Jeep Autumn Gold (1D) Touch Up Paint

The Look

If your 1981 Jeep still wears this color, you own a piece of rare AMC history. This shade was a one-year exclusive, capturing the exact moment when off-road culture moved from the flat earth tones of the seventies into the bolder, metallic finishes of the eighties. It looks right at home on a CJ-7 Renegade or the broad panels of a Wagoneer. Because this color was only available for a single production cycle, finding a match that respects the original aging process is vital. Since your vehicle has likely seen decades of sun and trail dust, the goal is to bring back that warm, honey-bronze glow without making the repair look like a bright yellow patch.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means the paint contains tiny flakes that reflect light at different angles. These flakes provide depth, but they are heavy and tend to sink to the bottom of the container. If they are not distributed properly, the color will look muddy or uneven. To get the metallic particles to lay down correctly, you must avoid heavy, wet coats. Building the color slowly with light layers prevents the gold flakes from bunching up or "mottling," which creates dark streaks in the finish. While metallic paints are excellent at hiding minor surface dust, they require a steady hand to ensure the shimmer remains consistent across the repair.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Jeep Autumn Gold (check for code 1D), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You should find your paint code on the metal trim tag located on the firewall, usually right below the brake master cylinder, or inside the driver's side door jamb. Once you find it, clear away any engine grease so you can read the stamped digits clearly. Always test the color on the included card before you move to the vehicle to ensure the metallic density looks correct. While applying the paint in your garage or a patch of shade, keep the container moving in steady passes. This movement ensures the flakes land in a random, natural pattern rather than clumping in one spot. Allow plenty of drying time between your light layers to prevent the paint from sagging.