1998 Isuzu Background Info
The 1998 Isuzu Vibe
Look, 1998 was a great year if you liked boxy SUVs and baggy jeans. The Isuzu Trooper was built like a tank, the Amigo was the ultimate "fun in the sun" rig, and the Rodeo was basically the king of the suburban driveway. In our database, we've focused on the ultimate survivor from this era: Onyx Black. It's a color that says you're ready for a trail run, even if you're just running to the grocery store. It was the peak of the rugged-yet-refined aesthetic, back when a truck still looked like a truck.
Paint Health Check
We are smack-dab in the middle of The Peeling Era. By 1998, Isuzu had fully transitioned to base-and-clear systems, but the tech wasn't bulletproof yet. While the Hombre or Oasis might still be mechanically sound, their "skin" is likely showing its age. The biggest threat here is Delamination. If your Isuzu has spent twenty-odd years under the sun, you've probably seen it: that white, flaky "dandruff" where the clear coat finally decides to quit and lift off the Onyx Black base. Once that clear starts to peel, the base coat underneath is left naked to the elements, and it won't be long before it starts to fade or chalk.
Restoration Tip
In this era, your best friend is the "Seal and Shield" method. If you spot a rock chip or a tiny scratch, do not wait. On these late-90s finishes, 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 delamination process. Seal chips immediately before the clear lifts. When applying your Onyx Black, dab it into the center of the chip and let it flow to the edges. You want to bridge that gap between the base and the clear to lock everything down. Think of it as perimeter defense for your paint job.