1989 Mitsubishi Background Info
The 1989 Mitsubishi Vibe
1989 was the year Mitsubishi really leaned into that "jet fighter for the street" aesthetic. Whether it was the wide-body Starion looking like it was doing 100mph while parked, or the rugged Montero proving you didn't need a Jeep to conquer the trail, these cars had a presence. We've focused our database on the true survivors of the era, specifically the iconic Sophia White. It was the definitive shade for that boxy, futuristic look-the kind of white that made every Galant or Mirage look like it belonged in a high-speed chase through downtown Tokyo.
Paint Health Check
Welcome to The Peeling Era. In 1989, the industry was still figuring out how to make clear coat play nice with the base layers, and Mitsubishi was no exception. If you're lucky enough to have original paint, you're likely battling "Delamination." It starts with a tiny bubble or a hazy spot on the roof or hood, and before you know it, the clear is flaking off like a bad sunburn. Once that top layer loses its grip, the color underneath is defenseless against the sun. If your Sophia White looks more like a topographical map than a car finish, you're seeing the classic clear coat failure of the late '80s.
Restoration Tip
The secret to keeping these '89 classics alive is aggression-specifically, aggressive chip repair. In this era, a stone chip isn't just a cosmetic blemish; it's an invitation for air and moisture to get under the clear coat and start the peeling process. Seal chips immediately. The second you see a nick on your Tredia or Truck, get some paint on it to "lock" the edges of the clear coat down. If you catch it early, you can stop the delamination in its tracks before the whole panel starts shedding.