How do you read a Chevy paint code?
Chevrolet paint codes identify the exact exterior color of a vehicle. Reading them correctly helps with touch-ups, restorations, and color matching for repairs. This guide explains where to find the code on a Chevy and how to translate it into a color name and formula.
Where to Find the Chevy Paint Code
The paint code is normally on the vehicle's trim tag (often called the Vehicle Build Tag) located on the driver’s side door jamb. Look for a field labeled PAINT, COLOR, EXTERIOR, or something similar with a short alphanumeric string. Some trucks and older Chevys place the code on the radiator support, firewall plate, or inside the trunk lid. If you're unsure, check the owner's manual or contact a Chevrolet dealer with the VIN, since tag layouts change by year and market.
Note: The code format varies widely by year and model, so you may see two letters, two digits, or a mixed code such as WA123.
To avoid misidentification, determine the vehicle’s year, model, and body style, because the same code can map to different shades across eras.
Possible formats you might encounter include the following:
- Two-letter codes (for example, "WA" or similar).
- Two or three-digit numeric codes (for example, "41").
- Three-character alphanumeric codes (for example, "WA3").
Important: Always cross-reference with a dependable color database to confirm the color name and its proper formula, using the exact year/model as context.
Decoding the Paint Code
Decoding involves translating the code into an official GM color name and then identifying the correct factory paint formula (basecoat and clearcoat). The same code can appear across different models and years, so precise matching relies on the year and trim details.
- Record the exact paint code from the tag, including any prefixes or spaces.
- Note the year, model, and body style, then compare against color cross-reference sources that list GM paint names tied to each code and year.
- Cross-check the official color name with the paint supplier or dealer to confirm you’re using the correct formulation (basecoat, clearcoat, and finish system).
- Source the paint from a reputable supplier using the code and color name to ensure a factory-match finish.
When shopping for touch-up cans or a spray match, be ready to specify the code and the vehicle details to avoid mismatches, especially if your car has a nonstandard build.
Reliable Resources for Chevy Paint Codes
Several databases compile GM color codes by year and model, which can speed up the process of identifying the correct shade. Use them as a starting point, but verify with a dealer if you're dealing with a rare or late-model paint code.
- PaintRef (comprehensive GM color code and name lookups by year/model).
- Chevrolet official service catalogs or dealer databases for the exact color name and cross-reference.
- Automotive paint suppliers that offer factory-matched colors using the GM code (helpful for touch-ups and spray cans).
Tip: If the paint code is unclear or the tag is damaged, bring the VIN and photos of the tag to a Chevrolet dealer or a veteran restoration shop; they can help identify the correct color or locate a replacement plate.
Practical Tips for Different Chevrolet Eras
Classic Chevys and modern Chevys have different tagging conventions. For vintage models, color information may be stored on metal tags in the glove box or engine compartment. Modern cars tend to place the tag on the driver’s door jamb or B-pillar with a concise code. Always confirm against the year-specific GM color catalog for accuracy and consider a professional match if doing a full repaint.
Test applications are essential: apply a small amount to a hidden area to check under various lighting before committing to a full paint job.
Summary
Reading a Chevy paint code starts with locating the tag and code, understanding that formats vary by year, translating the code via trusted databases, and confirming the exact paint formula with a dealer or professional. With the right code, you’ll be able to source the correct color for touch-ups, restorations, or full repaints and achieve a close, factory-like finish.
Conclusion
Understanding Chevy paint codes empowers owners and restorers to maintain vehicles with accurate color matches. Start by locating the tag, note the code, cross-reference with reliable databases, and confirm the exact shade with a professional if needed.
In short, the key steps are: find the code on the tag, note the year and model context, translate the code with a trusted reference, and source the correct paint formulation for a precise match.
Where do I find my GM color code?
They can be around this area. Inside here inside your engine compartment. They can be on the other side i've seen some under the hood i've seen some on top of the hood.
How to understand paint color codes?
To read a paint color code, understand the different systems, such as the pigment code for art supplies or the manufacturer-specific code for vehicles. Pigment codes typically start with "P" followed by letters for the color (e.g., "R" for red) and a number for the specific pigment, while vehicle codes are manufacturer-specific and vary in format and location, notes this YouTube video and this YouTube video.
This video explains how to read paint pigment codes: 1mDoris Rose ArtYouTube · Jul 19, 2021
Pigment codes (art paints)
- Format: Typically a three-part code: a letter indicating it's a pigment, a second letter or pair of letters for the color group, and a number for the specific pigment.
- P: Stands for "pigment".
- Color letters:
- R = Red
- Y = Yellow
- B = Blue
- G = Green
- V = Violet/Purple
- W = White
- Bk = Black
- Br = Brown
- M = Metallic
- Number: Identifies the specific pigment within that color family.
- Example: A code like PG7 means it's a green pigment (PG) that is the seventh one to be added to the color index, according to Anna Bregman Portraits.
Vehicle color codes
- Location: Find the code on a sticker or plate in a specific location on the vehicle, such as the driver's side door jamb, the glove box, or the firewall.
- Format: Varies by manufacturer. It is usually a short alphanumeric string that might be accompanied by other codes, such as "BC/CC" for "basecoat/clearcoat".
- Example: A Toyota code might look like 1G3 on the door jamb, while a GMC code could be 8624 found on a sticker in the glove box.
Other types of paint codes
- RAL codes: A system used for paints for metal, aerosols, and foils. The code consists of "RAL" followed by four digits, with the first one or two digits indicating the color family (e.g., 70xx is for gray shades, 50xx is for blue shades), notes farby-24.pl.
- DIY paint codes: In-store paint mixing codes, like those from Bunnings, may use letters for the tint color and numbers for the amount of each tint, explains this Bunnings Workshop post.
How to read Chevy paint code?
BC/CC stands for basecoat/clearcoat, and the U stands for upper or body color. Two Tone Models: A two toned car will have a "U" followed by the four digit color code for the body color, and an "L" followed by a four digit color code for the lower color or the bumper color.
What part of my VIN is the paint code?
A vehicle's paint code is not part of the VIN number itself, but you can use the VIN to find the correct paint code. The paint code is a unique identifier for a car's specific paint color and is typically found on a sticker or metal plate in a few common locations, such as the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or in the owner's manual.
This video shows how to find the paint code on a vehicle, including in common locations like the door jamb: 56sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · Apr 5, 2017
Where to find the paint code on your vehicle
- Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common location for a sticker or plate with the paint code.
- Under the hood: Look for a label on the firewall, radiator support, or inner strut tower.
- Owner's manual: The code is often listed in the manual.
- Trunk area: Check the underside of the trunk lid or inside the spare tire well.
- Other locations: Depending on the make and model, it could be on the dashboard, B-pillar, or inside the glove box.
How to use your VIN to find the paint code
This video explains how to use your VIN to find the paint code on a vehicle: 57sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Oct 13, 2024
- Call your dealership: Provide the VIN to a dealership's parts department, and they can look up the exact paint code for you.
- Use online VIN decoders: Some online tools can decode your VIN to find the paint code, though this information is often proprietary and might require a direct lookup or dealer assistance for accuracy.
