Ford F-100 Paint Color Reference
Whether you are matching touch-up paint for a chip on the fender, verifying originality before buying a truck, or choosing the right factory color for a full restoration, it all starts with the paint code. Ford offered more than 300 exterior paint colors across the F-100’s 36-year production run, from the handful of utilitarian solids on the 1948 F-1 to the metallic and two-tone options that filled the 1980s color charts. This guide covers factory colors by generation, where to find your truck’s paint code, how to decode it, and the resources available for matching and sourcing paint today.
Where to Find Your Paint Code
The paint code location changed across generations. If the code is legible, you can match the exact factory color. If it is missing or unreadable, you will need reference charts and paint chip books to identify the color visually.
Paint Code Locations by Generation
| Generation | Years | Primary Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen 1 (F-1) | 1948—1952 | Glove box door or left frame rail | Limited coding system; color may be stamped or hand-written |
| Gen 2 | 1953—1956 | Firewall or cowl area | Look for a stamped metal tag with body and color codes |
| Gen 3 | 1957—1960 | Cowl tag on firewall | Tag includes paint code alongside body type and trim codes |
| Gen 4 | 1961—1966 | Cowl tag on firewall | Same general location as Gen 3; codes vary by year |
| Gen 5 | 1967—1972 | Rating plate on right side of cowl top panel, under hood | Includes paint code, body type, transmission, axle ratio, and VIN |
| Gen 6 | 1973—1979 | Data plate on driver’s side door jamb | Two-character exterior paint code labeled “EXT PNT” on the warranty tag |
| Gen 7 | 1980—1983 | Data plate on driver’s side door jamb | Same door jamb location as Gen 6 |
For a detailed walkthrough of reading and interpreting your truck’s identification tags, see the data plate decoder tool and the cowl tag glossary entry.
Tips for Reading Paint Codes
- Two-tone trucks will have two paint codes listed. The first is typically the lower body color, the second the upper color.
- Faded or corroded tags can often be read with a magnifying glass and strong side lighting. Rubbing pencil graphite across the stamped characters can improve legibility without damaging the tag.
- Missing tags are common on trucks with multiple previous owners. If your tag is gone, compare existing paint (under trim, behind mirrors, inside door jambs) to paint chip reference books or online color databases.
Factory Colors by Generation
Gen 1: 1948—1952 (Ford F-1)
The first-generation F-Series trucks came in a limited palette of solid colors with no metallic finishes or two-tone options from the factory. Ford’s paint coding system in this era was basic, and records from the period are incomplete.
| Color Name | Code | Years | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raven Black | M-1724 | 1948—1952 | Standard black, available every year |
| Vermillion | M-1722 | 1948—1952 | Bright red, the signature Ford truck color of the era |
| Meadow Green | M-14283 | 1948—1952 | Medium green, one of the most popular colors |
| Chrome Yellow | M-14301 | 1948—1950 | Bright yellow, less common on trucks |
| Birch Gray | M-14286 | 1948—1950 | Light gray |
| Sheridan Blue | — | 1950—1952 | Medium blue, introduced mid-run |
| Silvertone Gray | — | 1950—1952 | Silver-toned gray replacing Birch Gray |
| Alpine Blue | — | 1951—1952 | Lighter blue option |
| Sea Island Green | — | 1951—1952 | Lighter green with a blue-green tint |
| Sunland Beige | — | 1950 | Tan option, limited availability |
Vermillion and Meadow Green are the two colors most associated with this generation. If you see a restored 1948—1952 F-1 at a show, it is likely one of these two.
Gen 2: 1953—1956
The second generation expanded the color palette as Ford repositioned the F-100 beyond a pure work truck. Two-tone paint became available from the factory for the first time, and colors shifted to include brighter options that reflected 1950s styling trends.
| Color Name | Code | Years | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raven Black | A | 1953—1956 | Standard black |
| Snowshoe White | E | 1955—1956 | Clean white, essential for two-tone combos |
| Goldenrod Yellow | V | 1955—1956 | Warm yellow, a signature 1950s shade |
| Banner Blue | B | 1955—1956 | Medium blue |
| Torch Red | R | 1955—1956 | Replaced Vermillion as the primary red |
| Meadow Green | U | 1953—1956 | Carried over from Gen 1 |
| Sea Sprite Green | G | 1955—1956 | Light blue-green |
| Aquatone Blue | C | 1955 | Soft blue |
| Waterfall Blue | D | 1955—1956 | Darker blue |
| Colonial White | — | 1956 | Slightly warmer white than Snowshoe |
| Nocturne Blue | — | 1956 | Deep dark blue |
| Diamond Blue | — | 1956 | Light metallic blue |
| Goldenglow Yellow | — | 1956 | Softer yellow than Goldenrod |
| Platinum Gray | — | 1956 | Silver-gray, popular on two-tone trucks |
Popular two-tone combinations: Snowshoe White over Torch Red, Snowshoe White over Banner Blue, Colonial White over Goldenrod Yellow, and Snowshoe White over Meadow Green.
Gen 3: 1957—1960
The 1957 redesign brought the Styleside bed and a wider range of colors. Two-tone options were a major selling point, and the color palette began to overlap with the passenger car lineup.
| Color Name | Code | Years | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raven Black | A | 1957—1960 | Standard black |
| Colonial White | E | 1957—1960 | The default white, used in nearly every two-tone combo |
| Inca Gold | Y | 1957—1958 | Warm gold, a quintessential 1950s color |
| Dresden Blue | C | 1957 | Light blue |
| Cumberland Green | G | 1957 | Dark green |
| Flame Red | — | 1957—1960 | Bright red replacing Torch Red |
| Starmist Blue | F | 1957 | Light blue-gray |
| Willow Green | J | 1957 | Medium green |
| Gunmetal Gray | H | 1957 | Dark gray |
| Caribbean Turquoise | — | 1960 | Bright turquoise, a standout color |
| Academy Blue | — | 1960 | Medium blue |
| Monte Carlo Red | — | 1960 | Deep red |
| Holly Green | — | 1960 | Dark green |
| Goldenrod Yellow | — | 1960 | Bright warm yellow |
Popular two-tone combinations: Colonial White over Inca Gold, Colonial White over Raven Black, Colonial White over Academy Blue, and Colonial White over Monte Carlo Red. The 1957—1960 generation made two-tone paint a signature styling feature.
Gen 4: 1961—1966
The fourth generation expanded available colors significantly. Bright, bold colors appeared alongside traditional truck shades, and the palette changed noticeably year to year. This was also the era of Ford’s unibody experiment (1961—1963), which often featured two-tone paint.
| Color Name | Code | Years | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raven Black | A | 1961—1966 | Standard black |
| Wimbledon White | M | 1964—1966 | Replaced Colonial White; crisp, bright white |
| Rangoon Red | J | 1964—1966 | Vivid red |
| Holly Green | L | 1965—1966 | Deep, rich green |
| Chrome Yellow | G | 1966 | Bold yellow |
| Arcadian Blue | F | 1966 | Light blue |
| Caribbean Turquoise | B | 1966 | Bright turquoise |
| Sahara Beige | H | 1966 | Light tan |
| Springtime Yellow | 8 | 1966 | Bright yellow |
| Skylight Blue | 3 | 1966 | Pale blue |
| Marlin Blue | W | 1966 | Medium blue |
| Ivy Green | — | 1965—1966 | Light pastel green, a signature 1960s shade |
Popular two-tone combinations: Wimbledon White over Holly Green, Wimbledon White over Rangoon Red, and Wimbledon White over Caribbean Turquoise. Two-tone remained popular through this generation, though the dividing line shifted depending on body style and trim level.
Gen 5: 1967—1972 (Bumpside)
The Bumpside generation produced some of the boldest factory colors in F-100 history. Ford’s late 1960s and early 1970s palette included high-impact colors from the muscle car lineup, and the Explorer Special package trucks came in exclusive seasonal colors that are highly sought after today.
| Color Name | Code | Years | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raven Black | A | 1967—1972 | Standard black |
| Wimbledon White | M | 1967—1972 | The default white across the entire generation |
| Candy Apple Red | — | 1967—1970 | Deep, rich metallic red with exceptional depth |
| Grabber Blue | 3657 | 1970—1972 | Electric blue from the Mustang palette; Explorer Special color |
| Lime Gold | — | 1971—1972 | Yellow-green metallic, Explorer Special color |
| Medium Blue | — | 1967—1972 | Mid-tone blue, one of the most common colors |
| Saddle Bronze | — | 1970—1972 | Warm brown metallic |
| Explorer Green | — | 1970 | Exclusive to the Explorer Special package |
| Glacier Blue | — | 1968—1970 | Pale icy blue |
| Meadowlark Yellow | — | 1969—1970 | Warm yellow |
| Calypso Coral | — | 1969—1970 | Coral-orange, a muscle car crossover color |
| Pebble Beige | — | 1967—1969 | Light tan |
| Gulfstream Aqua | — | 1967—1968 | Blue-green, in the tradition of Swiss Aqua |
Explorer Special colors: Ford introduced the Explorer Special in 1968 as a springtime trim package with exclusive paint options not available on standard trucks. The 1968-1969 Explorer Specials had their own exclusive color choices, and starting in 1970, the package offered distinctive colors like Grabber Blue, Explorer Green, and Lime Gold. These limited-production colors are among the most collectible F-100 colors and command a premium.
Popular two-tone combinations: Wimbledon White over Medium Blue, Wimbledon White over Candy Apple Red, and Wimbledon White over Grabber Blue. Single-color trucks with accent stripes began replacing two-tone as the dominant configuration.
Gen 6: 1973—1979 (Dentside)
The Dentside generation arrived with a massive color palette. Metallic finishes became standard alongside solids, and earth tones (browns, golds, greens) dominated the lineup, reflecting 1970s design trends. The two-character paint code system on the door jamb data plate made identification simpler than earlier generations.
| Color Name | Code | Years | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wimbledon White | 9D | 1973—1977 | Carried over from the Bumpside era |
| Raven Black | 1C | 1973—1979 | Standard black |
| Candy Apple Red | 2E | 1973—1975 | Metallic red, continued from Gen 5 |
| Sequoia Brown | 5Q | 1975—1977 | Rich copper-brown metallic, a fan favorite |
| Medium Brown Metallic | 5C | 1973—1976 | Warm brown with golden undertones |
| Dark Jade Metallic | 4Q | 1975—1977 | Deep green metallic |
| Bahama Blue | 3H | 1975—1977 | Medium blue |
| Light Blue | 3B | 1973—1976 | Pale blue |
| Bright Yellow | 6E | 1973—1977 | Bold yellow |
| Maroon | 2B | 1977—1979 | Deep red-brown |
| Dark Cordovan | 2G | 1978—1979 | Rich burgundy-brown |
| Midnight Blue | 3F | 1977—1979 | Deep navy blue |
| Chamois | 6C | 1977—1979 | Light tan-gold |
| Desert Tan | 6G | 1978—1979 | Sandy beige |
| Colonial White | 9A | 1978—1979 | Returned as the standard white |
Popular two-tone combinations: Wimbledon White over Sequoia Brown, Wimbledon White over Dark Jade Metallic, and Wimbledon White over Bahama Blue. The 1973—1979 Highboy 4x4 trucks look especially striking in two-tone with Sequoia Brown or Boxwood Green on the lower body.
Gen 7: 1980—1983
The final F-100 generation featured a completely redesigned body approximately 400 pounds lighter than the Dentside. The color palette shifted from 1970s earth tones toward brighter metallics and lighter neutrals.
| Color Name | Code | Years | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 1C | 1980—1983 | Standard black |
| Oxford White | 9L | 1980—1983 | Clean bright white |
| Bright Red | 2E | 1980—1983 | Vivid red |
| Medium Blue | 3J | 1980—1983 | Mid-tone blue |
| Dark Blue Metallic | 3G | 1980—1982 | Deep blue with metallic flake |
| Walnut Metallic | 5L | 1980—1982 | Rich brown metallic |
| Light Desert Tan | 6H | 1980—1982 | Sandy beige |
| Fawn Metallic | 8G | 1981—1983 | Light gold-tan metallic |
| Dark Red Metallic | 2K | 1982—1983 | Deep burgundy metallic |
| Bright Bittersweet | 7H | 1981—1982 | Warm orange-red |
| Silver Metallic | 1G | 1980—1983 | Light silver with metallic flake |
| Midnight Blue Metallic | 3S | 1982—1983 | Deep navy metallic |
Two-tone remained available, though single-color trucks with accent tape stripes became the more common configuration.
Two-Tone Paint: A Closer Look
Two-tone paint was a defining F-100 styling feature from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s. The standard configuration placed the lighter color (usually white) on the upper cab and bed, with the accent color on the lower body. The split followed the bodyside trim line or belt molding, often with a chrome or painted divider strip at the color break. Ford offered factory two-tone on most generations; some dealers also applied two-tone as an accessory option that may not appear in the truck’s factory build data.
Most Collectible Two-Tone Combinations
- Colonial White over Inca Gold (1957—1958): The gold-and-white combination captures 1950s design better than any other F-100 color scheme.
- Wimbledon White over Rangoon Red (1964—1966): Bold and clean, especially on short bed Stylesides.
- Wimbledon White over Candy Apple Red (1967—1970): The metallic depth of Candy Apple Red paired with white is one of the most photographed F-100 combinations.
- Wimbledon White over Sequoia Brown (1975—1977): A defining Dentside look, especially on Ranger and Ranger XLT trim trucks.
Single-Stage vs. Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint
Every F-100 left the factory with single-stage paint, where color and gloss are combined in one layer with no separate clearcoat. Understanding the difference matters when choosing how to repaint your truck.
Single-Stage Paint
Single-stage paint combines color and gloss in one layer. It is the factory-correct system for all F-100 model years, going on in two to four coats without a separate clearcoat. It is simpler to apply, easier to touch up, and less expensive. The trade-off is less UV protection: single-stage fades faster and requires more frequent waxing.
Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint
Basecoat/clearcoat is a two-stage system where a color basecoat provides the hue and a separate clearcoat adds UV protection, gloss, and depth. Not used on any factory F-100, but it is the modern standard. It delivers deeper gloss, better durability, and easier polishing. The downsides: not factory-correct, touch-ups are harder, material cost is higher, and clearcoat can peel if applied improperly.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose single-stage if you are restoring to factory specifications, entering concours judging, or want a period-correct finish. Single-stage is also the better choice for patina trucks or drivers where easy touch-up ability matters more than maximum longevity.
Choose basecoat/clearcoat if you are building a restomod or show truck where maximum gloss and durability matter more than factory correctness. Most custom builds use basecoat/clearcoat regardless of color choice.
Paint Code Lookup Resources
Several online databases and reference tools can help you decode your F-100’s paint code and find the corresponding color. Here are the most useful.
- PaintRef.com — Cross-reference database of automotive paint codes organized by manufacturer, year, and model. Look up Ford Truck color codes for any year and see the color name, paint manufacturer codes (DuPont, Ditzler/PPG, Martin Senour), and color chip images. One of the most thorough free resources available.
- FORDification.net VIN Tag Codes — Decoded VIN tag information specifically for 1973—1979 Ford trucks, including a complete exterior paint code chart. If you have a Dentside, this is one of the fastest ways to identify your color from the two-character door jamb code.
- CJ Pony Parts Color Database — Comprehensive paint code reference covering all F-100 model years from 1948 through 1984, with color names, codes, years available, descriptions, and photos of restored trucks in factory colors.
- PaintScratch — Color code lookup and touch-up paint for all Ford models. Enter your year and model to see available colors with paint chips. Also sells factory-matched touch-up paint in spray cans, brush bottles, and pens.
Touch-Up and Restoration Paint Sources
For small chips and scratches, PaintScratch and AutomotiveTouchup.com sell factory-matched touch-up paint in aerosol cans, brush bottles, and paint pens covering all F-100 years. Our parts suppliers directory lists additional vendors for body and paint supplies, including specialty restoration suppliers by generation. Dupli-Color’s Perfect Match line is available at most auto parts stores and covers many common Ford truck colors. LMC Truck carries spray paint in factory colors for under-hood and engine compartment touch-ups.
For complete paint jobs, work with an automotive paint supplier (PPG, Sherwin-Williams, Axalta, BASF) through a local paint store or body shop. Provide your paint code and they will mix the formula to match.
Non-Factory Colors for Custom Builds
Not every F-100 needs to wear a factory color. Popular non-factory choices include:
- Flat and satin finishes — Satin black, flat military green, and matte gray are popular on rat rod and shop truck builds. These finishes hide imperfections and give the truck an aggressive look.
- High-impact muscle car colors — Grabber Orange, Calypso Coral, and Competition Orange were available on Ford Mustangs but not trucks. Applying these to an F-100 creates a unique look with a Ford heritage connection.
- Modern Ford truck colors — Some builders paint their classic F-100s in current F-150 colors like Velocity Blue, Rapid Red, or Area 51 for a modern twist on a classic shape.
When choosing a non-factory color, test the color on a sample panel first. Colors look different on the flat, angular surfaces of a truck body than on a modern car with compound curves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the paint code on a Ford F-100?
On 1948—1952 F-1 trucks, check the glove box door or left frame rail. On 1953—1966 trucks, look for the cowl tag on the firewall under the hood. On 1967—1972 trucks, the rating plate is on the right cowl top panel under the hood. On 1973—1983 trucks, the data plate is on the driver’s side door jamb labeled “EXT PNT.” Use the data plate decoder for help reading the codes.
How many paint colors did Ford offer on the F-100?
Ford offered more than 300 different exterior paint colors across the F-100’s production run from 1948 through 1983. The early years (1948—1952) had fewer than 10 colors per year. By the 1970s, the annual palette had expanded to 20 or more colors including solid and metallic options.
What are the most popular Ford F-100 paint colors?
The most sought-after factory colors include Vermillion (1948—1952), Inca Gold (1957—1958), Wimbledon White (1964—1977), Candy Apple Red (1967—1975), Grabber Blue (1970—1972), and Sequoia Brown (1975—1977). Raven Black is popular across all generations. Colonial White over Inca Gold and Wimbledon White over Candy Apple Red are the most collectible two-tone combinations.
Should I use single-stage or basecoat/clearcoat paint on my F-100?
Single-stage is factory-correct for all F-100 model years and the right choice for concours restorations. Basecoat/clearcoat provides better UV protection, deeper gloss, and easier maintenance, making it preferred for restomod builds and show trucks. Most painters recommend basecoat/clearcoat for trucks that see regular sun exposure, unless factory correctness is the priority.
What is a two-tone F-100 and how were the colors divided?
Two-tone was a factory option on most F-100 generations from the mid-1950s onward. The lighter color (typically white) went on the upper cab and bed, with the accent color on the lower body, divided at the bodyside trim line or belt molding. Two-tone trucks will have two paint codes on their data plate or cowl tag.
Where can I buy touch-up paint for my F-100?
PaintScratch and AutomotiveTouchup.com sell factory-matched touch-up paint for all F-100 years in spray cans, brush bottles, and paint pens. Dupli-Color’s Perfect Match line is available at most auto parts stores. For a full repaint, work with a local automotive paint supplier (PPG, Sherwin-Williams, Axalta) who can mix to your exact color code.
What were Ford Explorer Special colors?
The Explorer Special was a springtime trim package offered on F-100 trucks beginning in 1968, featuring exclusive paint colors not on standard trucks. Notable colors include Grabber Blue (1970—1972), Explorer Green (1970), and Lime Gold (1971—1972). These limited-production colors are among the most collectible F-100 paint options and command a premium among collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the paint code on a Ford F-100?
On 1948--1952 F-1 trucks, check the glove box door or left frame rail. On 1953--1966 trucks, look for the [cowl tag](/glossary/cowl-tag/) on the firewall under the hood. On 1967--1972 trucks, the rating plate is on the right cowl top panel under the hood. On 1973--1983 trucks, the [data plate](/glossary/data-plate/) is on the driver's side door jamb labeled "EXT PNT." Use the [data plate decoder](/data-plate-decoder/) for help reading the codes.
How many paint colors did Ford offer on the F-100?
Ford offered more than 300 different exterior paint colors across the F-100's production run from 1948 through 1983. The early years (1948--1952) had fewer than 10 colors per year. By the 1970s, the annual palette had expanded to 20 or more colors including solid and metallic options.
What are the most popular Ford F-100 paint colors?
The most sought-after factory colors include Vermillion (1948--1952), Inca Gold (1957--1958), Wimbledon White (1964--1977), Candy Apple Red (1967--1975), Grabber Blue (1970--1972), and Sequoia Brown (1975--1977). Raven Black is popular across all generations. Colonial White over Inca Gold and Wimbledon White over Candy Apple Red are the most collectible two-tone combinations.
Should I use single-stage or basecoat/clearcoat paint on my F-100?
Single-stage is factory-correct for all F-100 model years and the right choice for [concours](/glossary/concours/) restorations. Basecoat/clearcoat provides better UV protection, deeper gloss, and easier maintenance, making it preferred for [restomod](/glossary/restomod/) builds and show trucks. Most painters recommend basecoat/clearcoat for trucks that see regular sun exposure, unless factory correctness is the priority.
What is a two-tone F-100 and how were the colors divided?
Two-tone was a factory option on most F-100 generations from the mid-1950s onward. The lighter color (typically white) went on the upper cab and bed, with the accent color on the lower body, divided at the bodyside trim line or belt molding. Two-tone trucks will have two paint codes on their [data plate](/glossary/data-plate/) or [cowl tag](/glossary/cowl-tag/).
Where can I buy touch-up paint for my F-100?
PaintScratch and AutomotiveTouchup.com sell factory-matched touch-up paint for all F-100 years in spray cans, brush bottles, and paint pens. Dupli-Color's Perfect Match line is available at most auto parts stores. For a full repaint, work with a local automotive paint supplier (PPG, Sherwin-Williams, Axalta) who can mix to your exact color code.
What were Ford Explorer Special colors?
The Explorer Special was a springtime trim package offered on F-100 trucks beginning in 1968, featuring exclusive paint colors not on standard trucks. Notable colors include Grabber Blue (1970--1972), Explorer Green (1970), and Lime Gold (1971--1972). These limited-production colors are among the most collectible F-100 paint options and command a premium among collectors.