Fleet Pepper Gray Metallic (44490) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the charcoal that defined a generation of heavy-duty style before it became a legend on the silver screen. Originally used for commercial truck fleets and special-order muscle cars, this shade is far from basic. It carries a brooding, industrial weight that makes any body line look sharper and more aggressive. Because your vehicle has been on the road since the era between 1966 and 2000, the original finish has seen years of sun and weather. This means your repair is about matching the deep, metallic character that gives this gray its soul.

Technical Details

You are working with a metallic finish, which means the look of the paint changes depending on how the light hits the surface. The depth comes from tiny flakes suspended in the basecoat. The biggest risk with a color like this is mottling-those dark, cloudy spots that happen when the metallic particles do not lay down evenly. Before you spray or dab Fleet Pepper Gray Metallic (check for code 44490), you need to shake the container for at least 60 seconds. If those flakes stay at the bottom of the reservoir, your repair will look like a flat, muddy gray instead of a shimmering metallic.

Best Practices

Start by checking the driver's side door jamb or the inside of the glove box to confirm your paint code. When you are ready to begin, work in a cool garage or the shade to keep the paint from drying too fast. Test the color on the included card to see how the flakes settle before you touch the actual panel. Whether you use a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving to ensure the metallic particles stay evenly distributed across the surface. Apply thin layers and give the surface plenty of drying time between each one to prevent the paint from pooling and darkening.