1980 AMC Touch Up Paint (17 OEM Colors)

The 1980 AMC Vibe

By 1980, the automotive world was nursing a serious hangover from the '70s, and AMC was leading the way into a new, weirdly rugged decade. This was the year the Eagle took flight, effectively inventing the crossover before anyone knew what to call it, while the Concord and Spirit held down the pavement. The color palette was a masterclass in "Earth Tone Chic." With 17 colors in the books-ranging from the deep, boozy Bordeaux Metallic to the "did I leave the bread out?" warmth of Caramel and Cameo Tan-AMC wasn't just building cars; they were matching your living room's shag carpet and wood-paneled walls.

Paint Health Check

Welcome to the Single Stage Era. Back in 1980, your AMC left the Kenosha factory with the pigment and the gloss mixed into one hardworking layer of enamel. There was no clear coat to peel off like a bad sunburn, but there's a different beast in the garage: Oxidation. Without a protective clear layer, these paints "breathe," and over forty years, they've exhaled all their essential oils. If that Cardinal Red or Navy Blue looks like a dry chalkboard, it's not dead-it's just thirsty. The paint is literally drying out and turning into a chalky powder on the surface.

Restoration Tip

If you're working with one of the many metallics like Quicksilver or Russet Metallic, don't panic when your buffing pad turns black or the color of the car. That's just the oxidized top layer and aluminum flakes coming off-it's supposed to happen. Because this is single-stage, it needs wax or it dies. To truly resuscitate it, use a heavy glaze or a high-oil polish to "feed" the pores of the paint before you seal it. Once you bring that shine back, you have to keep a fresh coat of wax on it; otherwise, the sun will start cooking those pigments again before you can finish your next tank of gas.