Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

james.stringer · Joined: 16 Feb 2009 Posts: 27

Does anyone know of a definitive work on the various colour schemes used by petrol companies for their two-gallon petrol cans? I have a 'Big Tree' can from New Zealand and would very much like to re-paint it in its original colour/s.
Many thanks. Jim Stringer (Vintage Austin Register)

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7219 Location: Edinburgh

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Antiques-collectables/Automotive-transport/Cars/auction-333921161.htm

Hi James,

Looks as if blue was an original Big Tree colour. Perhaps the can for sale above was simply all blue.

Would be a shame to loose its patina if your's looks the same as this one.

Peter

_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

So does anyone have any recommendations how to preserve the patina?

I have two tin boxes (actually for bus ticket machines) which are similar. The rusty patches are a light, dusty, surface rust. The paint is intact though well scratched, not heavily, and polished through in places from years of sliding around. I like that.

I've been tempted to try a Scotch-brite pad or 000 steel wool, but an experiment on the bottom of one box didn't seem to achieve what I thought I wanted. I don't want bare metal.
The oily rag approach sort of worked, but I'd like to get rid of the dusty bits first. Beeswax was suggested finally.

Any ideas?
_________________
Mike - MVPeters at comcast.net
2002 MINI Cooper 'S'

james.stringer · Joined: 16 Feb 2009 Posts: 27

Hi Peter,

Thank you for the image of both the can and the sign. My can is certainly blue, but has been re-painted a good few years ago, so the patina is not an issue.
Do you ever come across enamel/iron signs advertising Austin motor cars?
Cheers.
Jim.

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7219 Location: Edinburgh

Hi Jim,

Sorry, I guess this reply is a bit of a cheat. Wink

Peter
_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

james.stringer · Joined: 16 Feb 2009 Posts: 27

Hi Peter,

Yes, well this was not quite what I had in mind, but thanks for the reply anyway.
Cheers.
Jim

james.stringer · Joined: 16 Feb 2009 Posts: 27

I have just come across a superb website called Vintage Garage. which has a vast amount of information on the 2 gallon petrol cans and their respective colour schemes. It also carries a most interesting history of BP !
Cheers.
Jim.

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7219 Location: Edinburgh

That does look like an interesting site, but did they get the colour of the Big Tree can right?

Peter Shocked

_________________
https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

james.stringer · Joined: 16 Feb 2009 Posts: 27

You are quite correct Peter, I prefer the can in blue, because that's what the present colour is - even though that's a re-paint.
Cheers.
Jim.