1982 International Touch Up Paint (1 OEM Colors)

The 1982 International Vibe

In 1982, an International Truck wasn't just a vehicle; it was a mobile office for the guy who actually got his hands dirty. Whether you were piloting an S-Series grain hauler or one of the last rugged survivors of the Harvester era, you weren't looking for "flash." You were looking for steel that could outlast a mortgage. The palette of the early '80s was a sea of earth tones, and while the factory offered a few choices, we've focused on the ultimate survivor: Beige. It's the color of endurance-the official shade of a truck that's spent forty years parked near a barn and still starts on the first turn.

Paint Health Check

Since we're dealing with the Single Stage Era, your International is wearing a thick, honest coat of enamel. There's no clear coat to peel off like a bad sunburn, but that doesn't mean it's invincible. If your truck looks like a giant piece of tan sidewalk chalk, you're looking at heavy oxidation. Back in '82, these paints were designed to be tough, but they were "living" finishes-they breathe, and they react to the sun. When that pigment dries out, it loses its soul. The legend of these trucks is that they're bulletproof, but the paint has a simple ultimatum: it needs wax or it dies.

Restoration Tip

If you're looking at a faded fender, don't panic and reach for the sander just yet. With single-stage paint this old, you often have to "exhume" the color. Use a rubbing compound to cut through that top layer of dead, chalky oxidation until the original Beige starts to shine back at you. Once you've found the life underneath, you have to seal it. These old-school enamels are porous; if you don't hit it with a high-quality wax or sealant immediately after repair, the sun will start drinking the oils out of your fresh paint before the weekend is over.