2002 Peterbilt Background Info
The 2002 Peterbilt Vibe
By 2002, the Peterbilt 379 was already a legend of the open road, and the 387 was trying to prove that aerodynamics didn't have to look like a bar of soap. It was an era of heavy chrome, long hoods, and the kind of presence that made other drivers clear the left lane. While the color charts back then had a bit of variety, we've focused on the absolute survivor that defined the fleet look: Medium Red. It's the color of a truck that's seen a million miles and is ready for a million more, provided you treat the skin right.
Paint Health Check
If you're looking at a Peterbilt from the 1985-2005 window, you're smack in the middle of The Peeling Era. This was when the industry was still perfecting the chemical bond between the base color and the clear coat. On a 2002 rig, your biggest enemy isn't just road salt-it's delamination. Once that clear coat loses its grip on the base, it starts flaking off like a bad sunburn, especially on high-exposure areas like the top of the hood and the sleeper roof. If you see white, chalky edges around a rock chip, the clock is ticking.
Restoration Tip
The secret to keeping a 2002 finish from falling apart is to seal your chips immediately. In this era, a rock chip isn't just a cosmetic blemish; it's an entry point for moisture to get under the clear coat and start lifting it away from the color. Since we're dealing with a catalyzed system, use our Medium Red spray can to seal those edges fast. The hardener in the can ensures the repair is as tough as the original factory finish, anchoring the surrounding clear coat before it decides to part ways with the truck.