AMC Hornet Touch Up Paint (32 OEM Colors)

The Color Breakdown

American Motors didn't shy away from the spotlight in the 70s. For the AMC Hornet, they recorded a whopping 32 colors, and they really went for it with the naming. You weren't just driving a green or red car; you were piloting a machine in Limefire Metallic, Firecracker Red, or Captain Blue Metallic. Whether your Hornet is a classic Alpine White sleeper or a Sunshine Yellow attention-grabber, these colors were designed to pop against the chrome of the era.

What to Watch For

Before you start dabbing, you need to find your "battle map"-the paint code. On a Hornet, head straight to the driver's side door jamb. You're looking for a metal VIN plate; the paint code is usually tucked next to the "Paint" or "PNT" heading.

Keep an eye on the sharp peaks of the fenders and the edges of the trunk. AMC paint from this era was often applied a bit thin on the corners, which means those areas are the first to show "chalking" or base-metal peeking through. If you see bubbles forming near the base of the rear pillars or along the window trim, don't panic-it's a common Hornet trait, but it means you'll want to clean the area extra thoroughly before applying your touch-up.

Driveway Repair Tip

Since so many Hornet colors are heavy on the metallics-think Quicksilver or Amber Metallic-the "glitter" in your touch-up bottle likes to settle at the bottom like lead weights. Shake that bottle for at least two full minutes (set a timer!) to wake up those metallic flakes.

When you go to apply it, remember: the brush in the cap is usually too big for a tiny chip. Instead of dabbing a giant glob that looks like a grape, use a wooden toothpick to "flow" the paint into the chip. Use two or three thin layers rather than one thick one. It requires a little more patience, but it's the secret to making that Marine Aqua look factory-fresh again.