1990 Daihatsu Background Info
The 1990 Daihatsu Vibe
The year 1990 was a peculiar time for Daihatsu. While the Charade was outrunning gas stations and the Rocky (or Feroza, depending on your zip code) was proving that you didn't need a massive SUV to get stuck in the mud, the factory was starting to transition into more modern finishes. We've focused our efforts on the true survivor of the bunch: Silver Metallic. In the 90s, if you weren't driving a teal or a white car, you were likely rocking this sleek, understated metallic that defined the "sophisticated" compact era.
Paint Health Check
Welcome to the heart of the Peeling Era. By 1990, Daihatsu had largely moved to basecoat/clearcoat systems to give these little machines some extra shine. The problem? That early clear coat tech had the UV resistance of a wet paper bag. If your Daihatsu has spent any real time under the sun, you're likely seeing "delamination"-that's when the clear coat starts flaking off in white, crispy sheets like a bad sunburn. Once that clear lifts, the metallic base underneath is defenseless against the elements.
Restoration Tip
The golden rule for this era: Seal chips immediately before the clear lifts. If you catch a rock chip and ignore it, moisture and air will crawl under the surrounding clear coat and start the delamination process. When you're touching up 1990 Silver Metallic, don't just slap a blob on there. These early metallics are sensitive; build your layers slowly and use a steady hand. Sealing that chip today prevents a full-panel peel-off six months down the road.