Ford Tan Poly (5-U (1975)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This earthy neutral is a time capsule from the mid-seventies, a period when Ford favored colors that felt grounded and practical. Since your vehicle has been navigating the world since 1975, the original paint has likely developed a character of its own through sun exposure and road wear. This tan was a workhorse shade for the lineup, designed to hide the dust of a gravel driveway while providing a clean, professional appearance. It isn't a loud or demanding color, but it possesses a subtle depth that modern solids just can't replicate.

Technical Details

Because this is a polychromatic finish, the paint contains fine metallic particles that provide that period-correct shimmer. Metallic paints are notoriously opinionated; if you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, those tiny flakes will sink and bunch up, creating dark, blotchy patches. This mottling effect can make the repair look like a bruise on the side of your car. Success depends on ensuring those flakes stay suspended in the liquid so they can lay flat and reflect light evenly across the surface.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Ford Tan Poly (check for code 5-U (1975)), you need to shake the container for at least sixty seconds to properly mix the pigments. Those heavy metallic flakes love to settle at the bottom, and if they aren't mixed, your color will come out looking dark and muddy. You can find your official code on the driver's side door jamb, usually on a silver or white sticker. Test the color on the included card first to see how the flakes settle before you move to the vehicle. Work in your garage or the shade and apply several thin layers rather than one heavy coat. Keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling and give each layer enough drying time so the finish sets firmly.