1982 Isuzu Touch Up Paint (15 OEM Colors)

The 1982 Isuzu Vibe

Back in '82, the Isuzu Truck-fondly known to most as the "P'up"-was the ultimate "get-it-done" machine. It wasn't trying to be a luxury cruiser; it was trying to outlast your mortgage. What's wild is that Isuzu actually gave us options. We're talking 15 different colors in our database for this year alone. Whether you were hauling gear in a Seine Blue Metallic workhorse or showing off a bit of early-80s flash in Champagne Beige Metallic or Matterhorn Silver, these trucks had more personality than the beige boxes they've become today. It was a time when you could actually find your truck in a crowded parking lot without checking the badge.

Paint Health Check

Since we're talking 1982, you're firmly in the Single Stage Era. This was before the industry decided to sandwich every color under a plastic-like layer of clear coat. On the plus side, you don't have to worry about the "sunburn" look where the clear peels off in sheets. On the downside, this paint is "alive"-and not in a good way. Without a clear coat to protect it, these pigments are constantly battling the elements. If your Isuzu has been sitting in the sun, that Bordeaux Red or Sash Black has likely turned into a chalky, matte mess. This is classic Oxidation; the paint is literally drying out and turning to powder on the surface.

Restoration Tip

The secret to keeping 1982 single-stage paint alive is simple: it needs wax or it dies. If you've got a "chalky" survivor, don't just spray new paint over the dust. You need to use a polishing compound to cut through that dead, oxidized top layer to reveal the fresh color underneath. Once you've brought back the shine, you have to seal it immediately. Since there's no factory clear coat to do the heavy lifting, a high-quality wax or sealant is the only thing standing between your Mist Blue Metallic and a one-way trip to "Primer Gray" territory. Treat it like skin-keep it moisturized with a good wax, or it'll flake away to nothing.