COLOR CODE6D/6470 - VermillionFord Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is the quintessential red of the late eighties. When Ford redesigned the Thunderbird in 1989, they needed a color that emphasized the new, aerodynamic shape, and this high-saturation pigment delivered exactly that. It is a loud, unapologetic shade that defines the look of the Super Coupe era. Since your car has been on the road for over three decades, you are likely looking at a finish that has survived various levels of sun exposure. This color was meant to turn heads, and keeping it vibrant is the only way to honor that history.

Technical Details

You are working with a solid finish, which means there is no metallic flake or pearl to worry about. The benefit is that you do not have to struggle with getting tiny pieces of aluminum to lay down correctly. The challenge with a solid red is that the pigment is heavy and prone to fading over time. Because there is no flake to hide imperfections, any mismatch in the aging of the original paint will be visible. Before you spray or dab Ford Vermillion (check for code 6D/6470), you need to shake the container for at least sixty seconds to ensure those heavy red pigments are fully suspended.

Best Practices

To confirm you have the right match, look at the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver side door jamb and find the characters next to the EXT PNT heading. Since reds are sensitive to heat and light, perform your repair in a cool garage or the shade rather than under direct sunlight. Test the color on the included card first to see how it compares to your current bodywork. When applying, keep the container moving to maintain an even flow across the surface. Once the color is applied, allow plenty of drying time before you think about touching the surface or adding a clear coat.