COLOR CODEL (1953) - Sungate IvoryFord Touch-Up Paint

The Look

1953 was a standout year for Ford, and this color captures the optimistic, warm aesthetic of the post-war era. It is not a sterile modern white. Instead, it carries a creamy, buttery depth that feels substantial on the heavy steel of a Customline or the grille of an F-100. Since your car has likely seen many decades of sun and road, you will notice this shade has a distinct warmth that helps it look period-correct. It hides light dust well, but because it is an off-white, you will see oily smudges or grease marks if you are working near the engine.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish with no metallic or pearl particles. The lack of flake makes it much easier to apply than modern finishes because you do not have to worry about the orientation of the particles. However, solid colors are unforgiving when it comes to surface preparation. Every tiny piece of grit or lint will stand out against the smooth ivory surface. Because it contains heavy yellow pigments to achieve that creaminess, the paint can settle if it sits for too long.

Best Practices

You can verify your color match by looking at the patent plate located on the driver side door pillar, just below the upper hinge. Before you touch up your classic with Ford Sungate Ivory (look for code L (1953)), you must shake the container vigorously for at least sixty seconds to fully mix the pigments. Test the color on the included card to see how the fresh paint looks against your car's aged finish. When applying in your garage or the shade, keep the container moving and apply several thin layers rather than one heavy one. Allow plenty of drying time between each pass to prevent the paint from sagging or pooling.