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:
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:
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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:
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:
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:
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:
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.