1997 Daihatsu Touch Up Paint (2 OEM Colors)

The 1997 Daihatsu Vibe

Welcome to 1997, the year everyone was trying to squeeze into a "bubble" on wheels. Whether you were zipping through city alleys in a tiny Charade or hauling gear in the pint-sized Hijet, 1997 was about efficiency with a side of personality. While the rest of the world was getting boring with beige, we've focused our efforts on the survivors of the era. We're talking about the high-impact Purple Metallic-a color that screamed "alternative rock" louder than a flannel shirt-and the ever-reliable Silver Metallic, which was the armor of choice for the urban warrior.

Paint Health Check

If you're looking at a Daihatsu from this era, you're dealing with the height of The Peeling Era. By '97, the factory had fully committed to the basecoat/clearcoat system. It looked great on the showroom floor, but let's be honest: that clear coat was applied thinner than a cheap diner napkin. After decades of sun, that top layer is likely "delaminating"-painter speak for peeling like a bad sunburn. Once the clear coat lifts from the base, the color underneath is exposed to the elements and starts to go flat. If your roof looks like it's shedding its skin, you've got classic clear coat failure.

Restoration Tip

The golden rule for these '90s survivors? Seal your chips immediately before the clear lifts. If you see a small rock chip, don't wait for the weekend; that's an entry point for moisture to get under the clear coat and start the peeling process. When you're ready to fix it, use a fine-grit abrasive to gently feather the edges of the existing clear coat around the chip. You want a smooth transition, not a sharp "cliff" of old paint. Once it's smooth, dab on your color and seal it up. It's the only way to stop the rot and keep that Purple Metallic looking like it actually belongs in this century.