers,

John

[sanj]

:)