1993 Peterbilt Background Info
The 1993 Peterbilt Vibe
In 1993, the Peterbilt 379 was the undisputed king of the highway. It was an era of big chrome, long hoods, and a "get the job done" attitude that didn't leave much room for flashy gimmicks. Across all models that year, the look was defined by bold, solid authority. We've focused our efforts on the one shade that truly defined the period: Medium Red. It wasn't just a color; it was a statement. If you were hauling in '93, you weren't looking to blend in-you were looking to lead the pack in a rig that looked as powerful as the Caterpillar engine under the hood.
Paint Health Check
Here's the cold, hard truth: 1993 puts you right in the middle of "The Peeling Era." Back then, the industry was still perfecting the chemical bond between the base color and the clear coat. Your Peterbilt was built to last a million miles, but the paint tech was often the first thing to give up. We're talking about delamination-where the clear coat on the roof, the top of the sleeper, and those massive fenders starts to turn hazy and lift off in brittle sheets. It looks like a bad sunburn, and once it starts, the Medium Red underneath is left defenseless against the elements. If you see those white, flaky edges starting to appear, the clock is ticking.
Restoration Tip
Since we're dealing with a catalyzed system in a spray can, you've got the right tools to fight back, but you have to be surgical. The golden rule for this era is to seal chips immediately before the clear coat has a chance to lift. If you've already got peeling, you need to feather those edges back with a fine-grit abrasive until you hit "healthy" paint that isn't moving. Clean the area with a high-quality solvent-nothing weak or modern-to ensure every bit of road grime and old wax is gone. When you spray that catalyzed Medium Red, you're not just adding color; you're chemically sealing the wound. Build your layers slowly and don't let the air get back under those edges, or the "Great Peel" will just keep marching across your hood.