Yes definitely taking soleplates with bedknives attached for sharpening, I have 5 altogether. I've always let them decide if the bedknife needs replacing or not and I remember reading some of your advice that changing bedknifes is a job for professionals only.
As for the paint, it's called Sherwood Green Metallic. I believe it's a late 70's Ford colour. The Ford code is 'Z' and it's also available off the shelf in the Power Plus range of Aerosols (usually found in Autobarn and Supercheap). The Power Plus code is PK7110 for the large can or PJ7110 for the small. I'm sorry but I don't have the formula for the tinters. I doubt I'll end up keeping the first few restos that I do, so I wanted the future owner to be able to touch up their machines if they get scratched.
