1997 Toyota Touch Up Paint (79 OEM Colors)

The 1997 Toyota Vibe

1997 was the year Toyota decided to build machines that would outlive the human race. While the rest of the world was worrying about the Macarena, Toyota was busy pumping out legends like the Supra and the indestructible 4Runner. Our database reflects the era of the "High-Contract Classic," focusing on the true survivors: the deep Blacks, the aggressive Radiant Reds, and the ubiquitous Super White 2. This wasn't the year for subtle pastels; it was the year of bold, solid tones that looked just as good in a suburban driveway as they did covered in mud on a Tacoma trail.

Paint Health Check

We are smack-dab in the middle of The Peeling Era. Back in '97, the industry was still perfecting the bond between the color and the top layer. While your 1997 Toyota's engine is likely barely broken in at 250,000 miles, the clear coat has probably seen better days. The biggest threat here is "Delamination." If your car has spent decades under the sun, you've likely seen it: the clear coat starts flaking off in white, crispy sheets, especially on the roof and hood. Once that clear lifts, the base color underneath is defenseless against the elements. If you're rocking one of the solid reds or whites, you might even be dealing with "The Pink Fade"-where the paint starts looking chalky and tired because the UV protection has clocked out for good.

Restoration Tip

Listen close, because this is the difference between a clean repair and a total respray: Seal your chips immediately before the clear lifts. On these late-90s Toyotas, a stone chip isn't just an eyesore; it's a breach in the hull. Moisture and air get under the edge of the chip and start tunneling, causing the clear coat to delaminate in a circle around the damage. When you apply your touch-up, don't just fill the hole-make sure the paint slightly overlaps the edge of the healthy clear coat to "bridge" the gap. This creates a mechanical seal that keeps the rest of your finish pinned down where it belongs.