Ford Medium Walnut Metallic (9Y (1982)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is a time capsule from a pivotal moment in Ford history. It was a flagship choice for the 1982 launch of the first-generation Ranger and a sophisticated option for the eighth-generation Thunderbird. This isn't just a simple brown; it is a deep, earthy tone that perfectly captures the rugged yet refined aesthetic of the early eighties. Because your vehicle has likely spent over four decades on the road, the original finish has probably mellowed. When you apply this fresh pigment, you might find it looks richer and more saturated than the weathered sections of your car, which is a common quirk of these classic earth tones.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means it relies on tiny suspended flakes to create its signature depth. While these particles give the paint its character, they also make the application a bit more technical. If you apply the paint too heavily or unevenly, those metallic flakes will cluster together, leading to a blotchy appearance known as mottling. This creates dark stripes or "tiger marks" that can ruin the factory look. To get a consistent finish, you must focus on thin, even layers rather than trying to cover the damage in a single pass.

Best Practices

Before you begin to apply Ford Medium Walnut Metallic (verify code 9Y (1982) on the sticker located on your driver's side door jamb), you must shake the container vigorously for at least one full minute. The heavy metallic flakes often settle at the bottom and need to be fully integrated for the color to match. Always test the color on the included card first to see how the brown depth and flake density look under natural light. When you move to the vehicle, keep the container moving at all times to ensure a balanced flow. If you are working in your garage or a patch of shade, give the paint plenty of drying time between layers so the metallic particles can set properly without shifting.