2010 Fiat Background Info
The 2010 Fiat Vibe
Welcome to 2010-the year everyone was obsessed with "minimalist" silver and black, but you were likely buzzing around in a Fiat that actually had some personality. Whether it was the iconic 500 or any of the other city-dwellers in the lineup, Fiat wasn't afraid to let the colors speak for the car. We've focused our attention on the real survivors of this era, the ones that gave these cars their soul: the vibrant Blue Coctail and the classic, heart-racing Rosso. Back then, these cars were fresh, nimble, and looked like they were ready to outrun a latte-fueled morning commute.
Paint Health Check
Now for the reality check: we are deep into the Thin Paint Era. By 2010, the "Robot Efficiency" at the factory was in full swing, which is a fancy way of saying they got real stingy with the clear coat. If your Fiat has been living outside, you've probably noticed that the Rosso isn't quite as "Rosso" as it used to be, or the roof is starting to peel like a bad sunburn. This era is notorious for delamination once the sun gets its teeth into that thin factory shell. If you see a little white flake or a cloudy spot, that's your clear coat waving the white flag-ignore it, and the metal underneath is next.
Restoration Tip
Since you're dealing with a factory finish that's about as thick as a sheet of tissue paper, you have to be precise. When you're touching up those inevitable stone chips, remember: build your layers slowly. Don't try to fill the crater in one go or you'll end up with a "blob" that looks like a zit on a supermodel. Use a series of thin, patient applications, letting each one dry before adding the next. This mimics the factory's multi-stage look without the factory's "efficient" thinness. Finish with a solid sealant, because at this age, your Fiat needs all the UV armor it can get.