Car manufacturers list specific codes for vehicle exterior paint colors. If your Ford car paint needs repair or updating then finding the vehicle color code can help you buy the right type of paint. If you can't find it, you can use the vehicle registration number to get the correct color. If you can't find the chassis number (VIN), the information label on the door panel is missing, or you have an old Ford, visit an internet vehicle color database to find your color code.
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Method 1 of 3: Finding the Car Color Code
Step 1. Look at the driver's door panel of the vehicle
In most cases, the Ford paint color code is written on the manufacturer's label located on the side of the driver's door, usually along the back edge of the door. If you open the door and look along the side of the door, the manufacturer's label will be near the bottom. This label will contain the vehicle color code.
- These labels are rectangular in shape and are printed with a Ford watermark and/or patterned background. Usually it says “MANUFACTURED (or MFD.) BY FORD MOTOR CO. (or COMPANY)” at the top.
- Modern manufacturer's labels usually have a barcode, while older cars may not have one.
Step 2. Check the driver's door frame
Most Ford cars have the manufacturer's label on the front door panel. However, the label can be on the back of the driver's door frame. Open the driver's door. Look at the small ridge around the door frame on the inside of the door, usually blocked when the door is closed.
The manufacturer's label can be located near the bottom of the frame, on the back (closer to the back of the car)
Step 3. Find the color code on the manufacturer's label
Once you find the manufacturer's label, you can use it to find the color code. The color code is below the barcode and is usually marked with 2 characters, which can be either a number or a letter. Two digits are listed above or next to the word "exterior paint colors". For example, if you see the letters "PM" written above "exterior paint colors", it means that the color code is PM.
Some Ford color codes, especially for older vehicles, can be longer than two characters. This code can also be a mixture of letters and numbers. For example, the shade code “Maroon”, used for the 1964 Ford Fleet is MX705160
Method 2 of 3: Using the Frame Number
Step 1. Find the vehicle chassis number (Vehicle Identification Number aka VIN) under the dashboard
If the manufacturer's label is missing, you can use the vehicle identification number to find the color code. You can contact the Ford company, or look it up online. The vehicle frame number is usually in the lower left corner of the dashboard, directly in front of the steering wheel. You can read the chassis number by looking through the windshield.
Step 2. Check other locations if the chassis number is not under the dashboard
Usually, you can find the chassis number easily through the dashboard. However, if the frame number isn't there, you can look it up elsewhere.
- If you open the hood, look in front of the engine. The frame number can be listed here. You can also find the chassis number near the front of the car frame, near the windshield frame.
- You can try opening the driver's door and looking behind the door frame. You can also see the frame number where the rearview mirror is if the door is closed. Also try to find the frame number near where the door lock is closed.
Step 3. Contact Ford to inquire about the color code
Provided you provide your VIN, Ford staff can tell you the color code of your vehicle. Try calling Ford on 0807-1-90-9000. Make sure to call between Monday and Friday as the company is closed on weekends.
Step 4. Enter the frame number on the site
There are many sites, including Chipex, where you can search for color codes by entering your VIN. However, it's a good idea to double-check the code accurately because the site in the search engine results on the internet is not directly related to Ford.
Method 3 of 3: Consult a Car Paint Color Library
Step 1. Do a search in the car paint color library
Sometimes, especially if your Ford is vintage, the manufacturer's label or frame number can be difficult to find. Fortunately, there are many sites that will allow you to look up Ford color codes based on basic vehicle information.
- Do a web search for keywords like “car color code library” or “auto paint code database”. You can also do a more specific search, such as “4949 Ford paint color code.”
- You can start from sites like AutoColorLibrary.com or PaintRef.com. Sites for Ford enthusiasts, such as MustangAttitude.com, are also great for finding color codes.
Step 2. Enter the year and model of the vehicle
Depending on the format of the color coded database, you can narrow your search by selecting the Ford year, brand, and model. in other cases, you can simply browse the list of color codes for each year.
For example, here's a site that lets you search criteria such as manufacturer, model, year, and color class (for example, beige, red, or blue): https://color-online.glasurit.com/CCC/new/index.php
Step 3. Check the list of colors used in that year and find the best match
If your search has been narrowed down to the year, make, and model of the vehicle, check the “chip” or swatch list to see which one matches your car.
For example, if you have a pale green 1977 Ford F150 truck, the color will most likely be “Ford Light Jade Metallic”, which color code is 7L
Step 4. Check vehicle enthusiast forums if you haven't found any matching results
Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine the color of a car, especially if it is very old or the original color has been damaged, faded, or replaced. Ask forums like FordForum.com if you're having trouble finding the color that best matches your car.
