COLOR CODE1P (1979) - Medium Gray MetallicFord Touch-Up Paint

The Look

You are looking at a true survivor from the end of an era. This shade arrived in 1979, a massive transitional year for Ford that saw the debut of the Fox-body Mustang and the continued dominance of the sixth-generation F-Series trucks. Because this color was applied to almost every model in the lineup, it served as the sophisticated, professional backbone of the Ford fleet. It is deeper than a standard silver but lacks the heavy gloom of a charcoal. On a truck, it looks industrial and tough; on a sedan or coupe, it provides a tailored, executive appearance that hides road grime remarkably well. Since your vehicle has been facing the elements since the late seventies, expect the original finish to have shifted slightly toward a flatter tone over the decades.

Technical Details

This is a traditional metallic finish, which means the look is driven by tiny flakes suspended in the pigment. Metallics from this period are notorious for "mottling," where the flakes group together and create dark spots or tiger stripes if they aren't distributed evenly. If the flakes sink to the bottom of the container, your touch-up will look like a muddy solid gray instead of a crisp metallic. Before you spray or dab Ford Medium Gray Metallic (check for code 1P (1979)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This ensures the metallic particles are floating evenly so they can catch the light the way the factory intended.

Best Practices

Start by confirming your match. You can find your paint code on the driver's side door jamb, usually printed on the Safety Standard Certification Label. Before applying any paint to your Ford, test the color on the included card to see how it looks once it reaches its full drying time. When you are ready to work, move your vehicle into the garage or a deep patch of shade to keep the metal cool. Whether you are using a pen or a nozzle, keep the container moving at all times. Static hands lead to heavy build-up, which causes the metallic flakes to "pool" and look darker than the surrounding area. Use light, thin layers to build the color slowly, and your repair will vanish into the rest of the panel.