Honda Caroline Yellow (Y-3) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is a high-energy time capsule from 1976. It arrived during the peak of the first-generation Civic era, a time when subcompacts were transitioning from quirky alternatives to mainstream heroes. Since your car has been on the road for nearly five decades, the existing paint has likely softened under the sun, but this pigment captures the original, optimistic punch that made the early CVCC models stand out. It is a loud, proud yellow that defines the era of disco and the oil crisis.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, meaning it contains no metallic flakes or pearl particles. While this makes for a deep, creamy appearance, solid yellow is one of the most difficult colors to work with because the pigment is naturally transparent. It does not hide what is underneath very well. If you are covering a dark primer or a deep black scratch, you will notice the repair looks muddy or thin unless you apply several light layers to build up the opacity. Without those extra layers, the repair might look like a different shade even if the match is perfect.

Best Practices

You can usually find the identification sticker on the driver's side door jamb or located on the firewall inside the engine bay. Before you spray or dab Honda Caroline Yellow (check for code Y-3), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Testing the color on the included card is vital because of how much original 1970s paint can fade over time. When you begin, keep the container moving to prevent the heavy yellow pigments from pooling and creating a run. Patience is your best friend here; let the drying time pass fully between each thin coat to ensure you reach the correct depth of color.