Quad 33 / 303 / FM3 respray paint

Hi there

I've just purchased a classic Quad set up from e-Bay which is unfortunately "cosmetically challenged". The fascias aren't too bad, but the casework (sleeve) on each of the three components is badly in need of a little TLC, ie a respray is called for.

I contacted Quad to see if they sold any suitable spray paint, but they couldn't help. I then tried looking for a suitable can of car touch up spray paint but none that the shop (Halfords) had on dispay was even close. Having said that they tell me that they can mix 45,000 different colours but that would be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack!

I can't be the first person to hit this problem. Has anyone out there managed to track down a close match which they could point me towards?

Regards

John

 

Well that's interesting. I have a pair of 303s and the same thought had wondered its way through my little head. At least now I know the answer is that there doesn't appear to be any. Having said that, I have quite enjoyed their patina

 

These guys rock... just round the corner from where I work.

http://www.3ppaintcompany.co.uk/


don't be put off by the address its quite easy to get out!

 

he he he
what a great link! Thanks SMEagol

 

I would speak to Quad they may point you in the right direction as they still service them. (Fixed cost servicing at that!)

 

he said in the first post that he contacted quad, and they were unable to help.

 

Sorry old chap. I'll put my glasses on next time. I'm surprised they couldn't help.

 

ah ha!

http://www.quadfidelity.co.uk/quad-33-upgraded.html

these guys might respray it for you!

 

Hi all

Thanks for all the input.

I've been carrying the sleeve to my 33 in my car for a few weeks now, just in case I see a car which is exactly the same colour in a car park! Nothing yet is spot on, although I've seen a close-ish match on a Nissan Micra, a Ford Fiesta and a Citroen Picasso, although all have too much gold and/or brown in to be a perfect match. I can tell you I have had a few funny looks when spotted holding a small metal box up against cars in a car park!

However, the 3P paint company looks like a good option as I have friends in Stockport who I am bound to visit at some point. I'll give them (3P not my friends!) a call to find out how much it will cost, and, assuming I don't faint , I'll post again once I have purchased and used the paint.

Regards

John

 

For any more recent readers.

I hit this problem a year ago when I checked with Rob at the ever-helpful Quad Service Department in Huntingdon and he confirmed that the paints were manufactured by Trimite but they didn't have any further details. I attempted to get an answer from Trimite but didn't manage (multinational industrial paint company).

To get a perfect match you need to do a spectroscopy on an area that's in good condition and the results can be mixed (many car bodyshops have this kit and do it as part of their standard work, you may even get a price from one outside their busier winter period), or a specialist like the firm that has been suggested which no doubt does it this way too.

Malvern Audio evidently did this and used to sell small touch-up bottles for Quads on Ebay (olive green and tan, not the later graphite). They may be worth a check too. A spectroscopy and associated mix will be exact and much better than trying visually matched premixed sprays.

Pete

 

I've just found a good match for the case of Quad 33/FM3/303's. It's a Humbrol paint, Olive Drab No.155 matt