1989 Ford Touch Up Paint (96 OEM Colors)

The 1989 Ford Vibe

1989 was the year Ford decided "Aero" was the future. Whether you were hauling the family in an Aerostar, tearing up the pavement in a Probe, or getting muddy in a Bronco II, the sharp corners of the early '80s were being rounded off for the wind tunnel. The color palette was moving away from the "brown-everything" 70s and into a high-contrast era of techy metallics and bold primaries. We've dialed in on the essential survivors of this era, like the iconic Bright Red and the elusive Dark Titanium Pearl Metallic. If your '89 still has its original skin, you're driving a miracle-or you've kept it under a tarp since the Bush administration.

Paint Health Check

Welcome to the peak of the Peeling Era. In 1989, the industry was still figuring out the chemistry between the color coat and the clear coat. Ford, in particular, was experimenting with new primer tech that didn't always play nice with the sun's UV rays. If you own a Silver Metallic or Dark Shadow Blue model, you've likely seen the "Ford Peel"-where the clear coat decides to part ways with the basecoat like a bad divorce, leaving behind a dull, chalky mess. This isn't just oxidation you can buff out; it's delamination. Once that clear starts lifting at the edges, it's a race against time before the rest of the panel follows suit.

Restoration Tip

On an '89, a tiny rock chip isn't just a cosmetic blemish-it's an invitation for the clear coat to start "lifting." Once moisture and air get under that top layer, the bond is toast. Therefore, you must seal chips immediately before the clear lifts. Don't wait for a weekend that never comes. Clean the chip, dab it with a color-match pen, and ensure it's sealed tight. If you're dealing with a metallic like Dark Titanium, remember that the clear coat is what provides the depth; without it, the metallic flakes will oxidize and turn gray faster than a late-night talk show host. Keep a layer of high-quality wax on it to act as a UV sacrificial lamb, or the sun will eat your finish for lunch.