Ford 861 paint codes

Just re-read my rsponse. The codes given for the CNH paint are, according to the dates on the cans, for tractors built between 1939 and 1962. With that said, I believe that the Red enamel, M1J-956-SE5DSLF is for 1958-1962 because it is an "ORANGISH RED".(sorry for the orangish "gray"). I believe the gray enamel M1J-957-SE5DS is the correct gray for your tractor. To qualify my statement, I base that on what I have read. The consensus being that correct color for the 58-62's is the orangish red. It is also based on the tractors I have seen, in person and photos. The pre-58 tractors are a deeper red, vermilion being the color.

As was stated, there has been much debate as to the correct color. Some have stated that the color chemistry has changed over the years and what we now have is the closest.

Your paint code MIJ-956-SE2DSLF, I am not familiar with. Note the difference in code M"I"J-956-SE"2"DSLF vs M1J-956-SE5DSLF.

I would open the can and put some on a primered piece of metal, let dry and see what color it is.
If it is what you want, use it.

Go to the link and cruise the site looking at the photos for restored tractors. Also, check YT's archives as there has been much discussion on the correct colors. Hope this clarifies things. Sorry for the confusion.

• Smiths

The Tisco code for the medium gray is TP240 and the Bright red, TP310. Here is the ebay site for it. This information is based on what they say, so beware.

There has been alot of discussion as to what is the correct color. The codes won't matter much unless you buy the particular color from the manufacturer that produced the code and paint. So, with that said, it will depend who made the paint. I went to CNH and bought a rattle can of each color and had the auto paint store mix the color to match using PPG Omni paint. If you do a search of the archives you'll find more info on the various paint codes and colors.

Here's a PPG code list courtesy of Rod(NH)
Link

Now I just have to verify if my tractor was built before or after '58 to identify which red I need. Too bad there's nothing but rust pitting where my serial numbers should be!