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Hi Guys, I've been looking around for Medium Maui Blue Formula's and quite honestly, I don't see that many. I never seen one with my color scheme. I'm trying to figure out if there are any remaining out there. I've been waiting a while to post this thread to see if anything has popped up, but nothing. Please post your pictures. Lets see those beautiful birds!
The first two pics is her from 1992-93 era. The rest are recent. What I love about this color is its many shades of blue, depending on lighting conditions. Its just like twighlight when the sun starts to set. That's what made me buy the car! Hope to see some of yours too! Thanks for posting!
Last edited by LiquidBlue; 02-09-2016 at 07:28 PM.
For some reason, this shot makes the car look great.
Don't let the picture fool you, she is rough. It has been atleast recleared maybe even painted in some spots. The bumpers are original and faded with clear peeling off in sheets. (GMs frequent pealer program). Has small dents all over the car, large one on pass door and if you look at the rear dr quarter it has some issue where someone backed into something and rubbed the side where the body line is. Notice the body line looks raised? it is. LOL
As ratty as it is, i'm driving it as is. maybe someday I'll have it painted the way it should be.
Cool! There are actually 3 in the world! lol. Thanks for posting that PMD, I've been wondering about the red stripe, never see them. What was wrong with that one. Looks good in the photo.
I think Medium Silver Blue Metallic is the name of the color. *i think* i'm pretty sure that Maui Blue is something else entirely, although it looks very similar.
actually, LiquidBlue, it is possible that your car is Maui Blue ( i notice it has a greenish tint at a certain angle and light) while mine and TTOP350's Formulas are Medium Silver Blue Metallic (notice ours have a pale, purplish tint at certain angles and lights).
actually, LiquidBlue, it is possible that your car is Maui Blue ( i notice it has a greenish tint at a certain angle and light) while mine and TTOP350's Formulas are Medium Silver Blue Metallic (notice ours have a pale, purplish tint at certain angles and lights).
Yes - I did notice that, was wondering if they were different colors. According to this site:
Medium Maui Blue Metallic - 9537 was done in 89,90,91
in 88 it was a different paint code 9184, early on, then switched to 9537. Also noticing in Robert Casy's book, it was called Silver Blue in 91, but Silver Blue Metallic in all other years.
Medium Maui Blue Metallic - 9184
Last edited by LiquidBlue; 09-28-2018 at 12:19 PM.
it might have even been called Light Silver Blue Metallic or something - i'm pretty sure that the word Maui is not in my car's paint code. i was wrong once before though.
Moderator that moved this post. Trying to figure out history on this color scheme for Formulas. Don't see many. Not sure why it was moved? Many similar posts in history section to this one......
It makes sense that it was moved, particularly since the title of the thread indicates that is more of a "fun picture thread" than a query for technical/historical data.
Definitely Original paint. This was meant to be a history question and it appears we have been taken down the road of an unknown paint issue. Which is why I asked if the first place. I rarely see this color and it seems to vary between these two shades.
I've also read its a basic high volume color for Firebirds. But posts around here reflect otherwise. I waited a long time to ask this question because I was told it was produced in large volumes, but I rarely see it. Which is why I finally asked.
Cool! There are actually 3 in the world! lol. Thanks for posting that PMD, I've been wondering about the red stripe, never see them. What was wrong with that one. Looks good in the photo.
The list was long, water pump, intermittent starter, bushings, air bag cover was rolling up on itself, headliner, paint work was needed, rims had the dreaded clear coat spider cracks, oil leak, needed tires, wrong shifter, exhaust, needed the spoiler replaced....
I just sent him an e-mail to see if he still had it.
The list was long, water pump, intermittent starter, bushings, air bag cover was rolling up on itself, headliner, paint work was needed, rims had the dreaded clear coat spider cracks, oil leak, needed tires, wrong shifter, exhaust, needed the spoiler replaced....
I just sent him an e-mail to see if he still had it.
It appears the front bumper decal is missing. Was this car re-painted? Did you see the '87 Formula with low miles out of Seattle that was posted here in the last few weeks? It would be a good buy if you are looking for that year.
Got to thinking about this color issue more, decided to take a few shots of the book that came with the car. This is the original book, not a repro. The car has the red stripe. Pretty hard to tell which shade of Maui Blue this car may have but thought I'd throw it in here for measure anyway:
John is saying it was a heavily used color, but if only 1178 were painted in 90, and 900 in 91, that seems to be a pretty low number. I've been monitoring the "Post your Blue 3rd Gens" from post 1 and not sure if I've seen a Maui Blue Firebird come up in that thread.
Statistically, based on total production numbers, this means there were ~277 Formulas painted in this color in 90, and ~99 Formula's painted this color in 1991.
Last edited by LiquidBlue; 02-04-2016 at 08:19 AM.
Medium Maui Blue Metallic - 9537 was done in 89,90,91,92
in 88 it was a different shade.
Medium Maui Blue Metallic - 9184
Thanks for the link to my site.
Some things
1) "Maui Blue" was the color name Chevrolet used, whereas Pontiac called it "Silver Blue Metallic"
2) Even though I made the website, I never realized that the 1988 used a different WA number. I know the RPO was the same (23U) but then again in 1987 23U was a darker Blue, which was sexy too.
3) the WA number 9537 was from 1989 thru 1991. My 1992 page is in error, sorry about that.
John - Thanks for the clarification on the years. I'm understanding that you are saying it was not used in 1992. Please correct me if wrong. My RPO is calling out 23U, I've got a 1990 that has been garaged stored all but 6 months of its life. No fading. Pulling the rear carpet out near the spare tire shows same color as outside, same with rocker panel covers and under hood and engine bay. If someone repainted my car near birth, then they did a hell of a repaint job. I don't think that is the case. What do you make of the different shades we are seeing? Seems too far off to be a manufacturing issue.
The difference in the shades may be the camera & lighting itself. The picture Tony has of his convertible is clearly at night or at dusk/dawn. The pictures during the day will appear differently.
Just as a reference,
1988 (23U) Does have a different WA number (9184), but it is a very similar color to the 89-91 (9537)
As a side note 1987 (23U) is completely different it is more like the Darker Blue from 89 & Up...
Just as a reference, 1988 (23U) Does have a different WA number (9184), but it is a very similar color to the 89-91 (9537)
As a side note 1987 (23U) is completely different it is more like the Darker Blue from 89 & Up...
John
Thanks again John. So we have two Firebird blue colors that look similar
1988 (9184)
1989, 90, 91 (9537)
Seems like I ran across a thread somewhere that mentioned some paint issue with 23U on one of these 4 years, don't recall what it was, maybe it was clear coat. That could also be a reason why I've noticed colors seeming to be off.....
What is your source for color production numbers ?
For some reason, this shot makes the car look great.
Don't let the picture fool you, she is rough. It has been atleast recleared maybe even painted in some spots. The bumpers are original and faded with clear peeling off in sheets. (GMs frequent pealer program). Has small dents all over the car, large one on pass door and if you look at the rear dr quarter it has some issue where someone backed into something and rubbed the side where the body line is. Notice the body line looks raised? it is. LOL
As ratty as it is, i'm driving it as is. maybe someday I'll have it painted the way it should be.
Just noticed your edits. Sure looks great from this angle! Would love to see a few more photos, in different lighting conditions.
Found it. Mind is still working, knew I read this somewhere!
"The blue paint in 1991 had some issues with pealing due to lack of primer. They used a really expensive sealer that was not UV stable and the blue paint allowed the UV rays to attack the sealer. Then the paint would peal. "
Found it. Mind is still working, knew I read this somewhere!
"The blue paint in 1991 had some issues with pealing due to lack of primer. They used a really expensive sealer that was not UV stable and the blue paint allowed the UV rays to attack the sealer. Then the paint would peal. "
That was my post, I can tell by how it was written. At any rate, I am not sure if it was specific to 1991 or not, or if it was also for 1989 & 1990... I am not sure when they changed the sealer
That was my post, I can tell by how it was written. At any rate, I am not sure if it was specific to 1991 or not, or if it was also for 1989 & 1990... I am not sure when they changed the sealer
Mine is still hanging in there, but it was garaged most of its life. The 6 months that it wasn't, I had covered parking garage to park in at work, so it was outside mostly at night. But it still had its fair share of Houston sun. I'll have to scrutinize it closer next time I'm with her
When I was looking at buying it, I do recall a 1989 Formula 350 in same color that I was trying to decide on. I recall the guy mentioning something special about the paint, but I think it was just the fact that he had done some sort of professional wax/buffing job to really bring out the shine.
Last edited by LiquidBlue; 02-05-2016 at 02:37 PM.
My 1988 formula..its got a few dings here and there but in good shape and runs!IMG]
Great looking car Phillyboy. Great to see an example of the 1988 color. The photos do show a different edge to it. ( lack of better word). Original paint?
Agree but I'm biased. . The silver is perfect with Maui Blue. ( if that is what it's called ). Seems like Pontiac had an Island theme color naming convention......
The 1988 appears to be a lighter shade than the 89-91, more silvery.
John
Definitely. I've noticed this color in the past and when people have posted it I've been very confused because it's not the Maui Blue I've been looking at for 24 years. That's why I wanted to get this thread going, to gain a better understanding and history of the color. Definitely need more photos to make sure it's not just a trick of the light. The vert link looks to be same color. One above could be repainted, the air dam in not 100% black. Who knows what comes out of the factory tho. The GM guys like to keep us guessing.
@LiquidBlue, Thanks! and yea its the original paint and that is a very nice formula you have too!
Very good to know. I'd say there is a distinct difference in the colors. 1988 may be a rare color. Interesting how they painted the air dam back then. My air damn is all black. My center caps on the wheels also came in silver WS6 stamps.
2 tone cars should have a lower body color painted upper air dam and upper side deflector parts. they are also non textured.
Solid body color cars should have all 4 deflector/airdam parts in textured black plastic.
Of course, some may differ or been replaced through the yrs due to owner taste or with what was cheaper.
On a side note: I have a NOS smooth factory primered center upper deflector for 2 tone cars 4sale.
02-03-2016, 12:32 PM
Damn!
