Any paint codes revealed in the VIN???

[76zimmer]

For any make that you know of, is the paint code identifier in the VIN?

As far as I know its always on a trim tag somewhere on the vehicle other than the VIN code.

I got $20 riding on this...

 

[nvrenuf]

I can speak for Toyota... the software used by the parts and service dept's does decipher the paint code as well as all of the option codes to provide a complete description of the vehicle. That said, it's the VIN as a whole being called from a database that provides this info, not a single or combination of characters.

 

[Stomis]

I can speak for Toyota... the software used by the parts and service dept's does decipher the paint code as well as all of the option codes to provide a complete description of the vehicle. That said, it's the VIN as a whole being called from a database that provides this info, not a single or combination of characters.

This. The actual identifying number of the specific vehicle will give you all the info for the vehicle itself BUT those numbers are useless w/o the manufacturer data base. This is the reason why every dealer under the sun wants to know your VIN for parts. They can tell you exactly whats motor, trans, torque converter, tcase, rears, seats, carpet color, paint color, trim level. It basically unlocks the build sheet for the car.

If the question however is "Is there an identifying digit or combination of digits in the VIN for paint?" the answer is no.

 

[ryoken]

tho no code is in the VIN, knowing which plant it was made in can be vital to a collision shop/painter.. and that can be found in the VIN..

1989 GM dark metallic blue isn't always the same..

any good painter will always check the VIN when he sees multiple variations of the same formula/color when going to mix up paint..

 

[Stomis]

tho no code is in the VIN, knowing which plant it was made in can be vital to a collision shop/painter.. and that can be found in the VIN..

1989 GM dark metallic blue isn't always the same..

any good painter will always check the VIN when he sees multiple variations of the same formula/color..

Thats interesting to know...

 

[ryoken]

over 1/2 the paint codes out there, have multiple variations in the formula depending on where the vehicle was produced.. not all the time, but a fair amount.. might be less the last 10 to 15 yr's, but I'm sure it's still going on to some extent.. sometimes it's just a couple maybe... standard, lighter, darker... but I have seen colors with as many as 13! redder, bluer, darker, yada..

when doing an overall paintjob it doesn't matter much.. but it's always good to ask the guy mixing your paint if it has any variations, with an overall shoot, you would get the "standard" formula to save possible issues down the road...

but it's amazing how much of a different color, different variations can be...

 

[76zimmer]

this is good knowledge guys...I wondered about the VIN showing the build info if looked up on a database, makes sense they would track everything on the car, but I was pretty sure the paint code itself wasn't showing in the VIN number alone.
Paul, I remember hearing that as well, even many moons ago. The different assy plants having different paint suppliers, and slightly different color from that scenario.
Also heard that factory packs (not sure if that's the right term) paint supply from the manufacturer makes a difference as well?


I'm saying I win!

 

[sweetk30]

Toyota has a polular color these days on there truck/suv line and it has ................ 36 variations

lots of newer vin info can get you almost 98% of everything you will need . and yes paint is one of them .

but for best info always refer to paint code on the car in a sticker were the factory puts the info .

 

[ryoken]

never dealt with fac packs cuz we mixed up all our own stuff...






I've mentioned it before in here.. THE absolute WORST color ever was Chrysler Ice Blue from the 80's...

total nightmare to match 1/2 the time...

 

[ktmoutfront]

never dealt with fac packs cuz we mixed up all our own stuff...






I've mentioned it before in here.. THE absolute WORST color ever was Chrysler Ice Blue from the 80's...

total nightmare to match 1/2 the time...

I disagree. Hyundi has a color that came out 3 years ago. It is also an ice blue. Has an additive that runs $170 an ounce. It looks like a mica. I never did match it.

 

[ryoken]

bit different when you actually have the tint machine with base tints..

 

[ktmoutfront]

I had a full set of toners, micas and everything in the van to hand mix colors. I used to repair bumpers and do touch up at dealerships. Hand mixed and matched many colors every day.

 

[ryoken]

guess I'm wrong than....

 

[ktmoutfront]

Not wrong, it's just different. I hated painting in the wind. So I sold the business to a friend. The paint is so different from what I used in the 70's, I could not get used to it. I'm too old to change with the times.

 

[ryoken]

I hated painting in the wind. .

guess ya had little choice with the semi..

try being a boat guy.... painted topsides on a 30' Fortier outside last week.. ya have to walk tweezer duty for about a 1/2 hr till it flashes off for bugs...

but matching paint is child's play compared to gelcoat.. ain't no blending gel...

 

[ktmoutfront]

No desire to do gel coats. I have a friend in Lake Havasu that does them. Spent a day there watching once. I don't have the patience for it.

 

[ryoken]

not to mention the polyester based stuff is NASTY with the styrene and such..