Having read ACE answer on the subject of paint I set off for the large Halfords in Ipswich to get a touch kit armed with the paint number 168 (A sort of Gun metal grey IMHO)andthe fact that it was an import I believed had no bearing. They looked up the mix on there computer confirmed that it was metallic grey and proceeded to mix it. It was alomost black. I took it home and compared. they tried again and then contacted Toyota or so they said. Toyota said oh its a grey import (Its definatly grey and not black) and they refused to help further. Halfords have said they will try and match using there colour matches.

Does anybody know if the codes are the same regardless of country?

Thanks NUKe

I thought Paint codes were universal?

- (#6147) NUKe, 21 Nov 02

Toyota paint codes are global. I can't think why you would go to Halfords for a paint match. A professional auto paint outfit will mix paint as either brush on or in aerosol form. All you need do is take along a sample of paint. Alternatively go to Toyota yourself with the code.

- (#6148) Ian Dunse, 21 Nov 02

there's a number of variants to each colour. 168 is definitely grey metallic, but there is a wide range of variants, the off-tints being purple- ish.
Go to a proper bodyshop, and have the painter select your colour from their cards.

- (#6149) david miller, 21 Nov 02

I only wanted a small bottle and Halfords do have a paint mix and matching facility. So if the codes are global, Why is it a completely different colour. Surely 168 is a specific colour not a range if you look in a sample card you get one colour not a range?



NUKe

- (#6150) NUKe, 21 Nov 02

trust me, 168 is a range of colours...
a colour is given a code at it's first useage, and this number applies the whole way through it's life. Over a period of years, the OEM supplier may change, the lacquer over it may change. The result is a range of anything up to a dozen variants in some cases, all with the same code.

To confuse matters further, each paint manufacturer uses a different range of terms for the variants- br= browner, dk= darker etc.

Find out what make of paint Halfords are using, and I'll try to ascertain what variants are listed- I install the mixing computer systems in bodyshops and have access to most schemes...

- (#6200) david miller, 21 Nov 02

I recently went to Halfords armed with the paint code on the VIN plate and they produced a perfect match in a small tin and in an aerosole.

- (#6201) Patrick Adams, 23 Nov 02

Thaks for the advice guys. The local paintshop is now matching it up for me.

NUKe

- (#6202) NUKe, 23 Nov 02

Likewise, I took the Vin number off the plate (lift up the carpet, on the vertical section of the engine bay, behind the drivers legs) and Halfords made up a perfect match for my silver/grey Masterace.

- (#6342) John Davis, 7 Dec 02