Paint RPO codes

Paint RPO codes are RPO codes and paint-related codes used to identify factory exterior paint information on the Pontiac Fiero.

For a complete searchable list of Fiero RPO and option codes, see:

• Fiero RPO code list

Overview

Paint codes help identify the original exterior color or paint combination assigned to a Fiero when it was built.

Paint information may appear on the Service parts identification label as two-digit paint codes, upper/lower paint codes, or Fisher Body WA paint numbers.

Because many Fieros have been repainted, repaired, refinished, or modified, the paint code identifies the original factory paint information, not necessarily the car's current color.

Related topics:

• Service parts identification label
• RPO codes
• Exterior color combinations
• Body panels

Paint code formats

Fiero paint information may appear in several forms.

Common formats include:

Format	Meaning	Example
Two-digit paint code	Main exterior color code	40, 41, 81
U suffix	Upper body color	81U
L suffix	Lower accent color	16L
WA number	Fisher Body paint reference number	WA8555

A code such as 81U/16L indicates an upper and lower paint combination.

The U refers to upper paint.

The L refers to lower paint.

The WA number is a Fisher Body paint reference number often used by paint suppliers to cross-reference formulas.

Common Fiero paint codes

Code	Color	Category	Notes
D84	Custom two-tone paint	Paint / exterior	Listed in enthusiast/forum references; verify model-year applicability
14	Light Gray Metallic	Paint	Listed for 1984-1985
14U	Light Gray Metallic upper paint	Paint	Upper paint reference
16	Silver Metallic	Paint	Listed for 1986-1988
18	Medium Gray Metallic	Paint	—
18L	Medium Gray Metallic lower paint	Paint	Lower paint reference
21	Bright Blue Metallic	Paint	Used on 1987 Fieros
40	White	Paint	Listed for 1984-1986 and 1988
40U	White upper paint	Paint	Upper paint reference
41	Black	Paint	—
41L	Black lower accent paint	Paint	Lower accent reference
41U	Black upper paint	Paint	Upper paint reference
53	Bright Yellow	Paint	Listed for 1988
56	Light Gold Metallic	Paint	Listed for 1986-1987
71	Red	Paint	—
71L	Red lower accent paint	Paint	Lower accent reference
71U	Red upper paint	Paint	Upper paint reference
77	Ruby Red	Paint	Listed for 1987-1988
81	Bright Red	Paint	—
81U	Bright Red upper paint	Paint	Upper paint reference
WA-NNNN	Fisher Body WA paint number	Paint reference	NNNN represents the numeric WA paint formula reference

Wheel color codes

Some color-related codes refer to wheel color rather than body paint.

Code	Description	Category	Notes
19P	Black wheel color	Wheel color	—
60P	Gold 15-inch diamond-spoke wheel color	Wheel color	Listed for 1988 GT

Wheel color codes should not be confused with exterior body paint codes.

Related topic:

• Wheel RPO codes

Upper and lower paint

Some Fieros used two-tone or accent-color paint combinations.

In these cases, the Service Parts Identification label may show separate upper and lower paint references.

Examples include:

Suffix	Meaning
U	Upper body paint
L	Lower body or accent paint

For example, a code ending in U refers to the upper paint color, while a code ending in L refers to the lower or accent color.

The exact appearance of the lower color or accent area depends on model year, trim, and body style.

Related topics:

• Exterior color combinations
• Body panels
• Fiero GT

WA paint numbers

WA paint numbers are Fisher Body paint reference numbers.

These numbers are useful because paint suppliers may use WA numbers to identify or cross-reference the correct paint formula.

A Service Parts Identification label may include a WA number in addition to the shorter paint code.

When matching paint, the WA number is often more useful than the common color name alone, because similar names may have been used on different GM colors.

Paint names and modern matching

Paint names can be useful, but they should not be used as the only source when ordering paint.

When matching Fiero paint, use:

• Service Parts Identification label
• Two-digit paint code
• WA paint number
• Model year
• Existing paint condition
• Hidden original paint areas, if available
• Professional paint supplier cross-reference

Original paint may have faded, oxidized, been repaired, or been blended over time. A paint formula based on the original code may not perfectly match aged paint on the car.

Repainted and repaired cars

Many Fieros have been repainted, repaired, or modified.

A Fiero's current color may differ from its original paint code because of:

• Complete repaint
• Partial repaint
• Accident repair
• Replacement body panels
• Faded original paint
• Clearcoat failure
• Custom paint
• Panel swapping
• GT, SE, or aero-body conversions

Because Fiero body panels are removable and interchangeable in many cases, individual panels may not all match the original paint code.

Related topics:

• Body panels
• Parts interchange

Bright Blue Metallic

Bright Blue Metallic is commonly associated with paint code 21.

This color is especially noted because it was used on 1987 Fieros and is often discussed by owners due to its limited production compared with more common Fiero colors.

Related topics:

• 1987 Pontiac Fiero
• 1987 model year changes

Paint code versus current appearance

The paint code identifies factory paint information.

It does not prove the car still wears its original paint.

When documenting a car, compare the Service Parts Identification label with physical evidence such as:

• Hidden jamb areas
• Underside of panels
• Front compartment areas
• Door edges
• Original overspray patterns
• Repaint masking lines
• Color differences between panels

Common mistakes

Common mistakes when using Fiero paint codes include:

• Assuming the current paint color is original
• Using only the color name instead of the code or WA number
• Confusing upper and lower paint codes
• Confusing wheel color codes with body paint codes
• Ignoring repaint or accident-repair evidence
• Assuming a replacement body panel matches the car's original paint
• Assuming a code applies to every model year without verification

Service notes

When using paint codes:

• Photograph the Service Parts Identification label before it fades further.
• Record both the short paint code and the WA number if present.
• Verify model-year applicability.
• Check whether the car has been repainted.
• Check hidden areas for original paint.
• Use paint-supplier cross-reference information when ordering paint.
• Expect aged original paint to differ from new paint mixed to the original formula.
• Be cautious with cars that have replacement panels.

Notes

Paint-code information should be verified carefully.

Color names, WA numbers, two-digit paint codes, and upper/lower paint references may all be needed to identify the correct color.

The Service Parts Identification label identifies factory paint information, but the actual car should always be inspected before ordering paint or documenting originality.

See also

• RPO codes
• Fiero RPO code list
• Service parts identification label
• Exterior color combinations
• Interior color codes
• Wheel RPO codes
• Body panels
• Parts interchange
• 1987 Pontiac Fiero
• 1987 model year changes