Automobile manufacturers often assign specific codes to paint colors for their vehicles. If you have a Ford car that needs a touch up or a new coat of paint, you should look up the color code inside the vehicle to help you get the correct type of paint. If you can't find this code, you can use the vehicle's registration number to find out. If you can't find the chassis number, don't have an information card on the door panel, or the vehicle is very old, a vehicle paint color database on the internet can help you determine this code.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Find the color code on the car
Step 1. Check the front door panel on the driver's side
In most cases, the color code is written on the manufacturer's label located on the front door panel on the driver's side (usually along the rear edge of the door). If you open the door and look along its side, towards the bottom you should see a manufacturer's label that contains the color code
- These labels are rectangular and may be imprinted with the Ford watermark or have a patterned background. They usually say "MADE BY FORD MOTOR CO." on top.
- Modern manufacturing labels often feature a printed barcode unlike older models.
Step 2. Check the front door jamb on the driver's side
Most Ford cars have the manufacturer's label on the front door panel. However, it can be located at the rear of the front door jamb on the driver's side. Open the door and look at the little ridge around the frame on the inside of the car (which usually locks when the door is closed).
The manufacturer's tag can be located toward the bottom of the jamb, closer to the rear of the car
Step 3. Locate the color code on the manufacturer's label
Once you find the manufacturer's label, you can use it to locate the color code. This code is located below the barcode and is usually marked by 2 symbols, which can be numbers or letters. Both digits are listed above or next to the words "exterior paint colors." For example, if you see the letters "PM" written over these words, then that is your car's color code.
Some Ford color codes, especially older vehicles, may have more than 2 symbols. They can also consist of a mixture of letters and numbers. For example, the color code for the “maroon” shade, which was used in the 1964 Ford Fleet, is MX705160
Method 2 of 3: Use the vehicle's chassis number
Step 1. Find the vehicle's chassis number under the instrument panel
In case you can't find the manufacturer's label, you can use the chassis number of your vehicle to find the color code. You can contact the Ford company or search for the code online. Typically, the chassis number appears in the lower left corner of the instrument panel, just in front of the steering wheel. You can read the chassis number by looking at it through the windshield.
Step 2. Check other locations if the chassis number is not under the instrument panel
Generally, you shouldn't have a problem reading the chassis number when looking through the panel. However, if the number is not listed there, you can check many other locations.
- If you open the hood, you should check the front of the engine. The chassis number may appear there. You can also find it near the front of the chassis, next to the windshield frame.
- You can try to open the door on the driver's side and check inside its frame. You will likely find the chassis number roughly where the rear view mirror would be located if the door were closed. You can also find the chassis number near where the door latches close.
Step 3. Contact Ford to check your color code
As long as you provide the chassis number, a company manager should be able to tell you the color code of your vehicle. You can contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673 in the United States. Make sure to call sometime between Monday and Friday, as the business is closed on weekends.
Step 4. Enter the chassis number on a web page
There are several web pages (like Chipex) where you can type the chassis number to get the color code. However, you may want to contact the Ford company just to verify that the code is correct, as the web pages you find through a virtual search engine are not officially affiliated with the Ford company.
Method 3 of 3: Consult a Library of Automotive Paint Colors
Step 1. Search a color library on the internet
Sometimes, especially if your car is older, you may have a hard time finding the manufacturer's tag or chassis number. Fortunately, there are numerous websites that allow you to search for Ford color codes with basic information about your vehicle.
- Do an internet search for something like "car color code library" or "car paint color code database." You can also do a more specific search, such as "paint color codes for a 1949 Ford car."
- Some web pages like AutoColorLibrary.com or PaintRef.com are good places to start. Ford enthusiast websites, such as MustangAttitude.com, are also excellent resources for finding color codes.
Step 2. Enter the year and make of the vehicle
Depending on the format of the color code database you are using, you may be able to narrow your search by selecting the year, make and model of your vehicle. In other cases, you may just have to browse through a list of color codes for each year.
Step 3. Examine the list of colors in use for that year and select the best combination
Once you've narrowed down your car's year, make, and model, examine the sample list to see which is the best option.
For example, if you have a pale green 1977 Ford F150 pickup, the color is likely to be "light metallic jade," code 7L
Step 4. Check an auto enthusiast forum if you can't find a good match
Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint the color of a car, especially if it is very old or the original paint is badly damaged, discolored, or altered. You can ask communities like FordForum.com if you have trouble narrowing down the most likely color matches.