Going Rhodesian!

WiFAL · August 20, 2007, 22:02

I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna slap paint all over my Type Two RA lower w/ DSA Type Two upper but I've got a question.

I've got some mags that I bought from TAPCO way back with a Rhodesian paint job. I've got some handguards too. None of them depict the striped apearance that I see some members putting on their Rhodesian builds. In addition my mags have three colors. The base appears to be yellow split pea soup covered with splashes of milk chocolate brown and sort of a dark aqua marine.

I think it was NHBandit that offered up his paint mix formula for recreations but I've got two questions.

1. I don't think his paint mix included a milk chocolate brown application.
2. None of my Rhodesian stuff is striped. It's more like splashed on.

Do I have painted SA stuff or what?

NHBandit · August 20, 2007, 22:16

I've seen some with a third shade of green that looks to be made by mixing the 2 usually seen shades together. Have seen some with brown but not sure the origin. Keep in mind that they were all most likely done in the field and every one is different. The stripes are common in pictures I've seen of original rifles but once they get worn in the spots that see the most handling the paint kind of gets that mottled look. I'm sure there were lots of them painted with blotches rather than stripes as well. The one I just finished looks way too uniform and freshly done to me. I think I need to drag it behind my truck for a few miles to "weather" it...

Otis Treekiller · August 20, 2007, 22:24

Maybe Uncle Bob paint. After Mugabe took over, they switched the color scheme slightly.

WiFAL · August 20, 2007, 22:26

Hello NH. Thanks for chiming in so quickly. No disrespect intended but I'm inclined to take my parts to the local hardware store for a paint scan. I want to add the brown to the mix since I have several mags that are three colored. Are you using water based paints or oils in your restorations?

Otis Treekiller · August 20, 2007, 22:27

Oh, and kudos on deciding to paint your FAL! It takes big ones to slap paint on a big investment like a DSA receiver, but I doubt you'll regret it!

WiFAL · August 20, 2007, 22:37

I've been a member since 01 I think. Never could figure out what I wanted to do with my FALs. So many options. I tried to force a Type II receiver on a Type I lower but I could tell it didn't look right. When I picked up a true Type II lower I finally figured out that I couldn't have them all but I could have one each of a true Type I, II and III. Since my Type II lower is RA I figured I'd go full boat. These are for me after all; not for resale.

Gunny71 · August 20, 2007, 23:34

Please post pictures when your done!

NHBandit · August 21, 2007, 08:25

Quote:

Originally posted by WiFAL
Are you using water based paints or oils in your restorations?

Neither, it's industrial grade Acrylic Enamel. While I have seen some done with hardware store paint I doubt it's very durable over the long term or resistant to cleaning solvents. I use Dupont Centari automotive paint. It's made specifically for metal & plastic and if it's good enough to paint dumptrucks it's good enough for a Rhodie clone. I've also used it for painting motorcycle gastanks and once it's cured gasoline won't hurt it. I took several pieces of original camo painted parts to my local auto parts store/ body shop supplier and did exactly what you suggest (had it scanned). Most good size places that sell paint & materials to body shops can do this. They can also scan the brown you're looking to duplicate. An added advantage is that the paint is not supposed to be shiny and their scanners will automatically add the proper amount of flattening agent to the formula. Don't order more than you need. A pint of each color will do several rifles & mags. If I can be of any assistance send me a PM. The formula for the 2 most common colors can be found here... http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showt...ighlight=paint

Rhodie100 · August 21, 2007, 08:51

The Rhodesian Camo was striped 2 tone green. The Zimbabwean Camo is more splattered and has brown in it. Some of the Rhodie kits still have the original Rhodie Camo under the Zim Camo.

Radio · August 21, 2007, 12:43

I don't think you should do this to any rifle that doesn't have the grenade launching gas plug sight, possibly the extra-long buttstock. Be sure to paint an arsenal number on the buttstock side in white or yellow.

--Radio

Lon Moer · August 21, 2007, 15:14

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showt...hreadid=172828

Deltaten · August 21, 2007, 19:14

Rhodie:
Thanks Mate! THAT'S why my (elecrtro-pencil) ZA marked RA kit had the thrid color! LOng have I wondered about that. I like the Rhodie scheme, but always thought it was missing something?!?!

WiFAL...
Try a search for a pic from Mark at ARS of a copy he did of the scheme...super job of recreation. I donn't recall the typical colors used ; but the execution was astounding, as was the narrative

Best,
Paul

**J. Armstrong** · August 21, 2007, 19:37

Quote:

Originally posted by WiFAL
I've been a member since 01 I think. Never could figure out what I wanted to do with my FALs. So many options. I tried to force a Type II receiver on a Type I lower but I could tell it didn't look right. When I picked up a true Type II lower I finally figured out that I couldn't have them all but I could have one each of a true Type I, II and III. Since my Type II lower is RA I figured I'd go full boat. These are for me after all; not for resale.

All the Rhodie R1s ( FALs which came from SA either as FN built contract rifles , or SA domestic production ) were type 1 receivers with type 2 lowers. Type 2 receivers were, as far as I can tell, exceedingly rare and would only have happened as a rebuild mix-n-match if there were any at all. I have never seen a pic of a type 2 receivered Rhodie, but that doesn't mean there weren't any !!!!!!

Don't be too slavish about the colors. Many were field applied with motor pool or other available paint, so there are both color and pattern variations galore.Some of the troopies were artists, but most were, like me, not to be trusted with a paint brush ( or even finger paints !!)

PennsylvaniaLongRifle · August 21, 2007, 23:17

Quote:

Originally posted by J. Armstrong

I have never seen a pic of a type 2 receivered Rhodie, but that doesn't mean there weren't any !!!!!!

There is a pic of a type 2 Rhodie HERE.

AzDak · August 22, 2007, 15:45

http://www.arizonaresponsesystems.co...ishgallery.htm

Look down at the bottom. Mark @ ARS did a very good recreation of the old SA baby puke camo.

**J. Armstrong** · August 22, 2007, 16:48

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PennsylvaniaLongRifle

There is a pic of a type 2 Rhodie HERE. [/Q

Sure enough is. Wonder what country it came from ?? Guess we'll never know.

gunnut1 · August 25, 2007, 14:52

Quote:

Originally posted by J. Armstrong

All the Rhodie R1s ( FALs which came from SA either as FN built contract rifles , or SA domestic production ) were type 1 receivers with type 2 lowers. Type 2 receivers were, as far as I can tell, exceedingly rare and would only have happened as a rebuild mix-n-match if there were any at all. I have never seen a pic of a type 2 receivered Rhodie, but that doesn't mean there weren't any !!!!!!

Don't be too slavish about the colors. Many were field applied with motor pool or other available paint, so there are both color and pattern variations galore.Some of the troopies were artists, but most were, like me, not to be trusted with a paint brush ( or even finger paints !!)

Jim,

The Rhodesian police used Type 2 uppers. So it is entirely that they ended up in the field as exampled by the pic.

As far as the paint goes. Do your thing WiFi. There is no wrong Rhodie pattern. I would stay away from the exact duplicate of the Rhodie camo pattern though. Amny different "styles" of cammo were applied to the R1.

Good luck and welcome to the addiction of Rhodie rifles!

**J. Armstrong** · August 25, 2007, 18:31

Interesting! I hadn't thought of police/security sources. Good Info!!

WiFAL · August 25, 2007, 18:53

Dumb Question. I'm using my type II RA electropencil kit for a Rhodesian/Zimbabwe build.

But I've got some other parts. What is my roll marked ZA prefix number Type III lower. Is that SA? It came with a long stock from SG a while back.

I think what I want to do is a long stock in Zimbabwe camo. The camo appears to be what's on my mags and I like it more than the striped Rhodie.

Is there anytrhing special about a complete Type III ZA lower? If not, I think I will use it on my hunting FAL in place of an IMBEL lower.

**rickffp** · August 25, 2007, 22:50

Great Looking FALS!

August 20, 2007, 22:02	#1
WiFAL Registered FALaholic #: 2823 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Franklin, WI Posts: 949	Going Rhodesian! I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna slap paint all over my Type Two RA lower w/ DSA Type Two upper but I've got a question. I've got some mags that I bought from TAPCO way back with a Rhodesian paint job. I've got some handguards too. None of them depict the striped apearance that I see some members putting on their Rhodesian builds. In addition my mags have three colors. The base appears to be yellow split pea soup covered with splashes of milk chocolate brown and sort of a dark aqua marine. I think it was NHBandit that offered up his paint mix formula for recreations but I've got two questions. 1. I don't think his paint mix included a milk chocolate brown application. 2. None of my Rhodesian stuff is striped. It's more like splashed on. Do I have painted SA stuff or what?

August 20, 2007, 22:16	#2
NHBandit Registered Contributor FALaholic #: 7986 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 3,933	I've seen some with a third shade of green that looks to be made by mixing the 2 usually seen shades together. Have seen some with brown but not sure the origin. Keep in mind that they were all most likely done in the field and every one is different. The stripes are common in pictures I've seen of original rifles but once they get worn in the spots that see the most handling the paint kind of gets that mottled look. I'm sure there were lots of them painted with blotches rather than stripes as well. The one I just finished looks way too uniform and freshly done to me. I think I need to drag it behind my truck for a few miles to "weather" it... __________________ Live Free or Die

August 20, 2007, 23:34	#7
Gunny71 Registered FALaholic #: 17630 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 469	Please post pictures when your done! __________________ So, how is that hope and change working out for you?

August 21, 2007, 12:43	#10
Radio Registered FALaholic #: 263 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Eastern Washington State Posts: 9,868	I don't think you should do this to any rifle that doesn't have the grenade launching gas plug sight, possibly the extra-long buttstock. Be sure to paint an arsenal number on the buttstock side in white or yellow. --Radio __________________ Train Like You Fight: Second PLace is NOT an Option. --E.M. (Ted) Dannemiller II* "You seem to fantasize about me a lot. Maybe you should tell your boyfriend? He could dress up like me or something." --*K.O.A.M.*, November 9th, 2009 "You're better off hoping she don't miss, it's quicker that way." --ce, December 15, 2009

August 21, 2007, 15:14	#11
Lon Moer Registered FALaholic #: 12098 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CA Posts: 3,521	http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showt...hreadid=172828 __________________ I've known daredevils and I ain't got nothing against them.....its just they're all dead.

August 20, 2007, 22:24	#3
Otis Treekiller Registered FALaholic #: 21060 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lost in the Ozone Posts: 1,722	Maybe Uncle Bob paint. After Mugabe took over, they switched the color scheme slightly.

August 20, 2007, 22:26	#4
WiFAL Registered FALaholic #: 2823 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Franklin, WI Posts: 949	Hello NH. Thanks for chiming in so quickly. No disrespect intended but I'm inclined to take my parts to the local hardware store for a paint scan. I want to add the brown to the mix since I have several mags that are three colored. Are you using water based paints or oils in your restorations?

August 20, 2007, 22:27	#5
Otis Treekiller Registered FALaholic #: 21060 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lost in the Ozone Posts: 1,722	Oh, and kudos on deciding to paint your FAL! It takes big ones to slap paint on a big investment like a DSA receiver, but I doubt you'll regret it!

August 20, 2007, 22:37	#6
WiFAL Registered FALaholic #: 2823 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Franklin, WI Posts: 949	I've been a member since 01 I think. Never could figure out what I wanted to do with my FALs. So many options. I tried to force a Type II receiver on a Type I lower but I could tell it didn't look right. When I picked up a true Type II lower I finally figured out that I couldn't have them all but I could have one each of a true Type I, II and III. Since my Type II lower is RA I figured I'd go full boat. These are for me after all; not for resale.

August 21, 2007, 08:51	#9
Rhodie100 Registered FALaholic #: 20051 Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 248	The Rhodesian Camo was striped 2 tone green. The Zimbabwean Camo is more splattered and has brown in it. Some of the Rhodie kits still have the original Rhodie Camo under the Zim Camo.

August 21, 2007, 19:14	#12
Deltaten Registered FALaholic #: 124 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Lancaster, PA USA Posts: 8,498	Rhodie: Thanks Mate! THAT'S why my (elecrtro-pencil) ZA marked RA kit had the thrid color! LOng have I wondered about that. I like the Rhodie scheme, but always thought it was missing something?!?! WiFAL... Try a search for a pic from Mark at ARS of a copy he did of the scheme...super job of recreation. I donn't recall the typical colors used ; but the execution was astounding, as was the narrative Best, Paul __________________ All or Nothing! Senator McCarthy was right! and as always......FYB!

August 22, 2007, 15:45	#15
AzDak Registered FALaholic #: 18389 Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 180	http://www.arizonaresponsesystems.co...ishgallery.htm Look down at the bottom. Mark @ ARS did a very good recreation of the old SA baby puke camo.

August 22, 2007, 16:48	#16
J. Armstrong Minister of Amusement Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 13629 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: SE Pa Posts: 8,495	[QUOTE]Originally posted by PennsylvaniaLongRifle There is a pic of a type 2 Rhodie HERE. [/Q Sure enough is. Wonder what country it came from ?? Guess we'll never know. __________________ "The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools" Herbert Spenser "A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud

August 25, 2007, 18:31	#18
J. Armstrong Minister of Amusement Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 13629 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: SE Pa Posts: 8,495	Interesting! I hadn't thought of police/security sources. Good Info!! __________________ "The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools" Herbert Spenser "A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud

August 25, 2007, 18:53	#19
WiFAL Registered FALaholic #: 2823 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Franklin, WI Posts: 949	Dumb Question. I'm using my type II RA electropencil kit for a Rhodesian/Zimbabwe build. But I've got some other parts. What is my roll marked ZA prefix number Type III lower. Is that SA? It came with a long stock from SG a while back. I think what I want to do is a long stock in Zimbabwe camo. The camo appears to be what's on my mags and I like it more than the striped Rhodie. Is there anytrhing special about a complete Type III ZA lower? If not, I think I will use it on my hunting FAL in place of an IMBEL lower.

August 25, 2007, 22:50	#20
rickffp Member Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 11173 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Left Coast Posts: 177	Going Rhodesian! Great Looking FALS! Last edited by rickffp; August 25, 2007 at 23:07.

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