2003 Fiat Touch Up Paint (4 OEM Colors)

The 2003 Fiat Vibe

The year was 2003. "Where is the Love?" was on the radio, and Fiat was busy trying to convince the world that the boxy Panda and the spunky Punto were all you needed for a Roman holiday. It was a time of transition for the brand, and while the streets were flooded with options, we've focused our efforts on the survivors-the shades that actually stood the test of time. You're likely rocking the high-tech sheen of Atlantic Gray, the deep depth of Bleu Micalizzato, or the classic, high-octane Rosso Speed. And for the bold few, that Very Light Green still turns heads at the fuel pump.

Paint Health Check

Welcome to the peak of "The Peeling Era." In 2003, the industry had mastered the look of the basecoat/clearcoat system, but the chemistry hadn't quite caught up to the scorching sun. If you're looking at your Fiat's roof or hood and seeing what looks like a bad sunburn-thin, white flakes of clear plastic-looking skin-you're dealing with delamination. This is the era where the bond between your color and your protection starts to give up the ghost. Once that clear coat lifts and the basecoat is exposed to the air, it'll turn chalky and dead faster than a cheap suit.

Restoration Tip

With a car of this age, your best defense is a proactive offense. You need to seal chips immediately before the clear lifts. If you spot a small stone chip, don't wait for "next weekend." Water and air love to get under the edges of a chip and start prying the clear coat away from the color underneath. Clean the area, dab on your color, and make sure it's sealed tight. If you already have a "peeler" started, you've got to carefully sand back the loose edges until you hit solid ground before you try to spot-repair, or you're just painting over a lie.