Saab Lime Yellow (292) Touch Up Paint

The Look

If you own a 9-3 Convertible from the mid-2000s, there is a good chance you are looking at one of the most daring colors Saab ever released. This isn't a traditional school-bus yellow. It is a sharp, citrus-heavy shade with a distinct green undertone that makes the car look like it was carved out of a neon lime. Because it was the launch color for the redesigned convertible, it carries a lot of brand history. It is a high-energy choice that stands out in any parking lot, but since your car has likely been on the road for nearly twenty years, the original finish has probably softened under the sun.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means the secret to the glow is a heavy load of microscopic flakes suspended in the paint. Metallic colors are notoriously fickle because those flakes like to sink to the bottom of the container. If they aren't perfectly distributed, you will end up with mottling-dark, cloudy patches that make the repair look like a bruise. Achieving a match requires a steady hand and a commitment to keeping those particles floating evenly while you work. Since it is a brighter, lighter metallic, it will show every bit of road grime, so ensure your work area is as clean as possible before you start.

Best Practices

You can find your paint information on the driver-side door pillar, usually near the bottom of the jamb. Before you apply Saab Lime Yellow (check for code 292), you must shake the container for at least two full minutes. This is not a suggestion; those metallic flakes need to be fully integrated to get that citrus pop. Test the color on the included card to see how the flakes lay down before you touch the car. When you move to the actual repair, keep the container moving to ensure the finish remains uniform. Allow for a generous drying time between layers to prevent the paint from sagging or clumping in the edges of the chip.