Ford Light Charcoal (1M/5683) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This shade represents the birth of Ford's aerodynamic era, most famously seen on the ninth-generation Thunderbird. During the mid-1980s, Ford moved away from boxy, chrome-heavy designs toward the sleek, wind-tunnel-tested profiles that define your car. While it appeared across most of the lineup, it feels most at home on those rounded body panels where the light can catch the subtle gray tones. Since your vehicle has been on the road for about forty years, the original finish has likely weathered a bit, so you should expect the new paint to look slightly crisper than the aged surface around it.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, meaning it is packed with tiny flakes designed to give the paint depth and shimmer. Metallics are a bit more sensitive than solid colors because if you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the flakes will sink and create a dark, blotchy effect known as mottling. To get the best result, you want those flakes to lay flat and even. If you notice the color looking too dark or "bruised" in one area, it usually means the layer was too thick, causing the metallic particles to clump together instead of reflecting light uniformly.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Ford Light Charcoal (check for code 1M/5683), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You will find this code on the safety compliance label located on the driver's side door jamb. Because the metallic flakes are heavier than the liquid, they naturally settle at the bottom of the container; thorough mixing is the only way to ensure the color matches the rest of the car. Always test the color on the included card to verify the look before you move to the actual panel. When you start the repair, keep the container moving to avoid build-up and wait for the proper drying time between each light coat. Working in a garage or the shade will prevent the paint from drying too quickly, allowing the metallic finish to level out properly.