Ford Paint Code: Vin Number Lookup Guide

Ford paint codes are typically two characters long and can include both letters and numbers. They can be found on the driver's side door panel or door jamb. The paint code will be located underneath the barcode and may be prefixed by EXT PNT, which stands for exterior paint. If you are unable to find the manufacturer's label, you can use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find your colour code. However, it is important to note that the VIN does not provide the colour code directly, but rather any paint formula variance within an existing code.

Locate the VIN under the dashboard

To locate the VIN under the dashboard, follow these steps:

First, identify the dashboard of your Ford vehicle. The dashboard is the panel extending across the interior width of the vehicle, located under the windshield and behind the steering wheel. It typically houses various instruments, controls, and displays.

Next, look at the lower-left corner of the dashboard. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is typically located in this area. It is important to note that the VIN is not always in the same exact spot for all Ford models and years, but it should be within the general vicinity of the lower-left corner of the dashboard.

If you are having difficulty locating the VIN, try looking through the windshield from outside the car. This can often provide a clearer view and make it easier to spot the VIN. The VIN is a distinctive identifying code assigned to Ford vehicles and typically consists of 17 characters, excluding the letters Q, I, and O, to prevent confusion with the numbers 0 and 1.

In addition to the dashboard, there are several other locations where the VIN may be found. These include the driver's side doorjamb, the front of the engine block (under the hood), the front of the car frame, the rear wheel well, the driver-side doorpost, and vehicle documentation such as registration or insurance documents.

Remember that knowing the VIN is essential as it serves as your vehicle's unique identification, similar to a fingerprint. It provides valuable information about your car, including its country or region of manufacture, manufacturer, vehicle type, model year, and plant of origin.

Search online paint colour libraries

If you are having trouble locating the paint code for your Ford vehicle, there are several online paint colour libraries that can help. These websites allow you to search for Ford colour codes using basic information about your vehicle.

To start, you can perform a web search using terms such as "car colour code library" or "auto paint code database". You can also include specific details about your Ford vehicle in your search query, such as the model and year. For example, you could search for "1949 Ford paint colour codes".

There are several websites that you can use to find Ford paint codes. Here are some recommended sites:

• AutoColorLibrary.com
• PaintRef.com
• MustangAttitude.com
• Chipex
• TouchUpDirect
• ERA Paints

These websites typically allow you to search for paint codes by entering the year and make of your Ford vehicle. Some sites may also offer additional resources, such as how-to videos, application tools, and touch-up paint kits.

It is important to note that while these websites can provide you with colour codes, Ford paint codes may vary in length and may contain letters, numbers, or a combination of both. Therefore, it is always a good idea to double-check the accuracy of the information by contacting the Ford Company directly.

Find the manufacturer's label

To find the manufacturer's label on your Ford vehicle, you should look on the driver's side front door panel. Typically, the manufacturer's label is located along the rear edge of the door, on the door jamb.

The label is usually rectangular and may be printed with a Ford watermark and/or a patterned background. It often says "MANUFACTURED (or MFD.) BY FORD MOTOR CO. (or COMPANY)" at the top. Modern labels will likely have a barcode, whereas older models may not.

The colour code is located below the barcode and is usually marked by two characters, which can be either numbers or letters. The two digits are listed above or next to the words "exterior paint colours". For example, if you see the letters "PM" written above "exterior paint colours", this means the colour code is PM.

Some Ford colour codes, especially for older vehicles, may be longer than two characters and may consist of a mixture of letters and numbers. For example, the colour code for the shade "Maroon" used on the 1964 Ford Fleet is MX705160.

If you cannot find the manufacturer's label, you can use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find your colour code.

Identify the paint code

To identify the paint code for a Ford vehicle, start by looking on the driver's side front door panel for the manufacturer’s label. You can also find the paint code on the door jamb label. The exterior paint code will be labelled as EXT PNT followed by two characters, usually a mix of numbers and letters.

If you cannot find the manufacturer's label, you can use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find the colour code. The VIN can be found under the dashboard. However, the VIN does not give the colour code directly. It gives any paint formula variance in an existing colour code.

If you are still unable to find the paint code, you can use your vehicle registration number to find out the correct colour. There are also online paint colour libraries that allow you to search for Ford colour codes using basic information about your vehicle.

Contact a Ford dealership

If you cannot find the paint code for your Ford vehicle, you can contact a Ford dealership to help you find the correct colour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Gather Vehicle Information

Before contacting the dealership, it is helpful to have certain information about your vehicle ready. This includes the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be found under your dashboard. Other details such as the year, make, and model of your Ford vehicle may also be useful.

Step 2: Locate the Nearest Dealership

You can use the Ford website or other online resources to find the contact information and location of the nearest Ford dealership. Dealerships typically have a sales team and a service department that you can reach out to.

Step 3: Contact the Dealership

You can contact the dealership by phone, email, or in person. Explain that you need assistance in finding the paint code for your Ford vehicle. Provide them with the information you gathered in Step 1, especially the VIN. The dealership should be able to use this information to look up the correct paint code for your vehicle.

Step 4: Verify the Information

Once the dealership provides you with the paint code, it is important to verify its accuracy. You can do this by visually inspecting the paint on your vehicle and comparing it to the colour associated with the provided paint code. If the colour seems incorrect, you can ask the dealership to double-check their information or seek a second opinion from another Ford dealership.

Step 5: Obtain the Paint

After confirming the paint code, you can either obtain the touch-up paint directly from the dealership or use the paint code to purchase the paint from an alternative source. The paint code will allow you to purchase the correct paint for touch-ups or repainting your Ford vehicle.

Remember that Ford dealership personnel are knowledgeable about their vehicles and should be able to assist you in finding the paint code. They may also provide additional advice or services related to paint jobs and vehicle maintenance.

Frequently asked questions