COLOR CODE8A (1981) - Dark Chamois MetallicFord Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This rugged earth tone is the definitive spirit of the early 80s truck era. It is a deep, bronzed tan that feels right at home on the squared-off fenders of a Bronco or the broad sides of an Econoline. Because it was designed for working vehicles like the Light Pickup and Medium Pickup, it is exceptionally practical at hiding road dust and trail grime. After forty years on the road, your original paint has likely developed a unique character from sun exposure, so this pigment is here to restore that heavy, metallic warmth that defined the Bullnose Ford generation.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means its beauty depends on the behavior of thousands of tiny flakes suspended in the paint. Metallic colors like this carry a risk of mottling-those uneven dark streaks or "tiger stripes"-if the application is too heavy or inconsistent. If the flakes don't settle evenly, the color can look like a flat brown instead of a glowing bronze. You want to aim for thin, even layers to let those particles stand up and catch the light correctly.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Ford Dark Chamois Metallic (check for code 8A (1981) on the driver's side door jamb sticker), you need to shake the container for at least sixty seconds. Those heavy metallic flakes love to sink to the bottom, and poor mixing will lead to a patchy result. Test the color on the included card to ensure the flake density matches your expectation. When you begin, keep the container moving across the surface to prevent the paint from pooling. Give the surface plenty of drying time between applications to ensure the next layer doesn't disturb the metallic pattern you just laid down in the garage or shade.