2002 International Touch Up Paint (2 OEM Colors)

The 2002 International Vibe

By 2002, the International Truck was the undisputed backbone of the highway. While the rest of the world was busy obsessing over "millennium silver" and tech-heavy metallics, International kept its boots on the ground. In our database, we've focused on the true survivor of the fleet: that classic, industrial Beige. It wasn't about winning car shows; it was about lookin' decent while hauling thirty tons of freight through a Midwestern sleet storm. This was a time when trucks were trucks, and a clean beige hood meant you were actually keeping up with the maintenance schedule.

Paint Health Check

Welcome to The Peeling Era. By 2002, the industry had fully committed to the basecoat/clearcoat system, but they hadn't quite mastered the "staying attached" part. If you're looking at an original 2002 International today, you're likely dealing with Delamination. This is when the clear coat decides it's had enough and starts flaking off like a bad sunburn, usually starting on the "sky-facing" surfaces like the hood and the roof. Once that clear coat lifts and the basecoat is exposed to the elements, it's only a matter of time before the sun turns your hardworking rig into a chalky, patchy mess.

Restoration Tip

Since you're dealing with a clear coat that's looking for any excuse to bail, your best defense is a proactive offense: seal every single rock chip immediately. On these early 2000s rigs, a chip isn't just a cosmetic blemish; it's an entry point for moisture and air to get under the clear coat and start the "lifting" process. Use a high-solid touch-up to bridge the gap between the clear and the base. If you catch it early and seal the edges of those chips, you can prevent a small nick from turning into a hood-wide peel that requires a full strip and respray.