1982 Harley-Davidson Touch Up Paint (1 OEM Colors)

The 1982 Harley-Davidson Vibe

Welcome to 1982-the year Willie G. and the boys finally snatched the keys back from the bowling alley corporate suits at AMF. It was a time of transition, Shovelheads were still screaming, and the legendary Low Rider and Sturgis models were the kings of the boulevard. While the motor company was finding its soul again, the paint shop was leaning into some seriously flashy tech to celebrate the buyout. We've focused on the crown jewel of that era: Sparkling Turquoise Tricoat. It wasn't just a color; it was a three-layer victory lap of metallic depth that made a Wide Glide look like it was carved out of a gemstone.

Paint Health Check

Here is the reality of the Single Stage Era: back in '82, paint wasn't just a finish; it was a living, breathing thing. Because this era predates the bulletproof, plastic-like clear coats of the modern day, your Sparkling Turquoise is fighting a losing battle against the sun. The biggest threat is "Oxidation." You've seen it-that nasty, chalky white film that makes a deep metallic finish look like a sun-bleached plastic toy. Without a separate clear layer to take the UV hit, the pigment itself takes the punch. If your tank looks more "matte mint" than "sparkling turquoise," your paint is literally starving for oils.

Restoration Tip

Since 1982 paint is porous, my rule is simple: It needs wax or it dies. If you're touching up a chip in that Tricoat, don't just dab and walk away. You need to level the repair and then saturate the surrounding area with a high-quality carnauba or polymer sealant. Think of it like moisturizing old leather. Once you buff out that chalky oxidation to reveal the sparkle underneath, you have about a week before the environment starts eating it again. Seal it, wax it, and keep it out of the high-noon sun if you want that Turquoise to stay "Sparkling" and not "Stone-washed."