2023 Peterbilt 389 — Paint Color Codes & Touch‑Up Guide

Quick reference

Notes:

• Peterbilt offers an extensive palette and custom/two‑tone layouts on the 389. If your color isn’t listed or you need the exact variant/suffix, confirm with your VIN at a Peterbilt dealer or a paint supplier. Do not rely solely on the generic color name.

Where to find your paint code

For the 2023 Peterbilt 389, the paint code is typically printed on the certification/specification labeling on the cab. Look in these spots:

• Driver‑side door jamb/B‑pillar: The Vehicle Certification or Component/Spec label usually lists PAINT or CAB PAINT with an alphanumeric code like L0006EB or L0073EA. Two‑tone trucks may show Primary and Secondary paint codes.
• Sleeper/cab spec sheet (SPID): Many 389s include a build/spec label affixed to an interior panel (often on the back wall of the cab/sleeper or behind a trim panel). This can list the paint code(s) and trim codes.
• Build sheet from the dealer: Any Peterbilt dealer can pull the factory build record by VIN, which will list the exact paint code(s) and supplier formula.
• Additional codes: Some trucks list separate codes for chassis/frame black and for stripes. Verify which code you need before ordering touch‑up.

Tip: Peterbilt paint codes typically begin with “L” followed by four digits and a two‑letter suffix indicating the specific variant (e.g., L0006EB). Always record the full code including suffix.

Best touch‑up paint sources

• Peterbilt dealer parts counter: Give them your VIN and they can supply the factory code and order touch‑up, aerosol, or quarts mixed to the correct variant.
• AutomotiveTouchup: Offers custom‑mixed primers, basecoats, and clears by Peterbilt code; good for small repairs and aerosol blends.
• Dupli‑Color: Limited heavy‑truck coverage but useful for universal primers/clears and some close matches. Verify against your code before purchase.
• Tcoat custom‑mix (local jobber): A professional paint supplier can mix Axalta/Imron, PPG Delfleet Evolution, or Sherwin‑Williams fleet formulas to your Peterbilt code for better sprayability and durability on commercial equipment.

How to use touch‑up paint

1. Prep and clean: Wash the area, remove wax/grease with solvent, and lightly sand chips or scratches (e.g., 600–800 grit). Feather edges so you don’t leave a hard ridge. Treat any rust (convert or sand to clean metal).
2. Mask and prime: Spot‑prime bare metal with a compatible etch or epoxy primer; for small chips, a lacquer primer surfacer works. Let cure, then sand smooth (800–1000 grit).
3. Apply basecoat: Mix per manufacturer’s ratio and test on a spray‑out card first. Apply light, even coats, allowing proper flash. For brush bottle touch‑ups, use the thinnest possible layers to avoid doming.
4. Clearcoat: Once the base is dull/flash‑dry, apply 2–3 coats of clear. For aerosols, maintain even distance and overlap 70%. Let cure fully.
5. Finish: After full cure, nib and polish as needed (e.g., 2000–3000 grit then compound) to blend texture and gloss with surrounding panels.

Color matching tips for pearls and tri‑coats

• Confirm the exact variant: Many Peterbilt colors have multiple variants (suffix letters). A single name like “Electric Blue” can span several formulas. Match by full code and supplier brand (PPG, Axalta, etc.).
• Spray orientation matters: Metallics and pearls change with gun distance, pressure, and overlap. Keep settings consistent and finish with a light “control coat” to align flake orientation and flop.
• Spray‑out cards: Always create a spray‑out and compare in sunlight and shade. Check straight‑on and at angle (flop). Adjust reducer, gun setup, or apply a mist coat if the sample looks too dark/light or too coarse.
• Blend, don’t butt‑match: On large panels (hood, fenders, doors), blend basecoat into the adjacent area and clear a larger section to hide minor shade differences.
• Temperature and film build: Pearls/tri‑coats can shift with extra coats. Follow the specified number of coats and flash times; too many passes will darken many metallics.

If your 389’s color isn’t in the table or you need certainty on the suffix, use your VIN at a Peterbilt dealer or paint supplier before ordering.

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