1978 International Touch Up Paint (1 OEM Colors)

The 1978 International Vibe

1978 was the year of Jimmy Carter, the peak of disco, and the undisputed reign of International Harvester's heavy-duty grit. Whether it was a Scout II tearing up a trail or a Loadstar hauling grain, these trucks were built to outlast the foreman. Our database reflects the heart of that era's utilitarian soul: Beige. Back then, we didn't need forty shades of silver; we had the earthy, no-nonsense tones that defined the decade. Beige wasn't just a color; it was the uniform of the hardest working trucks on the planet. If yours is still wearing it, you're looking at a survivor.

Paint Health Check

Since we're dealing with the Single Stage Era, your International isn't suffering from modern peeling or "sunburn." Instead, it's fighting the "Chalky Death." In 1978, manufacturers used single-stage enamel where the pigment and the gloss were mixed into one thick, honest layer. Over forty years, the sun cooks the oils out of that paint, leaving a white, powdery oxidation on the surface. It looks like your truck spent the night in a flour mill, but don't panic-the color is still in there, it's just buried under a layer of dead paint.

Restoration Tip

The beauty of 1978 enamel is that it's remarkably thick and forgiving. To bring back the life in that Beige, you need to "cut" the oxidation. Use a medium-cut compound to buff away the chalky top layer until the rich, buttery tone of the original pigment shows through. But listen to me: it needs wax or it dies. Without a clear coat to protect it, that fresh-buffed surface is porous and vulnerable. If you don't seal it with a high-quality wax or sealant immediately after the repair, the sun will turn it back into a chalkboard before the next season change.