2016 Peterbilt 389 Paint Codes

Quick Reference

Peterbilt is known for its extensive and often customized color palette, offering a vast range of colors for its fleet and owner-operator customers. While thousands of custom colors are available through their program, a set of standard factory colors is offered each year. Below are some of the most common and popular choices for the 2016 Peterbilt 389. If your color is not on this list, it may be a custom fleet color, and you should always confirm your specific code using your vehicle's identification plate.

Note: Peterbilt has used thousands of colors. This list represents popular factory options. Always verify your code before ordering paint.

Where to Find Your Paint Code

Finding the paint code on your 2016 Peterbilt 389 is straightforward. The code is located on the vehicle's specification plate, which is most often found inside the driver-side door jamb or on the B-pillar (the post between the front and back doors).

1. Open the driver-side door.
2. Look for a silver or black sticker, often labeled "Peterbilt Motors Company" or "PACCAR."
3. On this sticker, you will find various vehicle specifications, including the VIN, axle ratings, and tire information.
4. The paint code is typically listed under a heading like "PAINT" or "COLOR." It will be a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., L0001, M7029).

If the sticker is missing or illegible, a Peterbilt dealer or a commercial paint supply shop can pull up the original factory color information using your truck's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Best Touch-up Paint Sources

Once you have your paint code, you have several excellent options for purchasing touch-up paint to fix rock chips, scratches, and other minor blemishes.

• AutomotiveTouchup: This is a highly recommended online source that can mix your specific Peterbilt color code in various formats, including pens, brush-in bottles, and aerosol spray cans. They provide a high-quality match for OEM colors.
• Tcoat Custom-Mix: Many local automotive paint supply stores can create a custom mix of your truck's paint on the spot. This is a great option if you need the paint immediately. They can provide it in quarts or gallons for spray gun application or in smaller aerosol cans.
• Dupli-Color: While widely available at auto parts stores, Dupli-Color is generally better for common passenger cars. It can be challenging to find an exact match for commercial truck colors, especially Peterbilt's unique shades. However, for a standard color like black or white, it may suffice for small, inconspicuous repairs.
• Peterbilt Dealer: Your local Peterbilt dealership can order touch-up paint directly from the factory. This guarantees a perfect match but is often the most expensive option.

How to Use Touch-up Paint

A professional result requires patience and the correct process. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the area with soap and water, then use a wax and grease remover to ensure the surface is free of contaminants.
2. Primer: If the scratch is down to bare metal, you must apply a thin layer of automotive primer. This prevents rust and helps the color coat adhere properly. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Base Coat: Apply thin, even layers of the color base coat, allowing each layer to dry for the time specified in the paint instructions (usually 20-30 minutes). Build up the color until it covers the primer and is level with the surrounding paint.
4. Clear Coat: The clear coat protects the base coat and provides the glossy finish. Apply 2-3 thin coats, waiting for each to become tacky before applying the next. This step is crucial for matching the factory shine and for protecting metallic and pearl finishes.

Color Matching Tips for Pearls and Tri-Coats

Metallic, pearl, and tri-coat finishes require extra care to match correctly. The metallic flakes and pearl layers reflect light in a specific way that is difficult to replicate with a simple brush touch-up.

• Spray Application is Key: For these finishes, using an aerosol can or a professional spray gun is almost always necessary to get a good blend. Brushing the paint on can cause the metallic flakes to clump together, resulting in a dark, mismatched spot.
• Blending: When spraying, it's important to blend the new paint into the existing surrounding paint. This involves lightly overspraying the repair area and the adjacent panel to create a smooth visual transition.
• Test Panels: Always use a test card or a piece of scrap metal to test your spray technique and color match before applying it to the truck. This allows you to see how the color looks when dry and how the metallic flakes lay down.

For major repairs or complex pearl colors, achieving a perfect match can be extremely difficult. In these cases, it's best to consult a professional.

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